Connecticut offers diverse landscapes, making it a wonderful state for outdoor lovers. Here we have the coast along the Long Island Sound, the verdant Connecticut River Valley, and hills and forests peppered throughout. What may be overlooked are the state's mountains. Within the Taconic Range, part of the Appalachian Mountains that includes the state's highest peak, Bear Mountain, and the southern part of the Berkshires extending from Massachusetts, you can find small towns and communities. One such town is Cornwall, and it's a charming mou...
Connecticut offers diverse landscapes, making it a wonderful state for outdoor lovers. Here we have the coast along the Long Island Sound, the verdant Connecticut River Valley, and hills and forests peppered throughout. What may be overlooked are the state's mountains. Within the Taconic Range, part of the Appalachian Mountains that includes the state's highest peak, Bear Mountain, and the southern part of the Berkshires extending from Massachusetts, you can find small towns and communities. One such town is Cornwall, and it's a charming mountain town in Connecticut you should visit before the end of fall.
Named after Cornwall, England, the town of Cornwall, Connecticut, is set in the foothills of the Berkshires and is home to just over 1,500 people. Its nicknames include "Home of the Covered Bridge" because of the Historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge spanning the Housatonic River, and "Greenest Town in Connecticut" because of its extensive forests and conserved land. While visiting any time of year guarantees bountiful scenery and outdoor recreation, Cornwall truly shines in autumn.
Head down to the Housatonic River and take in its banks surrounded by fall foliage—what a stunning sight! To further enhance your fall experience, go for a hike, rent a kayak or canoe from local outfitter Clarke Outdoors in nearby Sharon, or take a bike ride through town.
Of course, when visiting Cornwall, you must visit the Historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At 172 feet long and 15 feet wide, vehicles still travel across the bridge over the Housatonic River along Route 128—perhaps you'll want to drive over it, too!
Close to the bridge are a few local eateries like The Pink House, a bistro-style restaurant, and RSVP, a French restaurant. For a quick bite, coffee, pastries, and other goodies, head to the Cornwall Market. They serve both breakfast and lunch here (and breakfast is available all day!).
For local shops, visit Jane Herold Pottery, where you can buy unique dishware and even take a studio tour if you're in town on a scheduled day. Visit the pottery studio's website to register for a tour. The Local, A Cornwall Collective Market, is another must-visit stop in town, located in the Hughes Memorial Union. Here, you'll find local produce and art to purchase and take home. Yoga classes are also scheduled at the Union throughout the week, if that's something you're interested in. Stopping by The Hughes Memorial Union will give you a sense of Cornwall's community.
Cornwall is a quintessential New England mountain town, and a must-visit destination in Connecticut this fall. Visiting this time of year guarantees incredible fall foliage views as you spend time outdoors enjoying the crisp autumn air. So, plan a trip to Cornwall, a charming mountain town in Connecticut!