Escape to This Charming Mountain Town in Connecticut Before Fall Ends

Connecticut offers diverse landscapes, making it a wonderful state for lovers of the great outdoors. Here we have the coast along the Long Island Sound, the verdant Connecticut River Valley, and hills and forests peppered throughout. What may be overlooked are the state's mountains. Within the Taconic Range, a part of the Appalachian Mountains that includes the state's highest peak, Bear Mountain, and the southern part of the Berkshires extending from Massachusetts, small towns and communities can be found. One such town is Cornwall, and it's a charming mountain town in Connecticut you should visit before the end of fall.

Named after Cornwall, England, the town of Cornwall, Connecticut, is set in the foothills of the Berkshires and is home to just over 1,500 people. Its nicknames are "Home of the Covered Bridge" due to the Historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge spanning the Housatonic River, and the "Greenest Town in Connecticut" due to the extensive forests here, as well as the amount of conserved land. While visiting the town any time of year guarantees bountiful scenery and outdoor recreation, Cornwall truly shines during the months of autumn.

Head down to the Housatonic River, and you can take a look at its banks surrounded by fall foliage — what a stunning sight! To further enhance your fall experience, go for a hike, rent a kayak or canoe from local outfitter Clarke Outdoors in nearby Sharon, or take a bike ride through town.

Of course, when visiting Cornwall, you must visit the Historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At 172 feet in length and 15 feet wide, vehicles still travel through the bridge over the Housatonic River along Route 128 — perhaps you'll want to take a drive over it, too!

Close to the bridge are a few local eateries like The Pink House, a bistro-style restaurant, and RSVP, a French restaurant. For a quick bite to eat, coffee, pastries, and other goodies, head to the Cornwall Market. Both breakfast and lunch are served here (and breakfast is available all day!).

As for local shops, there's Jane Herold Pottery, where you can purchase unique dishware and even take a studio tour if you happen to be in town on a day when one is scheduled. Visit the pottery studio's website to register for a tour. The Local, A Cornwall Collective Market, is another must-visit stop in town, located in the Hughes Memorial Union. Here, you'll find local produce along with local art to purchase and take back home with you. Yoga classes are also scheduled at the Union throughout the week, if that's something you're interested in. Stopping by The Hughes Memorial Union will give you a sense of Cornwall's community.

Cornwall is a quintessential New England mountain town, and a must-visit destination in Connecticut this fall. Visiting this time of year guarantees incredible fall foliage views as you spend time outdoors enjoying the crisp autumn air. So, plan a trip to Cornwall, a charming mountain town in Connecticut!

Do your fall plans involve a weekend getaway to Cornwall, Connecticut this year? If so, book a stay at the Cornwall Inn and Lodge within walking distance of Kent Falls State Park (another destination with an epic show of fall foliage) and just a few miles from the Historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge. For more information, visit the Explore Cornwall CT website.

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