This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Connecticut

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.

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 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

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.

3. Sharpe Hill Vineyard - Pomfret

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

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

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

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.