What are the best fall activities in Connecticut?

Connecticut is known for apple picking, scenic foliage drives, pumpkin patches, cider mills, corn mazes, and fall festivals. Visitors can also enjoy haunted hayrides, Oktoberfest celebrations, and hiking trails with peak foliage views.

When is peak fall foliage in Connecticut?

Peak foliage in Connecticut typically happens in mid-to-late October, though northern areas change a little earlier than the shoreline. Planning your trip around this time ensures the brightest fall colors.

Where can I go apple picking in Connecticut?

Popular spots for apple picking include Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel, and Rogers Orchards in Southington. Many farms also offer cider, donuts, and family-friendly fall events.

Does Connecticut have pumpkin patches?

Yes, Connecticut has many pumpkin patches. Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton is one of the most famous, while other farms across the state let you pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, and take part in fall fun.

What are the best fall festivals in Connecticut?

Some of the best fall festivals include the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, the Berlin Fair, and Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce. These events feature food, rides, and live entertainment.

Are there haunted attractions in Connecticut during fall?

Yes, Connecticut has plenty of haunted attractions in the fall. The Trail of Terror in Wallingford, Tracks of Terror on the Essex Steam Train, and various haunted tours in towns like New Haven are popular picks.

Is there Oktoberfest in Connecticut?

Yes, many local breweries and towns host Oktoberfest celebrations with live music, German food, and seasonal beer releases. It’s a fun way to experience fall in a festive setting.

What food should I try in Connecticut during fall?

Classic fall foods in Connecticut include apple fritters at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, cider and donuts from local mills like Hogan’s Cider Mill, and seasonal ice cream flights at shops like Main Street Creamery in Wethersfield.

50 best things to do in connecticut in the fall

Must-Do Fall Activities in Connecticut in 2025

Connecticut fall bucket list: fall festivals, foliage & More

New England is absolutely GORGEOUS in the fall, and Connecticut is no exception. The leaves are changing from shades of lime green to hues of scarlet, amber, golden yellow, and a chocolatey brown and the air has a crispness to it, combining to create the most beautiful outdoor ambience. With this highly anticipated change of season comes a whole slew of new activities to enjoy as well, and that's why, as a Connecticut native, I've put together a list of 50 top things to do here in the fall. From places to go and things to see to the best seasonal foods and drinks that you need to try, this list has something for everyone to appreciate.

1. Go apple picking at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield

Is it even possible to have an epic fall season without apple picking? Lyman Orchards is THE place to go for picking seasonal fruit, regardless of the time of year, so it's no surprise that this is my number recommendation for apple picking in September and October. With over 25 varieties of apples and a nomination for Best Apple Orchard in the USA, this orchard is a great place to come and pick some apples or purchase some fresh, locally-made apple desserts.

2. Take a scenic drive along Route 169 to see peak foliage

One of the simplest and most rewarding activities to do in Connecticut in the fall is to take a drive and look at the foliage. Fall only comes for a couple months out of the year and when it does it changes our scenery to something out of a postcard, and for that reason, it's must be appreciated. One of the best routes to go is Route 169 which takes you through historic towns like Lisbon, Canterbury, Brooklyn, Pomfret, and Woodstock. This route is an official National Scenic Byway known for its "picturesque, historical, and rural "backroads" character" so it's the perfect place to take it slow on a crisp, autumn day.

3. Get a cider and donut combo or cider flight at Hogan’s Cider Mill

This is one of my FAVORITE places to visit in the fall because of two things: the cider and the donuts. Even though I'm not a huge donut person, when cider donuts come out for the season I am all in and these are some of the best ones. Hogan's Cider Mill has non-alcoholic ciders that you can get with a donut, whipped cream, cutie fall sprinkles, and an orange fall-themed straw or you can get an alcoholic cider flight. There's picnic benches across the property and plenty of space to lay out a blanket or sit in a chair, and there's a small store you can shop from as well. If you do plan on visiting here, make sure to watch the Tiktok I made which will give you more detail/visuals, and make sure to get here EARLY!

4. Visit Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton for pumpkins and a whimsical pumpkin village

If you're looking for a place to do a little more than just grab your fall pumpkins and go, check out Pumpkintown USA. Pumpkintown USA is a pumpkin-themed village complete with life‑size pumpkin‑headed characters and scenes like a post office, saloon, church, bank, fire station, barbershop, country store, farm, and more. This is a great place to bring your kids and is a hallmark spot for a lot of families in the Middlesex County area each year.

5. Go to the Apple Harvest Festival in Southington and grab apple fritters

The Apple Harvest Festival in Southington is one of the biggest fall events in the state with over 100,000 attendees each year coming to visit over its six days and two weekends in October. While this fair is a great place to walk around, grab some snacks, go on rides, play carnival games, and more, the real highlight of the Apple Harvest Festival is the apple fritters. In fact, this seasonal snack is so popular that despite the fact that the festival only operates Friday-Sunday for two weeks, the apple fritter booth is open every day from the first day of the event to the last day-and that's due to popular demand.

6. Explore the Lyman Orchards Corn Maze

Corn mazes are a great activity if you're looking to enjoy that crisp, fall air while still doing something that's seasonal and super fun. The Lyman Orchards corn maze spans across four acres with over a mile of pathways and every single year there is a different theme. Popular themes of years past have included the Peanuts comic strip and the Wizard of Oz. This year's theme is Connecticut pizza, so facts about classic Connecticut Pizza places can be found throughout the maze. The maze takes 30-45 minutes to complete, so if you do go make sure that you set aside some time for both the maze and then to go into the orchards store to grab some seasonal apple and pumpkin goodies.

7. Hike up Talcott Mountain to Heublein Tower for sweeping fall views

Ready to get up and be active on this beautiful fall day?! Taking a hike up Talcott Mountain to Heublein Tower is a great way to get in the sunshine, see some changing foliage, and get your body moving in a way that will make you feel good. Fall is the perfect time to do a hike like this because the air is cooler and feels amazing to breathe in and the scenery is just spectacular. The hike only takes about 30-40 minutes (it's 1.25 miles long) and you can actually go into the tower all the way up to their observation floor and see a 360-degree panoramic view of the Farmington River Valley, including the Hartford skyline, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, and mountains in New York.

8. Celebrate Oktoberfest at a local Connecticut brewery with pumpkin beer

What is October without an Oktoberfest brew? Breweries like Two Roads Brewing Company, Spacecat Brewing Company, and Counter Weight Brewing Company hold annual Oktoberfest events for participants to enjoy German-inspired food and beer in true European spirit. To take a look at all of the Connecticut beer festivals coming up, click here.

9. Attend the Berlin Fair and catch the tractor pulls

The Berlin Fair, also known as "the biggest little fair in Connecticut", is your classic New England fair, complete with fried fair food, epic rides, carnival games, a beer and wine pavilion, tractor pulls, and much, much more. It's a four day event that's usually the second or third week of September and it draws in 80,000-90,000 so buy your tickets and get ready for a great time.

10. Walk through Old Wethersfield Main Street to see the annual scarecrow displays

Old Wethersfield was the second town officially established in Connecticut and it's a historic town that truly shines in the autumn. Though it can be fun to walk the downtown area regardless of the time of year, fall is extra special because there are decorations everywhere and scarecrows peppered throughout the street. If you do visit Wethersfield on a crisp autumn day, make sure to also grab a bite to eat at The Charles or Lucky Lou's Bar & Grill, two popular restaurants that locals in the area recommend for their food and ambience.

11. Take the Essex Steam Train and enjoy fall foliage

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12. Do a haunted hayride at Trail of Terror in Wallingford

13. Try a fall ice cream flight at Main Street Creamery & Café in Wethersfield

14. Visit the Durham Fair, Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair

15. Take the New Haven Ghost Tour for some spooky history

16. Ride the Rails of Terror Halloween train in Essex

17. Stroll through Mystic Village decorated for fall

18. Taste pumpkin pie and cider at Beardsley’s Cider Mill in Shelton

19. Hike through Sleeping Giant State Park to see colorful foliage

20. Stop at Kent Falls State Park for a waterfall hike in peak season

21. Head to Lake Compounce for the Phantom Fall FesT

22. Browse antique shops in Woodbury, Connecticut’s antique capital

23. Grab a cider slushie and fresh pumpkins at March Farm in Bethlehem

24. Visit Chester’s Scarecrow Festival for family fun

25. Go to the Garlic & Harvest Festival in Bethlehem

26. Walk the covered bridge in Cornwall for classic New England photos

27. Enjoy Mystic Seaport’s Chowder Days festival

28. Explore foliage in Devil’s Hopyard State Park

29. Get spooked at Fright Haven in Stratford

30. Ride bikes along the Air Line State Park Trail during foliage season

31. Wander through the Seymour Pumpkin Festival

32. Walk the Merritt Parkway overlooks for fall colors

33. Try apple cider donuts at the Coventry Farmers’ Market

34. Take a lantern-lit haunted cemetery tour in Hartford or Wethersfield

35. Join the Norwalk Oyster Festival (early fall)

36. Visit Legends of Fear haunted attraction in Shelton

37. Kayak on the Connecticut River to see foliage from the water

38. Visit Powder Ridge's Haunting at the Ridge in Middlefield

39. Stop for a fall treat at Buttonwood Farm in Griswold

40. Explore Peoples State Forest for less-crowded leaf-peeping

41. GRAB A GLASS OF WINE OR A SEASONAL SLUSHIE AT HAWK RIDGE WINERY

42. Watch the Yale vs. Harvard football game in New Haven

43. Take a spooky night corn maze walk at Fairview Farm

44. Try a cider flight at Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford

45. Drive through the Quiet Corner (Woodstock, Pomfret, Putnam) for foliage

46. Visit Salisbury for small-town charm and foliage

47. Spend a crisp afternoon on Mystic’s waterfront with chowder

48. Explore Litchfield Hills towns during peak foliage weekends

49. Enjoy live entertainment and rides at Lake Compounce’s Oktoberfest weekends

50. Snap a fall photo along the Niantic Boardwalk

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fall activities in Connecticut?

Connecticut is known for apple picking, scenic foliage drives, pumpkin patches, cider mills, corn mazes, and fall festivals. Visitors can also enjoy haunted hayrides, Oktoberfest celebrations, and hiking trails with peak foliage views.
When is peak fall foliage in Connecticut?

Peak foliage in Connecticut typically happens in mid-to-late October, though northern areas change a little earlier than the shoreline. Planning your trip around this time ensures the brightest fall colors.
Where can I go apple picking in Connecticut?

Popular spots for apple picking include Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel, and Rogers Orchards in Southington. Many farms also offer cider, donuts, and family-friendly fall events.
Does Connecticut have pumpkin patches?

Yes, Connecticut has many pumpkin patches. Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton is one of the most famous, while other farms across the state let you pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, and take part in fall fun.
What are the best fall festivals in Connecticut?

Some of the best fall festivals include the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, the Berlin Fair, and Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce. These events feature food, rides, and live entertainment.
Are there haunted attractions in Connecticut during fall?

Yes, Connecticut has plenty of haunted attractions in the fall. The Trail of Terror in Wallingford, Tracks of Terror on the Essex Steam Train, and various haunted tours in towns like New Haven are popular picks.
Is there Oktoberfest in Connecticut?

Yes, many local breweries and towns host Oktoberfest celebrations with live music, German food, and seasonal beer releases. It’s a fun way to experience fall in a festive setting.
What food should I try in Connecticut during fall?

Classic fall foods in Connecticut include apple fritters at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, cider and donuts from local mills like Hogan’s Cider Mill, and seasonal ice cream flights at shops like Main Street Creamery in Wethersfield.

50 best things to do in connecticut in the fall

Must-Do Fall Activities in Connecticut in 2025

Connecticut fall bucket list: fall festivals, foliage & More

1. Go apple picking at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield

2. Take a scenic drive along Route 169 to see peak foliage

3. Get a cider and donut combo or cider flight at Hogan’s Cider Mill

4. Visit Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton for pumpkins and a whimsical pumpkin village

5. Go to the Apple Harvest Festival in Southington and grab apple fritters

6. Explore the Lyman Orchards Corn Maze

7. Hike up Talcott Mountain to Heublein Tower for sweeping fall views

8. Celebrate Oktoberfest at a local Connecticut brewery with pumpkin beer

9. Attend the Berlin Fair and catch the tractor pulls

10. Walk through Old Wethersfield Main Street to see the annual scarecrow displays

11. Take the Essex Steam Train and enjoy fall foliage

12. Do a haunted hayride at Trail of Terror in Wallingford

13. Try a fall ice cream flight at Main Street Creamery & Café in Wethersfield

14. Visit the Durham Fair, Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair

15. Take the New Haven Ghost Tour for some spooky history

16. Ride the Rails of Terror Halloween train in Essex

17. Stroll through Mystic Village decorated for fall

18. Taste pumpkin pie and cider at Beardsley’s Cider Mill in Shelton

19. Hike through Sleeping Giant State Park to see colorful foliage

20. Stop at Kent Falls State Park for a waterfall hike in peak season

21. Head to Lake Compounce for the Phantom Fall FesT

22. Browse antique shops in Woodbury, Connecticut’s antique capital

23. Grab a cider slushie and fresh pumpkins at March Farm in Bethlehem

24. Visit Chester’s Scarecrow Festival for family fun

25. Go to the Garlic & Harvest Festival in Bethlehem

26. Walk the covered bridge in Cornwall for classic New England photos

27. Enjoy Mystic Seaport’s Chowder Days festival

28. Explore foliage in Devil’s Hopyard State Park

29. Get spooked at Fright Haven in Stratford

30. Ride bikes along the Air Line State Park Trail during foliage season

31. Wander through the Seymour Pumpkin Festival

32. Walk the Merritt Parkway overlooks for fall colors

33. Try apple cider donuts at the Coventry Farmers’ Market

34. Take a lantern-lit haunted cemetery tour in Hartford or Wethersfield

35. Join the Norwalk Oyster Festival (early fall)

36. Visit Legends of Fear haunted attraction in Shelton

37. Kayak on the Connecticut River to see foliage from the water

38. Visit Powder Ridge's Haunting at the Ridge in Middlefield

39. Stop for a fall treat at Buttonwood Farm in Griswold

40. Explore Peoples State Forest for less-crowded leaf-peeping

41. GRAB A GLASS OF WINE OR A SEASONAL SLUSHIE AT HAWK RIDGE WINERY

42. Watch the Yale vs. Harvard football game in New Haven

43. Take a spooky night corn maze walk at Fairview Farm

44. Try a cider flight at Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford

45. Drive through the Quiet Corner (Woodstock, Pomfret, Putnam) for foliage

46. Visit Salisbury for small-town charm and foliage

47. Spend a crisp afternoon on Mystic’s waterfront with chowder

48. Explore Litchfield Hills towns during peak foliage weekends

49. Enjoy live entertainment and rides at Lake Compounce’s Oktoberfest weekends

50. Snap a fall photo along the Niantic Boardwalk

New Title

Destinations

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fall activities in Connecticut?

When is peak fall foliage in Connecticut?

Where can I go apple picking in Connecticut?

Does Connecticut have pumpkin patches?

What are the best fall festivals in Connecticut?

Are there haunted attractions in Connecticut during fall?

Is there Oktoberfest in Connecticut?

What food should I try in Connecticut during fall?

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