2025 Connecticut Fall Bucket List: Foliage, Festivals & Family Fun

Vibrant foliage, festive fairs, apple picking, and pumpkin patches—that’s what fall in Connecticut is all about. This 2025 Connecticut Fall Bucket List covers everything from peak foliage dates to the best family-friendly events, so you won’t miss a single autumn moment.

Fall in Connecticut 2025: Your Ultimate Bucket List

I feel lucky to call Connecticut home, especially in autumn. The crisp air, brilliant leaves, and cozy traditions are what drew me back when I moved home in 2017. Now, I get to experience fall all over again through my children’s eyes—and share the very best of it with you.

When to Visit Connecticut in the Fall: Peak Foliage Timeline

Did you know Connecticut’s trees turn the most spectacular colors? The change of green to vibrant red/orange/yellow is a valid reason people travel from around the country to witness our fall foliage.

Foliage Season 2025 runs from late September through early November. Peak color is expected between October 3 and November 8, 2025, though timing can shift slightly depending on weather. Because the leaves change at different times across the state, you’ll find multiple “mini-peak” seasons:

• Northwest & Northeast CT – early to mid-October
• Central CT – mid to late October
• Shoreline & River Valley – late October into early November

Tip: Track the latest updates with the official Connecticut Fall Foliage Report.

Top Fall Activities & Local Must-Dos in Connecticut

Fall in Connecticut isn’t just about colorful leaves—it’s a season packed with experiences for the whole family. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive through rolling hills, exploring local festivals, or hunting for the perfect pumpkin, there’s something for every autumn adventurer. From cozy small-town traditions to outdoor adventures, these top fall activities capture the best of Connecticut in 2025.

Connecticut Scenic Drives & Leaf Peeping

A scenic drive is one of the top things to do in Connecticut in the fall, and every October my family takes a long weekend trip to Cape Cod – and we enjoy the leaf show on our way out. Some of the best places to visit are:

• Litchfield Hills (Routes 7 & 63) offer rolling hills and covered bridges—mid to late October.
• Connecticut River Valley—combine river views with the iconic Essex Steam Train ride
• Mohawk State Forest (Mattatuck Trail outlook)
• Talcott Mountain State Park (Heublein Tower)

Best Fall Hikes in Connecticut 2025

One of the best fall things to do in Connecticut is to take a scenic hike. With trails ranging from beginner-friendly walks to more advanced climbs, there’s something for every type of hiker. As a novice myself, I’ve found that hiking is easier than it sounds – and is an incredibly beneficial for one’s mental health. If you’re new to the trails, check out these helpful tips for beginner hikers, plus read about my own adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail in the fall.

If you’re ready to explore, here are some of the best scenic hiking spots in Connecticut to experience breathtaking fall foliage.

• Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden) – Climb to the stone observation tower for panoramic fall views of New Haven and Long Island Sound.
• Castle Craig (Meriden) – A short but rewarding hike (or drive) in Hubbard Park that leads to a stone tower with sweeping views of central Connecticut and the Long Island Sound on a clear day.
• Devil’s Hopyard State Park (East Haddam) – Known for Chapman Falls and wooded trails that glow with autumn color.
• Appalachian Trail (Northwest CT) – The trail runs for about 50 miles through Connecticut. Fall highlights include the Housatonic River Walk (Kent) and hikes to Lion’s Head or Bear Mountain (the state’s highest peak).
• Talcott Mountain State Park (Simsbury) – Hike to Heublein Tower for sweeping views across the Farmington Valley.
• Bluff Point State Park (Groton) – A coastal trail where golden marsh grasses and vibrant trees meet the shoreline.
• Peoples State Forest (Barkhamsted) – Less crowded, with rugged trails through the northwestern hills.

Apple Picking

Every September, families across Connecticut head to orchards for a tradition that’s as sweet as apple cider: apple picking. Whether it’s your first time or a yearly family outing, knowing when to go, what to wear, and how to pick the best apples can make the experience even more enjoyable. Apple picking is a fun way to spend time with your family and the perfect excuse to learn how to make an apple pie. Here are some family friendly apple orchards in Connecticut:

• Blue Hills Orchard in Wallingford, CT 
• Lyman Orchards in Middlefield 
• Bishops Orchard in Guilford 
• Drazen Orchards in Cheshire 
• Roger’s Orchard in Southington 
• Averill Farm in Washington Depot 
• Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel 

Fall Festivals in Connecticut in 2025

There’s no better way to celebrate autumn than by attending a local festival. Connecticut offers countless family-friendly events each fall, from apple harvests to garlic feasts. We never miss our town’s annual Celebrate Wallingford event the first weekend of October!

Here are some of the top Connecticut fall festivals in 2025:

• Durham Fair – September 25-28: Iconic agriculture fair with rides, exhibits, and live music.
• Bristol Mum Festival – Sept. 26–28: Celebrate chrysanthemums with a festival.
• Mystic Garlic Festival (Olde Mistick Village) – September 20–21: crafts, food, music dedicated to garlic.
• Pizza-Themed Corn Maze at Bishop’s Orchards (Guilford) – Annual Fall Festival Aug. 31–Nov. 2: Includes apple picking, cider hut, food trucks, and family fun.
• Apple Harvest (Southington) – Oct. 3–12: Apple-themed competitions, parades, fireworks, and more.
• Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival –(Bethlehem) – Oct. 10–12: One of New England’s largest food festivals. 
• Scarecrows Along Main Street (Old Wethersfield) – Over 70 handmade scarecrows on display on Main Street from October 1-31st.
• Mystic Apple Festival – October 18 & 19 – arts and crafts plus seasonal foods in Olde Mystik Village
• 50th Apple Harvest and Music Festival (Glastonbury) – October 17-19 – amusement rides, food trucks, live entertainment and more.

Pumpkin Patches & Halloween Events in Connecticut 2025

Searching for pumpkin patches and Halloween events in Connecticut? These fall traditions are perfect for families who want a mix of festive fun and spooky thrills.

Kid Friendly Fun

• Beaumont’s Farm, Wallingford – Not only does Beaumont’s Farm sell the best fall Mums and pumpkins, but Farmer Billy Beaumont also designs a creative children’s interactive play area for every season. It is a MUST visit!
• Pumpkintown USA, East Hampton – Opens Sept. 20: A whimsical pumpkin village perfect for kids.
• Trolley Museum Pumpkin Patch, East Windsor – Sept. 27–Oct. 26: Ride on a trolley car out to the pumpkin patch field and pick a free pumpkin! Purchase your tickets in advance to secure a spot.
• Pumpkin Passage, Oakdale – Fridays–Sundays in October: A kid-friendly Halloween trail with lights and decorations.

Spooky Thrills

• Lake Compounce – Phantom Fall Fest – Sept. 20–Oct. 31: Halloween-themed rides and scare actors.
• Trail of Terror, Wallingford – Opens Sept. 27: A legendary 45+ minute haunted trail. Timed tickets required. Not recommended for children under 10.

Did you know my town is the home of one of Southern New England’s premiere haunted happenings? I have only visited the Trail of Terror once, back when it was a smaller experience behind a car dealership on route 5 – but it was so frightening I have yet to return!

What to Wear for Fall in Connecticut

Wondering what to pack for a fall weekend in Connecticut? Pack layers and comfortable shoes—fall weather can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings. I’ve got you covered with my Fall Weekend Packing List.

Whether you’re local or visiting for the weekend, fall in Connecticut is full of unforgettable moments—leaf peeping, hayrides, apple cider donuts, and cozy small-town traditions. Don’t miss out on 10 Ways to Enjoy Fall in New England . Which fall event will you be adding to your 2025 bucket list?