The town and surrounding area of Litchfield Connecticut provides a number of outdoor activities for visitors. Nestled deep in the northwest region of Connecticut and in the scenic area known as the Litchfield Hills this destination makes a wonderful day trip.

As readers of this blog already know I publish posts every now and then on events taking place in Litchfield County as it is an active community, and promotes its events through its convention and tourist bureau.

But today the focus will be on things to do in Litchfield town and surrounding area. I’ll hit five recommended activities and provide additional resources for you as well to dig deeper and discover even more to help plan your visit.

Historic Litchfield Town:

New England is home to the town green that you see displayed on many calendars. There are many wonderful examples throughout the region but few surpass Litchfield’s common with the much photographed white steeple congregational church. This is a village to stroll around with many fine historic and restored homes on view. Be sure to tour the Litchfield History Museum to discover all about the evolution of a New England town, and then visit the close-by Tapping Reeve House and Law School to learn about the first law school in the United States.

If browsing antique and craft shops is a pastime you enjoy then Litchfield will delight and surprise you with a discovery around every corner - Connecticut is considered to be the antiquing capital of New England. And when you want to rest your feet stop by one of the local bakeries for refreshments and a snack or choose from one of the many restaurants offering full dining. More information on Litchfield town can be found here: http://www.litchfieldct.com/

White Memorial Conservation Center:

The White Memorial Conservation Center is my top pick for this area and located 2 miles west of Litchfield town on Route 202. White Memorial includes a Nature Museum, Bantam Lake, and 35 miles of trails. The foundation oversees a thriving 4,000 acres of fields, woodlands, swamps, ponds, and trails, and countless opportunities to interact with the natural world. This place is popular with families and bird watchers.

In addition to walking, the White Memorial Center outside areas support a variety of activities such as camping, canoeing, and picnicking. Groups of different sizes can reserve their group facilities such as the 5-acre Activity Field and the rustic-barn like Activity Shed which can seat 75 for meals - many groups rent both for special events. The center is also available for hosting children’s parties. For more information call (860) 567-0857 or check them out online at http://www.whitememorialcc.org/

Housatonic River:

The Housatonic River boasts some of best Trout fly fishing in the eastern United States. Not bad for a river that saw massive contamination by industries before the Clean Water Act of the 1970s, and still suffers from lingering PCB poisoning in areas. The river is fast moving over its length of 149 miles rising near Pittsfield in Western Massachusetts and flowing south through western Connecticut until it empties into Long Island Sound. Because of the swiftness of the river it’s also popular for kayaks and rafting.

Access to the river is a short drive from Litchfield town west to Cornwall Bridge. Here you’ll find some outfitters that can equip or guide you on fly fishing or boating activities. One such company is Housatonic River Outfitters in Cornwall Bridge, and you can contact them at (860) 672-1010 or check out their web site at http://www.dryflies.com/

Mount Tom State Park:

Mount Tom State Park is a short drive outside Litchfield town on Route 202. It has a lake, beach, picnic tables, and provides boating and swimming facilities. But perhaps its most popular activity is to take the one-mile hiking trail to the top of Mount Tom and enjoy the magnificent view. The summit of Mt. Tom is 1,325 feet and there is a stone tower you can climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of western Connecticut.

This hike is good for young children and starts on a dirt road a short distance from the parking lot for the main lake/beach area - look for the Tower Trail sign. More information on Mount Tom State Park can be found here.

Hot-Air Ballooning:

Based in Litchfield is Aer Blarney, a company specializing in hot-air ballooning trips. If you’ve never experienced a flight in a balloon then you’re in for a treat as you skim the tree tops over the Litchfield Hills or ascend one-mile for a panoramic view of Southern New England. You essentially become part of the wind and don’t even notice you’re flying. Flights last about an hour and leave just after sunrise when the conditions for ballooning are optimal. Flights are also offered a few hours before sunset. Summer and fall tend to be the most scenic but the ride is thrilling anytime of the year.

The cost of the trip varies from a low of $250 to private charter flights of $1,000. The company also offers gift certificates and special gift baskets purchased separately. Reservations are strongly suggested at one to two weeks in advance. For more details and reservations call (203) 910-4955 or visit their website at http://www.AerBlarney.com

More Resources for Litchfield Connecticut:

Connecticut Vacations Guide
Where to Stay in Litchfield
Guide to Connecticut Shore

I consider this region of Connecticut still largely undiscovered which means even in the summer months crowds are not usually a problem. If your trip takes you close to the town of Litchfield then take a few hours out and explore this scenic part of Connecticut - you’ll not be disappointed.

Another blog post on New England travel in a few days time so bookmark us or better still save time and make it easy on yourself and subscribe to the Complete New England RSS feed here.

Cliff Calderwood
Publisher
The New England Travel Online Magazine

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