Fall Foliage Fun

By Nancy K. Crevier

According to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut should be serving up a bumper crop of fall foliage this year. Anticipating a “robust year with great color,” the Connecticut DEP estimates that the peak days for foliage in the state will fall between October 13 and November 9. Prior to those dates, of course, New Englanders know that there will be plenty of spots in full color and plenty of time to enjoy the changing palette of color before the cold breath of autumn blows down the last of the leaves.

Along with apple and pumpkin picking, hiking, biking, climbing, and just meandering the many trails in the state are great ways to make the most of the brisk fall days. Connecticut offers numerous state parks and other outdoor venues for prime leaf peeping.

Close to home, a stroll through Putnam State Park off of Route 58 in Redding is an enjoyable family affair. Named for General Israel Putnam, the park boasts a recreated cabin of the 1778 Revolutionary War winter encampment headed by the general, the remains of the soldiers’ stone fireplaces, and casts of cannon ball placements. Broad pathways make it possible for even the stroller brigade to join in on the fun. As an “added bonus” Newtown’s town historian, Dan Cruson, is currently conducting an excavation of hut sites from the winter encampment, between 10 am and 4 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. People can stop by and ask questions, or participate in the dig for an hour or a day if they contact Mr Cruson in advance. He can be reached at dcruson@charter.net or by calling 426-6021. 

About a mile farther south on Route 58 in Redding, a left turn onto Sunset Hill Road will take you to Huntington State Park, or enter off of Hopewell Road in southwestern Newtown. Open fields, shady woods, an old mica mine, and lovely reservoirs for fishing or kayaking make this park a favorite, especially in the fall when the water reflects the colorful leaves.

Kettletown State Park offers a chance to squeeze in some late season family camping and enjoy the view across Lake Zoar, where yellows, reds, and oranges of the deciduous trees mingle with the dark green of pines. Located off of Route 67 in Southbury and Oxford, the park has plenty of hiking trails for enjoying the great outdoors.

Also in Oxford is Southford Falls State Park. The waterfalls at Southford Falls State Park are always a draw, and framed by autumn’s colors, the park is a fine destination, especially if there is an angler in the family. Papermill Pond is regularly stocked with trout, and the number of bobbers snagged in the branches of trees nearby attest to the fact that the pond is fished by many — although how many are caught is a question up for grabs.

The very easy hike that ambles along the Eight Mile River and through the woods is a terrific walk for scrunching through autumn’s leaves or gazing upward to branches filled with color that arc over a somewhat rocky path. Plan to bring a picnic for dining al fresco. Southford Falls State Park is located off of Route 188.

Down in Hamden just opposite the entrance to Quinnipiac University is Sleeping Giant State Park, where a good uphill hike presents a view of mountains resembling a slumbering giant — a color-spattered giant in the fall.

The drive along Route 7 to Kent center is a sight in itself when summer’s green leaves reveal the colors beneath. Turn onto Route 341 in Kent to find Macedonia Brook State Park. The vigorous climb along the blue trail culminates in breathtaking views of the Catskill and Taconic Mountain ranges.

A worthwhile hike is the quarter-mile trek that leads to the precipice of the 250-foot waterfall at Kent Falls State Park on Route 7. Pause along the steep trail to relish the autumnal views in this very popular park. And don’t forget to pack a picnic.

A little further afield is Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield. Take Route 202 outside of Bantam to find the park entrance, then a brief hike leads to a 34-foot stone tower from which incredible views can be seen.

The Heublein Tower at the end of the 1.25-mile hike up Talcott Mountain in Simsbury provides a panoramic scene swept with color in autumn. Watch for paragliders launching off of the cliffsides to soar over the Simsbury valley. Located off of Route 185, the wide trail offers plenty of room for the many families who make Talcott Mountain State Park an afternoon affair in the fall.

Combine leaf peeping and bird watching all in one outdoor adventure on October 18 when the Audubon Greenwich offers the Hook Mountain Hawk Watch Trip. For more information about this short hike and birding opportunity, call 203-869-5272.

Not everyone who loves the great outdoors and appreciates the change of seasons wants to hoof it, of course. “Take Part in Art at Weir Farm” solves this dilemma. On Saturdays and Sundays, from 1 to 4 pm, through October 26, the National Park Service provides watercolors so that visitors can paint their own plein air interpretation of the historic Weir Farm in Wilton. Call 203-834-1896 for information.

Color, color will soon be everywhere. Make plans now to enjoy the fall visual feast at our very own doorstep.