The Under-The-Radar Destination In Connecticut With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State

The fall foliage in Connecticut is one of our favorite parts about autumn. Nature is so magnificent when decked out in all those shades of gold and scarlet! We're lucky enough to have quite a few parks in the Nutmeg State that are perfect for autumn hiking, but if you're looking for something that's a little more of a hidden gem, check out Shenipsit State Forest in Somers. It spans more than 7,000 acres through 11 parcels, so there's plenty of room to explore. It's filled with so many trees that are just waiting to show off their leaves, and even has a great observation tower that's perfect for checking out the valley views. Check it out:

The forest spans through Somers, Ellington, and Stafford.

Shenipsit State Forest is primarily made up of oak trees. These tend to get their fall color a little bit later in the season, which is great because it means they often still have color even when the maple leaves have fallen.

The hiking is pretty incredible here, and you'll enjoy unparalleled views in any season.

It's also great for mountain biking and horseback riding, or snowshoeing in the winter.

Seriously, how spectacular are these views?!

This is one of the best places to visit during fall in Connecticut, especially if you're looking to enjoy some leaf-peeping.

For more information about the fall hikes in Shenipsit State Forest in Somers, CT, check out our friends at Alltrails. If you're a regular hiker, consider signing up for a free trial of Alltrails+. You'll enjoy benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions, so you don't have to worry about getting lost just because your phone loses signal.

The Connecticut state website has more information about the park's history and rules.