let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
Trips & RoutesRoad Trips

Litchfield County Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Connecticut That’s Affordable

Litchfield County in Connecticut offers an affordable and diverse road trip experience with historical sites and natural wonders.

Published Mar 9, 2021

Written by 

Hayley Sroka

Road trips often bring good memories and fun times to mind. The wide-open road holds endless possibilities where you never know what you may find. One of the beautiful aspects of road tripping is not having to break the budget. Litchfield County is one of those options that is affordable but will still make you want to hop in the car right now.

Litchfield County is about 945 square miles. It makes for an interesting road trip with many points of interest.

Map of Litchfield County, Connecticut, highlighting towns and geographical features in a teal color scheme.
FrankRamspott/DigitalVision Vectors via GettyImages

Starting from the lower southwest of the county is Mount Tom State Park near Washington. This is the perfect first stop on your trip through Litchfield County. Visitors can enjoy a nice hike or homemade picnic in one of Connecticut's oldest state parks.

Two wooden signs on a tree: one points to "Trail to Mt. Tom," and the other indicates "Mountain Rd. Opened 1775."
Robert Winkler/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Admission is free to all during the week and free to vehicles with Connecticut plates on the weekend, making it a cheap stop on your way through Litchfield County.

Address: Mount Tom State Park, Mount Tom Road, Washington Depot, CT

If you keep driving northeast from Washington, you’ll find the historic town of Litchfield. The downtown scene showcases some beautiful 18th-century architecture.

A charming street lined with parked cars and historic buildings, featuring a clock tower in the background.
Joe Mabel via Flickr

Litchfield was incorporated in 1719, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. You do not want to miss this crucial stop during your road trip.

Next on the northeastern route is Torrington, Connecticut. Torrington is the largest city in Litchfield County with many fun, yet inexpensive, activities.

Historical plaque on a brick building, surrounded by green shrubs and trees, with windows visible above.
John_from_CT via Flickr

The New Brunswick Indoor Flea Market is a great place to stop in Torrington. The market has a variety of vendors with quite the selection of antiques. This is a great stop to just browse all of the historic items that collectors have gathered.

Exterior view of a brick building with a sign for a flea market, surrounded by greenery and outdoor seating.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33950-d14068136-Reviews-New_Brunswick_Flea_Market-Torrington_Connecticut.html#photos;aggregationId=101&albumid=101&filter=7&ff=472495643

Address: 601 Migeon Ave, Torrington, CT 06790-4643

The last stop on your trip should be a relaxing one. The Pleasant Valley Drive-In Theatre in Barkhamsted is the perfect choice. Enjoy a movie in the comfort of your car.

Sign for Pleasant Valley Drive-In Theatre with a ticket booth and cars parked in the background, surrounded by trees.
Lexi J via TripAdvisor

The drive-in opens at 6:30 p.m., so you can quite literally enjoy a movie with the stars!

Address: 47 River Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063

So, while searching for your next road trip consider the quant County of Litchfield in Connecticut. This location is affordable and offers a little bit of everything, from historical sights to natural wonders.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Waterfalls

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Texas Is This State Park Swimming Hole

This hidden summer spot in Texas is perfect for cooling off, with scenic views and a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.

by Katie Lawrence
on Jun 6
Devil’s Waterhole in Texas, with crystal-clear green water inviting swimmers beneath pink granite cliffs.
Experiences

The Hidden Attraction in Texas That People Still Seek Out to This Day

Head underground to this hidden attraction in Texas to discover local legends about bootleggers and ghostly sightings. It's worth the trip!

by Melanie Johnson
on Jun 5
Views of the rock formations inside Cave Without a Name, a hidden attraction in Texas.
Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Illinois

From zip-lining to trekking with goats, these are five of the most outdoorsy towns in Illinois you need to add to your bucket list.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jun 5
A canyon in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
Stays

This Campground Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park Is Perfect for an Ohio Escape

This secluded campground near Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
White tents on platforms arranged in a semi-circle with green trees in the background and a picnic table visible.
Nature
National & State Parks

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Hungry Mother State Park

With a walkable main street, beautiful architecture, and plenty of Appalachian charm, Marion is the perfect home base for all your state park adventures.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
Historic brick bank building in downtown Marion, Virginia, on a street corner with mountains in the distance.