As anyone who’s been here knows, the Nutmeg State is one of the smallest in the country. We may lack the endless winding highways of Texas or California, but there are plenty of scenic drives in Connecticut waiting to be explored. There are impressive landscapes and wonderful cities ripe for adventure – so check out the following seven beautiful roads in Connecticut and then get ready to hit the road! 

1. Route 169
Connecticut 169, CT-169, Pomfret, CT, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Route 169 is one of the most scenic drives in Connecticut. This picturesque road travels about 38 miles through Connecticut and on into Massachusetts. Parts of the road are officially designated as historic districts, and it's also been officially named a National Scenic Byway. It is particularly magnificent in the fall and is a great place to see some of the state's beautiful foliage. You'll travel through some lovely towns, like Pomfret and Canterbury. This route has plenty of great stops in Connecticut to enjoy as well.
2. Route 1
Mystic, CT, 2 Roosevelt Avenue U, US-1, Mystic, CT 06355, USA
john mcmahon/Google Maps
Another of our favorite scenic drives in CT is U.S. Route 1. The road runs parallel to Interstate 95 and is about 117 miles in total. It goes straight through the central area of Mystic (where it's called Main Street). It's a great road trip through lots of charming Connecticut beach towns!
3. Route 146
Connecticut 146, CT-146, Guilford, CT, USA
versageek/Flickr
At only about 12 miles long, Connecticut 146 is not particularly lengthy, but it's a beautiful road. The Branford area is filled with gorgeous marshes, and the road ends in Guilford. So, if you're wondering where to find short and sweet scenic drives near me, don't miss this route when you're in Connecticut.

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4. Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive
Litchfield, CT, USA
Christopher Wisker/Flickr
The Litchfield Hills Scenic Loop is absolutely stunning. This route goes through some of the most beautiful areas in Connecticut and straight to many of the state's best attractions. Kent Falls and White Memorial Conservation Center are both fantastic. This scenic drive in Connecticut zips by some great stops in the area too.
5. US-7
Ethan Allen Highway, Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
Ravi Shah/Flickr
Route 7 (also called the Ethan Allen Highway) travels through some of the major cities in Connecticut, so there's plenty to see here. You'll go through Norwalk, Danbury, Canaan, and more. You'll also pass right by the beautiful Housatonic River as you drive one of the most stunning scenic drives in CT.
6. Merritt Parkway
Merritt Parkway, Merritt Pkwy, New Canaan, CT, USA
Flickr/Kevin Armstrong
Merritt Parkway is not only one of the oldest parkways in the country, it's also been named a National Scenic Byway. It goes through some gorgeous forested areas and also has a lovely overpass design. This scenic drive in Connecticut is practically synonymous with "beautiful roads." Hence, check it out if you're in the area and questioning where to find scenic drives near me.
7. Route 94
Connecticut 94, CT-94, Glastonbury, CT, USA
Matt Malone/Flickr
Connecticut Route 94 is an east-west highway running about 10 miles from Glastonbury to Hebron. This is a stunning area that's perfect for outdoor lovers: there are lots of parks and trails to check out when zipping along this scenic drive in Connecticut.

Did we miss your favorite road? Share your favorite scenic drives in Connecticut in the following comments section! 

To help prepare for your outing, I suggest you take a look at our ultimate road trip packing guide for suggestions that’ll make your adventure even more memorable. For more ideas of what to do if you want to be outside, check out these popular hikes in Connecticut too.

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More to Explore

Scenic Drives in CT

Marla S. | August 15, 2023

What are some of the best scenic backroads in Connecticut?

Here are some of the best scenic backroads in Connecticut:

  • Route 27: This pretty drive goes by a vineyard, historical homes, and landscapes that give an up-close overview of Mystic's charm.
  • Route 154: This scenic drive in CT is about 30 miles and runs from Haddam to Old Saybrook.
  • Route 44: Soak in the colorful foliage when you take this popular drive in the fall.

 

What is one of the best scenic drives in Connecticut to experience the fall foliage?

This scenic loop drive from Torrington is one of the best scenic drives in Connecticut to experience the foliage. This two-hour journey goes through a total of nine destinations that offer unique vantage points for taking in the colorful leaves. Aside from the vibrant foliage, you'll also pass by a covered bridge, lakes, a cascade, and other scenic views.

We suggest taking this trip in mid-October when the leaf-peeping season is in full swing.

 

 

 

 

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