Tucked into the northwest corner of Connecticut, the undulating Litchfield Hills are the most scenic and bucolic section of the state. Technically an extension of the Taconic Mountains and the Berkshire Hills, the region is laced with a network of mountain streams, making fly-fishing for trout a leading springtime activity. Most sizable towns nestle in the valley of the Housatonic River, and their historic homes attest to Colonial settlement and recent gentrification by wealthy New Yorkers.
NEED TO KNOW
Mount Tom State Park • Rte 202, Litchfield • 860 567 8870
• open daily • adm
Farmington River Tubing • 92 Main St, New Hartford • 860 693 6465
• open late May–early Sep • adm
Kent Falls State Park • Rte 7, Kent • 860 927 3238
• open daily • adm
Lime Rock Park • 60 White Hollow Rd, Lakeville • 860 435 5000
• open Apr–Oct • adm
Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area • River Rd, Southbury • 860 895 6468
• open late Dec–mid-Mar • bookings are required
Institute for American Indian Studies • 38 Curtis Rd, Washington • 860 868 0518
• open daily • adm
- Visit the gardens of White Flower Farm (167 Litchfield Rd, Morris; 860 567 8789) on Rte 63 south of Litchfield.
- Eat barbecued meats at The Cookhouse in New Milford.
1. Mount Tom State Park
Views from the summit of Mount Tom entice hikers to this modest peak – an elevation gain of only 500 ft (152 m). The park’s lake is a favorite with families and scuba divers alike.
2. Lake Waramaug
Farmland around New Preston’s Lake Waramaug is temperate enough to grow wine grapes. Stop by Hopkins Vineyard to sample the wines. A state park on the broad, scenic lake offers picnic grounds and swimming.
Lake Waramaug
3. Farmington River Tubing
Chill out on a summer day by floating down the Farmington River on an inflatable tube. The 2.5-mile (4-km) course takes in gentle ripples, a segment of turbulent rapids, and a lot of idle floating.
4. Kent Falls State Park
North of the village of Kent, this park is home to an impressive waterfall, a 250-ft (76-m) drop over slate and marble. Follow the trail to the top to see the most vigorous chute of all.
The impressive waterfall north of Kent
5. Lime Rock Park
The air is charged with testosterone and motor fumes at Lime Rock race track. Races range from stock cars to road racers to formula vehicles. High-speed driving classes are offered.
6. Litchfield
Local gentry flock to this market town to shop, dine, worship, and admire the many historic homes, including the first US law school (1784).
7. Housatonic River
As the Housatonic River approaches the covered bridge at West Cornwall, it enters a 12-mile (19-km) stretch that many rank the best fly-fishing in the eastern US. Join sportsmen from around New England trying their luck here in the spring.
8. Shepaug Dam
In icy winter, more bald eagles congregate at the Shepaug Dam in Southbury than almost any other place in New England. Camouflaged blinds let birdwatchers get close-up views.
Bald eagle
9. Institute for American Indian Studies
Tucked high into the hilly woods of Washington, this facility re-creates a pre-European-contact Algonkian village. With a collection of artifacts dating back 10,000 years, it’s the perfect spot to learn about the woodlands culture of northwestern Connecticut.
10. Woodbury
Join collectors and interior decorators as they scour Woodbury’s 40-plus antiques dealers. In the village center, check out late-18th-century style at the historic Glebe House Museum .
Glebe House Museum, Woodbury
NEIGHBORS WITH NAMES
The combination of Litchfield Hills’ rural beauty and the easy proximity to New York City conspire to make it the home of many celebrities. Among the residents over the years have been sculptor Alexander Calder, chef Jacques Pepin, author William Styron, and a number of actors, including Meryl Streep.
