Countryside living and riverside adventures—The Farmington River Valley is full of tranquil hiking, delicious eateries, beautiful farmland, and riverside adventures. From the wild scenic mountains, rivers, vineyards, and lush woodlands, to the quaint Connecticut towns of Simsbury, Farmington, Granby, and Collinsville—the countryside is ripe for exploration and scenic adventure awaits you.
Farmington
Farmington lined with colonial homes and estates dates to the 17th century—George Washington referred to it as “the village of pretty houses”—and none prettier than Hill-Stead.
With a combination of art, architecture, and stunning countryside—the historic farm by Theodate Pope Riddle one of the first women architects in Connecticut includes 152-acres of gardens, nature trails, a museum, and beautifully landscaped meadows. Hill-Stead was her first architectural project and one of the earliest American country houses—considered the finest example of Colonial Revival homes in the United States. And featured in Architectural Review (1902), Architectural Record (1906), and American Home & Gardens (1910).
The Sunken Garden is a popular outdoor gathering spot with seasonal beauty and more than ninety varieties of perennials. Inscribed in the stone walkway is the Latin phrase “Ars Longa, Vita Brevis”, meaning “Art is Long, Life is Brief”. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll to Clatterridge Sheep Farm—or a more strenuous hike to Blue-Blazed Metacomet Trail.
The Hill-Stead museum collection includes series of impressive impressionist paintings from Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, and Edouard Manet—original furnishing, textiles, decorative arts, photography, and ranges of Japanese, American and European prints, including an engraving by Albrecht Durer and etching by Henry Matisse.
Beyond Hill-Stead Museum explore the 1720 salt-box, Stanley-Whitman House with museum, gardens, and apple orchids—or enjoy cliff-top scenic vistas and Warren's Den, a boulder cave located on Rattle Snake Mountain.
Collinsville
Classic New England town on the Farmington River centered around the iconic Old Axe Factory—Collinsville is Connecticut’s coolest town with beautiful river walks, great eateries, river adventures, and stunning countryside. Strolling through town is the Canton Historic Museum, antique shops, famous La Salle Market, Crown & Hammer within historic train depot, and the delicious Francesca’s Wine Bar.
The area is incredible for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, rafting—and the Farmington River Trail is great for cycling and long nature walks. Collinsville Canoe & Kayak easy launch point allows exploration upriver towards Nepaug State Forest. To the south the Lower Dam Falls and Unionville known for whitewater rafting.
Farmington River Trail
16 miles of the scenic river and woodlands trails stretching through the towns of Canton, Collinsville, Unionville, Farmington, and Simsbury. The mostly paved trail is great for cycling, running, or casual walking—and connects with the Farmington Canal Heritage Walk with 48 miles of more trails. The pathway once the longest in New England spans across the state from the Massachusetts border to New Haven—and a great way to explore Connecticut.
Farmington Valley
Looking for tranquil riverside, mountain, and woodland hiking—Negaug State Park, Roaring Brook Nature Center, West Mountain Park are a few to explore. So whether it's walking fields at Holcomb Farm, climbing Talcott Mountain to Heublein Tower, or hiking trails to Enders Falls—the Farmington Valley has some of the best natural wonders of Connecticut.
Enders State Forest
A gift to the state of Connecticut by the Enders family in memory of John Ostrom Enders and Harriet Whitmore Enders who owned the land—Enders State Forest with miles of hilly hiking trails has five distinct waterfalls and popular swimming pools—the two most picturesque with 30-foot horsetail and 18-foot cascading waterfalls along the riverbanks rugged gorge walls. Nearby with McLean Game Refuge is Carpenter Falls—18-foot waterfalls.
Negaug State Forest
Beautiful woodland forest featuring wildflowers in the Appalachian Mountains of Connecticut with hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, camping, and hunting—Negaug has moderate hiking trails along the reservoir and forest.
Talcott Mountain Park
Beautiful ridge-line hiking with stunning panoramic views of the Farmington River Valley. The Heublein Tower was a summer home and retreat for Gilbert Heublein a prominent hotelier and restaurateur in Hartford—and distributor of A1 Steak Sauce, Smirnoff Vodka, and other alcoholic beverages. Gilbert was hiking Talcott Mountain with his fiancee—she commented how beautiful it was, so he promised to buy the land and build her a palace there. The 1914 Heublein Tower stands 165-feet tall and 1000-feet above the valley. Designed to represent the architecture of Bavaria—the tower seen for miles in all directions.
Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted
Located along the western branch of the Farmington River opposite American Legion State Forest with over 3000 acres—and 11 miles of hiking on blue-blazed trail systems in Pleasant Valley. The park features a nature museum within a 1935 historic stone-faced building.
Farmsteads & Vineyards
Driving through the River Valley, the 19th century agricultural and tobacco farming past comes alive with active farmsteads, vineyards, and vegetable markets. Beautiful farmhouses, tobacco sheds, and New England style, English styles, and cross-gabled gambrel-roofed dairy barns blanket the countryside.
Flamig Farm - Simsbury
Home of the giant EGG backward sign—Flamig Farm is full of optimism bringing joy and memorable experiences through a petting zoo of friendly farm animals, camp farm adventures, hayride rides, pony rides, and seasonal children programs.
Holcomb Farm - West Granby
Tranquil farmland and meadow views—the 1754 historic Holcomb Farm with 10-miles of nature trails connecting to McLean Game Refuge and Granby Land Trust trails is a relaxing way to explore the countryside. The farm store offers fresh and locally sourced artisanal bakeries, dairies, and organic vegetables great for any meal.
The Garlic Farm - West Granby
The fascinating organic farmstand with layers upon layers of cured White German garlic displayed in historic tobacco shed—The Garlic Farm named after its specialty understands the importance of soil and neutral pH balance for nutrients and healthiest garlic bulbs. The farm offers a variety of freshest vegetables and specializes in tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Rosedale Farm & Vineyard
100 years of harvesting the freshest fruits, vegetables, and grapes—Rosedale has the sweetest corn, juicy heirloom, grape, yellow, and cherry tomatoes—and uses French hybrid grapes to yield creative and outstanding wines. Enjoy a sweet and chilled glass of Summer Red blending blueberries and Pinot Noir—or bright and elegant glass of Three Sisters Sauvignon Blanc with citrus blends of pineapple, lime, and honeydew. And relax at this 1920 farm stand and winery with live music, vintage barn, and scenic countryside.
Hogan’s Cider Mill — Burlington
Historic 1912 Cider Mill in widows peaks style barn using locally grown apples crafting sweet and classic hard ciders—tart with a dry smooth finish. Hogan’s crafts over 20 unique blends—Cranberry Mist, Cucumber Mint, Sour Cherry, and many more.
Brignole Vineyards — East Granby
In the heart of East Granby—Brignole is a countryside estate with a grand summer porch and outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyards. It offers a large series of red, white, rose, sangria, and wine slushie using locally grown and California grapes—enjoy Cancello a Super Tuscan blends Sangiovese Merlot and Cabernet—or a Summer Storm with the robust Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you love wine and beautiful scenic views, the Connecticut Wine Trail offers many more great wines and picturesque vineyards. For more information visit Connecticut Wine Country.
Saville Dam - Barkhamsted
Lastly the Barkhamsted Reservoir—magnificent 135-ft. tall and 1,950-ft long Saville Dam on the eastern branch of the Farmington River. The earthen embankment with masonry gatehouse is the most instagramical moment in Farmington and famous for capturing wedding engagements and special moments.
There is plenty more to see and experience throughout the Farmington River Valley and Connecticut—so get out and explore. For more on Connecticut visit Waterfall Escapes or Summer Seaports. Return for future posts on Nashville and Great Coastal Getaways. All prints are available — DM for more information.
Sources: Wikipedia & local business websites.