Four Top CT Fall Foliage Hikes at White Memorial, Litchfield & Morris
If you’re looking for the top fall foliage hikes in Connecticut, these four trails on the more than 4,000 acres of preserves at White Memorial in Litchfield and Morris surely rank high on the list—especially when considering that hitting these trails puts visitors in close proximity to artisan coffee roasters, scratch bakeries, beloved lunch spots and fine dining, boutique shopping, rich history, and many other lifestyle enrichments.
In other words: come for the unparalleled natural beauty and stay to nourish the body, mind, and soul. For the latter, consult all the resources right here on the Visit Litchfield CT website. As for the hikes, don’t miss these four favorites (and be sure to check out our bonus suggestions at the bottom).
1. Point Folly on Bantam Lake: Sheer Perfection 🥾 🌊
The teardrop-shaped access road at White Memorial’s Point Folly Campground on Bantam Lake is once again the glorious domain of walkers and hikers after camping season ended on Columbus Day earlier this week.
The fall foliage is heading toward its peak, framing a quiet loop path of approximately .75 miles that’s blanketed with fallen leaves and offers beautiful lake views all the way around the Point Folly peninsula. There’s also a viewing platform looking over Kilbourne Cove where the Bantam River exits the lake, making it a prime spot for waterfowl viewing.
Point Folly is located along North Shore Road. There’s a dirt parking area right off the road, or additional parking across the way at the Point Folly marina and camp store lot.
Trail Map: Point Folly Campground Trail Map (PDF)
More Inspiration: Check out our earlier Visit Litchfield CT feature on Point Folly and other Autumn walks.
Overall Trails: View the master map showing all 40+ miles of trails across The White Memorial Conservation Center‘s preserves via the White Memorial Trail Maps Hub.
2. Hike the Apple Hill Trail for Stunning Views and Fall Foliage ⛰️ 🍁
The White Memorial Conservation Center’s Apple Hill Trail is the perfect autumn destination for a moderate-level hike that rewards the effort with sweeping views of the fall foliage, Bantam Lake, and Connecticut’s western hills from a wooden viewing platform.
Apple Hill is located above East Shore Road in Morris, and there are two ways to get to the summit and viewing platform: tackle the longer trail with its Cat Swamp spur, or seek out a “hidden” second access area with a mini parking lot where it’s a short uphill walk to the summit.
From the northern entrance off East Shore Road, the Apple Hill Trail is a 1.5-mile journey (3 miles total out and back) to the summit, per White Memorial.
From the southern entrance closer to Route 109 in Morris, it is just a half-mile up to the summit (1 mile round trip).
Our favorite hybrid route:
We parked at the northern entrance and followed the long trail on the way up, taking the spur to admire Cat Swamp.
We lingered on the summit viewing platform to enjoy the colorful autumn vistas.
Then we took the short trail back down to East Shore Road and walked along the road back to the car to complete a loop totaling just over 3 miles.
Apple Hill is one of many unforgettable hikes across White Memorial’s 40+ miles of trails and 4,000 acres of protected wilderness spanning Litchfield and Morris.
Trail Details: Apple Hill Trail Info
Full Maps: White Memorial Trail Maps
3. Little Pond Boardwalk Trail: A Wetland Wonderland 🥾 🪵
There may not be a more quintessential autumn walk than the Little Pond Boardwalk Trail at White Memorial, where the painted landscape looks stunning in the crisp October air.
Take note: The boardwalk can flood in places after seasonal rains, so Wellies (or the equivalent waterproof boots) are strongly recommended over sneakers or low-rise hiking shoes!
“The Boardwalk” is an elevated 1.2-mile wooden walkway (black & white-blazed) that lets visitors explore the vibrant wetland environment around Little Pond. The trail crosses the Bantam River in two locations and offers prime viewing for migrating waterfowl and autumn wildlife. You can access the trail via a parking area off Whites Woods Road, just north of the intersection with Bissell Road.
Trail Details: Little Pond Boardwalk Trail Info
Full Maps: White Memorial Trail Maps
4. Scenic Beauty and Ice House History on the Lake Trail 🏭 🌲
Nothing beats a walk in the woods in the crisp autumn air that takes you to a serene lake view—just ask Watson the dog! The Lake Trail and Ice House Ruins Trail loop at White Memorial is one of our go-to walks in Litchfield.
It’s hard to believe while taking in that serene view from the Bantam Lake viewing platform, but this area was once buzzing with industrial activity. From 1908 to 1929, the Berkshire Ice Company operated here, harvesting 60,000 tons of ice each winter. The old concrete pillars in the area held up a wooden conveyor system that moved blocks of ice from the lake to the icehouse, and a bit further along the trail lie the stone ruins of the 420-foot canal once used to wash away ice slush.
This hike is an easy 1.2-mile flat loop, making it ideal for families and your four-legged companion (on a leash!). Start at the White Memorial Conservation Center parking lot off Route 202 and Bissell Road.
Trail Details: Lake Trail Loop Info
Looking for Even More Local Autumn Scenery?
Be sure to connect with these other wonderful nearby trails and outdoor havens: