Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
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 icy-cold 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 and gardens attest both to Colonial settlement and more recent gentrification by wealthy New Yorkers.
1. Litchfield
Local gentry flock to this market town to shop, dine, and worship. Litchfield is filled with historic homes, including the first US law school (1784).
2. Kent Falls State Park
North of the art-gallery-filled village of Kent, this park is home to Connecticut’s most impressive waterfall, a 200-ft (61-m) drop over slate and marble. Follow the trail to the top to see the most vigorous chute of all.
Kent Falls State Park • Rte. 7, Kent • 860 927 3238 • open daily • adm
3. Institute for American Indian Studies
Tucked high into the hilly woods of Washington, this facility re-creates a pre-European-contact Algonkian village. With artifacts dating back 10,000 years, it’s the perfect spot to learn about the woodlands culture of northwestern Connecticut.Institute for American Indian Studies • 38 Curtis Rd., Washington • 860 868 0518 • open daily • adm
4. Woodbury
Join collectors and interior decorators as they scour Woodbury’s 40-plus antiques dealers. Check out late-18th-century style at the historic Glebe House.
5. 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 of the magnificent raptors catching fish.Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area • River Rd., Southbury • 800 368 8954 • open late Dec–mid-Mar • free (reservations required)
6. Farmington River Tubing
Chill out on a hot summer day by floating down the Farmington River on an inflatable tube. The 2.5-mile (4-km) course includes gentle ripples, a short segment of turbulent rapids, and a lot of indolent floating.Farmington River Tubing • 92 Main St., New Hartford • 860 693 6465 • open late May–early Sep • adm
7. Lime Rock Park
The air is charged with testosterone and motor fumes at Lime Rock auto-racing track. Races range from stock cars to road racers to formula vehicles. High-speed driving classes are offered.Lime Rock Park • 60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville • 860 435 5000 • open Apr–Oct • adm
8. 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.
9. 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 here in the spring.
10. Mount Tom State Park
Views from the summit of Mount Tom entice hikers to climb this modest peak – an elevation gain of only 500 ft (152 m). The park’s lake is a favorite with scuba divers and family swimming parties alike.Mount Tom State Park • Rte. 202, Litchfield • 860 567 8870 • open daily • adm
Neighbors with Names
The combination of Litchfield Hills’ rural beauty and the region’s 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, author William Styron, chef Jacques Pepin, and a number of entertainers, including actress Meryl Streep.
Tip: Visit the gardens of White Flower Farm, 167 Litchfield Rd., Morris, 800 503 9624 on Rte. 63 south of Litchfield. Tip: Dine on barbecued meats at the Cookhouse in New Milford.
