With all of our great cities in Connecticut, sometimes the rural areas tend to fall through the cracks. But to skip out on areas like the Quiet Corner would be to miss out on some wonderful attractions, so we’ve gathered up a few places for you to visit on a rural road trip in Connecticut. It won’t require much time in the car, but it’ll take you to some great underrated places and attractions in the often-overlooked northeast corner of the state, where there’s more farmland than people. Read on to learn more about what you’ll get to explore on this Connecticut road trip.

Google Maps
This entire Connecticut road trip will take just over one hour of driving. However, we anticipate you'll likely want at least a day or two to explore all these great stops. You'll get to see a combination of stunning natural attractions and museums, with plenty of delightful small towns to visit along the way.

1. Quaddick State Park - Thompson

Quaddick State Park, 818 Quaddick Town Farm Rd, Thompson, CT 06277, USA
Roger Barthelet/Google Maps
Quaddick State Park is in the very northeast corner of the state, a region that tends to get a little ignored. This lovely park has plenty of recreational activities, with several miles of relatively easy trails if you want to get out and stretch your legs. It's also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. We recommend spending at least a few hours exploring this road trip in Connecticut stop.

2. Boxcar Museum - Putnam

Boxcar Museum, 1 S Main St, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Sherene Hansen Player/Google Maps
Another underrated gem in northeast Connecticut is the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum in Putnam. This small museum features free admission and centers around the popular children's novel series The Boxcar Children.

Please note that this museum on one of the best road trips in Connecticut is open seasonally, typically from May to October.

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3. Sharpe Hill Vineyard - Pomfret

Sharpe Hill Vineyard, 108 Wade Rd, Pomfret, CT 06258, USA
Cyndi Oliver/Google Maps
Sharp Hill Vineyard is one of our favorite wineries in Connecticut. Here, you'll find a sunny patio with gorgeous views, and, of course, fantastic drinks. The vineyard is tucked away in Pomfret, which has plenty of great places to spend the night if you decide to have more than a glass or two during this stop on one of the best road trips in Connecticut.

4. Diana's Pool - Chaplin

Dianas Pool Road, Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA
Chris Kailher/Google Maps
Your next stop does require just a little bit of hiking but don't worry. The trail is barely over a mile and is fairly easy. At the end of this hike, you'll reach Diana's Pool, a waterfall-fed pool that looks straight out of a fairy tale. To be prepared, we recommend checking out Only in Your State's hiking packing list before heading to this stop on this road trip in Connecticut.

5. Ayers Gap - Franklin

Ayers Gap, Franklin, CT 06254, USA
Bruce Caisse/Google Maps
We really can't say enough good things about Ayers Gap. This 80-acre preserve on one of the best road trips in Connecticut features trails winding through wooded areas, streams, rock formations, and more. You'll find hidden waterfalls and magical picnic areas as you meander through the forest here.

6. Ashbel Woodward Museum - Franklin

Ashbel Woodward Museum, 387 CT-32, North Franklin, CT 06254, USA
Ashbel Woodward Museum/Google Maps
Your final stop on this road trip in Connecticut is another educational one. There's a lot of great history in Connecticut, and one place where you can learn about some of our local history is the Ashbel Woodward Museum. This house museum was once the private residence of a local physician.

Have you ever visited any of the places on this rural road trip in Connecticut, or do you have suggestions for more places that are worth visiting in this area? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the following comments section. I also suggest pacing yourself, and staying at a Vrbo for a few days when you go on this adventure. And, if you’d like to explore some more, I recommend checking out these scenic Connecticut road trips.

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More to Explore

Road Trip In Connecticut

Marla S. | December 13, 2023

What are some of the best CT road trips?

Here are some of the best CT road trips for you to enjoy with your family:

  • The 3-day weekend road trip: During the summer, follow this itinerary to some of the best beaches with scenic views in the state.
  • Coastal Lighthouse road trip: You'll drive about 3 hours and come across 5 of the most impressive lighthouses in Connecticut when you take this tour.
  • Connecticut Fall road trip: When you're in search of stunning foliage, we recommend this road trip in Connecticut to nine jaw-dropping destinations scattered throughout the state.
  • Connecticut road trip to small towns: Experience New England charm when you take this 6-hour drive to some of the best quaint towns in Connecticut.

 

What is one of the best rural road trips in Connecticut?

In addition to what you just learned, one of the best rural road trips in Connecticut is along Route 169. Although this scenic route extends into Massachusetts, most of the road is based in Connecticut. During the 38-mile drive that starts in Norwich and ends in The Quiet Corner, you'll come across breathtaking landscapes such as Pachaug State Forest, Your journey on this Connecticut road trip will also go through charming New England towns that lead to one of the most rural areas in the state.

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