When the air turns crisp and the leaves shift from green to gold, Connecticut is a postcard come to life. For University of Connecticut students, fall is the perfect season to step beyond campus and explore what the Nutmeg State has to offer — whether it’s hiking through the foliage, sipping cider or discovering that small-town charm. Here are some local spots to visit this autumn, all within a day’s drive from Storrs-Mansfield.
Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield
Just minutes from campus, Mansfield Hollow offers an easy escape into nature. The park’s trails wind through forests bursting with color, and the reservoir reflects the reds and oranges of the surrounding hills. Bring a friend — or a thermos of hot chocolate — and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water.
The park is located in Mansfield Center, just a 10-minute drive from campus: Take Route 195 (Storrs Road) going south, and turn left at Bassetts Bridge Road, near Maharaja Indian Restaurant and the Husky Spirit Shop.
Nathan Hale Homestead, Coventry
History meets fall charm at this colonial-era museum, the original home of this Revolutionary War patriot and Connecticut’s state hero. The grounds host the Coventry Farmers’ Market on Sundays through October, where you’ll find local produce, baked goods and live music under the canopy of changing leaves.
The museum is also known for its spooky programming, with stories of real hauntings. It’s a quintessential New England experience, and only a 15-minute drive: Take South Eagleville Road through to Coventry, past Main Street and turn right onto South Street after Robertson Middle School.
Wickham Park, Manchester
Located about 25 minutes west of UConn, Wickham Park is one of the best places in the Hartford area to take in sweeping autumn views. It’s a park atop a hill, framed by rolling fields and natural forestry.
The park’s trails weave through themed gardens, with cultural elements from around the world. On a clear day, you can spot the capital city glowing in the fall light — making it a great spot for a picnic, a study break or just a photo op. You can also take a break in the park’s nature center, featuring educational exhibits, an aviary with exotic birds and a “sensory garden” walk-through.
To get there, just take Route 44 going west from the “four corners,” continue through Manchester and turn right past the I-84 overpass, signed “Middle Turnpike” near Cheney Technical High School.
Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown
If you’re looking for an easy hike with a big payoff, Wadsworth Falls is a must. The trails are gentle and well-marked, leading to a wide, dramatic waterfall surrounded by brilliant foliage. The “Big Falls” area is especially stunning in late October when the maple leaves turn bright red. It’s also a great picnic spot if you want to make a day of it before heading back to campus.
If you prefer dining out, Middletown’s business district on Main Street has a variety of cuisines to choose from, plus specialty stores like Amato’s Toy and Hobby.
From campus, go south on 195 until you reach the Route 6 interchange near the East Brook Mall. Take Route 6 until you reach the end of the expressway, then continue straight on Route 66 through Hebron toward Middletown. Follow Route 66 into Portland, then take the Arrigoni Bridge into Middletown and you’ll end up on Main Street. Take a right at the intersection with Washington Street and continue until the light next to Walgreens. Take a left onto Middlefield Street and then onto Forest Street.
Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
Apple picking is practically a fall rite of passage, and Lyman Orchards is the perfect place to do it. Wander the orchard rows, snack on cider doughnuts and check out the corn maze, which this year is themed around Connecticut Pizza.
The Apple Barrel shop on-property not only has fresh produce, but a soup-and-sandwich eatery and ice cream! They also offer pick-your-own with a lot of different fruits throughout the year and was named best apple orchard in the nation.
From Middletown, take Washington Street (Route 66) west until you enter Middlefield. Take a left onto Jackson Hill Road after the Victory Church building.
Village of Mystic, Groton and Stonington
If you’re craving coastal vibes, head southeast to Mystic. The waterfront village offers cozy cafés, small boutiques, and the famous Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Marine Aquarium. Olde Mistick Village, a small outdoor shopping area, also features unique experiences. Grab me a gourmet doughnut while you’re there!
Maybe you can grab a slice at Mystic Pizza and enjoy a stroll over the famous Bascule drawbridge in the downtown area. It raises about every hour on the 45-minute mark — There’s some seating behind Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream for spectating.
Mystic is beautiful, and a must-visit if you’re not from the region: take 195 into Willimantic and over the frog bridge. Take Route 32 going south the whole way for a scenic view or hop on I-395 in Franklin. Take either I-95 or Route 1 (the Post Road) in New London going east — or just take the Shore Line East train.
Enjoy the Season!
From mountain tops to cider mills, Connecticut in autumn offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. There were too many destinations to mention! So, grab a jacket, gather some friends and let the fall colors lead the way — you don’t have to travel far from UConn to find your own piece of New England magic.