Take In The Beauty Of Connecticut Year-Round With These 12 Scenic Drives
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Lisa Sammons
Author
There’s never a bad time to get out and take in the beauty of a relaxing scenic drive in Connecticut. It’s one of our favorite ways to explore the Nutmeg State. Some of us love to just coast down the road and enjoy the windshield views. Others like to find beautiful attractions to get out and explore. Whatever way it is that you enjoy traveling down beautiful roads in Connecticut, we’ve picked out a dozen that are just perfect for all your year’s adventures.
U.S. 7, US-7, New Milford, CT, USA
U.S. Route 7 is a north-south route that travels through much of western New England. Approximately 78 miles of the highway runs through western Connecticut and is known as the Ethan Allen Highway. A trip down this road will take you through some of the most beautiful areas of the state. You'll drive right through Kent, home of the magnificent Kent Falls State Park, and Lovers Leap State Park (pictured) is not far off the road, either. Both of these parks are at the peak of their beauty in the winter, making January a perfect time to visit. This area is a nature lover's paradise!
Connecticut 85, CT-85, Waterford, CT, USA
CT-85 is a historic route that connects New London to Bolton. The road leads through several charming small towns, including Hebron (pictured), so there are plenty of places to stop to shop or grab a bite to eat.
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Connecticut 219, CT-219, New Hartford, CT, USA
CT-219 is a peaceful 15-mile stretch of road running from New Hartford to Granby. It intersects with several scenic country roads, so if you'd like to make the drive longer, there are plenty of opportunities. Pictured is a beautiful scene from Enders State Forest, the 1,500-acre preserve that CT-219 runs right through. This area is perfect for a spring drive, making March a great time to explore this route.
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Litchfield County, CT, USA
The Litchfield Hills region is one of the most beautiful places in Connecticut. These gently rolling hills are absolutely magnificent in the springtime, when wildflowers and verdant greenery abound. The Litchfield Hills Scenic Loop runs for about 60 miles right through the heart of the hills. Hop on Routes 7, 202, 341, or 45 and enjoy this scenic trip around the hills.
CT-254 is another road in stunning Litchfield County. It runs for less than nine miles, but what a gorgeous nine miles! The route runs between Litchfield and Thomaston and passes right by the 615-acre Topsmead State Forest, a historic summer estate that has been turned into a preserve.
Connecticut 27, CT-27, Stonington, CT, USA
CT-27 is a short route, but it's just perfect for May. The weather's warming up and this little four-mile road connects Mystic to Old Mystic. Mystic is one of the best summer towns in Connecticut, so take a few hours to explore the area and enjoy all the splendors the town has to offer!
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U.S. 1, Milford, Connecticut, USA
Want a scenic drive in Connecticut that's a little longer? Check out U.S> Route 1 runs through 120 miles of the Nutmeg State, running parallel to the coastline. Whether you're just enjoying the drive or want to stop in some of the seaside towns and enjoy the atmosphere, this is one summer drive you don't want to miss.
Connecticut 154, CT-154, Old Saybrook, CT, USA
CT-154 is a 28-mile state highway that runs about 28 miles and is one of the main roads in Old Saybrook. The road ends when it hits the water at Harvey's Beach, one of the most underrated beaches in Connecticut. Beach drives are perfect for summer, and this is a great road to enjoy in August.
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Merritt Parkway, Merritt Pkwy, New Canaan, CT, USA
Merritt Parkway was built in 1938 and it's one of the oldest parkways in the United States. The 38-mile road has lovely Art Deco overpasses. This is such a beautiful drive!
Connecticut 169, CT-169, Lisbon, CT, USA
CT-169 runs from the border with Massachusetts down about 32 miles to Lisbon. The state's northwest corner is known as the Quiet Corner thanks to its peaceful vibe. The road goes through several pastoral small towns, including Pomfret (pictured). This is an especially gorgeous area when the leaves are changing, so October is a great time to visit!
Connecticut 146, CT-146, Branford, CT, USA
CT-146 is an alternate route to US-1 that connects Branford and Guilford. It's a 13-mile designated scenic route that has some incredible scenery. Since it's pretty short, you've got plenty of time to explore the endpoints. Guilford is one of the prettiest historic towns in Connecticut.
Connecticut 8, CT-8, Winsted, CT, USA
CT-8 runs through almost the entire north-south borders of the Nutmeg State. It's a great road trip, going through plenty of beautiful towns, like Naugatuck (pictured). Much of the road is a four-lane highway, but the northernmost section is a two-lane road. Very few four-lane roads boast scenery this pretty, but CT-8 goes right through the Topsmead State Forest and Mattatuck State Forest, so you've got gorgeous wooded views throughout!
If you’ve been wanting to explore the state more, these scenic drives in Connecticut are perfect to enjoy in the upcoming year!
Did we miss your favorite road? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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