Sometimes you just feel like driving. So next time you hop on the road, consider taking a trip down this scenic route in Connecticut. Perfect for some aimless driving, you won’t be burdened by traffic or excessive stops. Instead, you’ll be treated to the foliage and architecture that the state of Connecticut is known for. So grab your keys — we’re about to explore one of the best scenic drives in Connecticut!

Route 169 is one of only two national scenic byways in Connecticut.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
It begins in Norwich and runs approximately 38 miles before crossing over into Massachusetts. Since it's in the Northeast corner of the state, you can bet it's beautiful!
Driving this road is like jumping into a time machine.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
The homes and buildings you pass along the way are largely from centuries past. Colonial and Victorian details remind you that Connecticut is one of the oldest states in the country after all.
You'll be enveloped by trees as you cruise down the quiet roads.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
While this is beautiful all year round, the fall foliage will leave you drooling. The lack of city will relax you as the shade of trees make you feel safe. And sometimes it's just nice to be reminded of how wonderful mother nature really is.

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Feel free to make a pit stop if you want to explore the history even further.
Mystic Country CT/Flickr
Please note, The Prudence Crandall Museum is temporarily closed for renovations. Visit the museum website for up-to-date information.

The Prudence Crandall Museum is along the route, so history buffs don't have to be limited to watching history from the car. You can also get up close and personal with it! You'll also have plenty of chances to stop for a picnic or shop.
You'll also get a peek at the Quiet Corner's rural life.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
You may see a couple of farm animals as you pass gorgeous old barns and wide-open plains of some of the less populated towns. Sometimes it's hard to believe you're still in Connecticut!
The landscape silhouetted against the sky is absolutely breathless.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
So we recommend taking this drive in the afternoon so you can return to this view. After a day of cruising around on one of the best scenic drives in Connecticut, this is certainly the cherry on top!

Do you agree that this route is one of the best scenic drives in Connecticut? Are there any others that you enjoy exploring? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! If you like the idea of exploring a road, check out more scenic drives here, or dare to travel down this haunted street at night!

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More to Explore

best scenic drives in Connecticut

Beth C. | July 26, 2021

What are the most beautiful drives in Connecticut?

Living in Connecticut means enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you're in the mood for a long, scenic drive, you'll find that Connecticut has plenty of options. Some of these drives include Route 27, Route 146, Route 8, US-7, Merritt Parkway, Route 169, Connecticut 63, Route 149, Route 94, and Route 154. You can learn more about these beautiful drives in Connecticut as well as how to find them by reading our previous article highlighting some of the most drivable country roads in the state.

Where can I find the most beautiful scenery in Connecticut?

Beauty is all around us here in Connecticut. From bustling cities to natural spaces, there's simply no shortage of photo-worthy destinations. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the state can be appreciated when you visit places such as Silver Sands State Park, Wadsworth Falls State Park, Greenwich, St Mary's By The Sea, Gillette Castle Park, Old Saybrook, Stonington, Shore Line Trolley Museum, Iwo Jima Memorial, Saville Dam, Yale University, Goodspeed Opera House, Enders Falls State Park, Kent Falls State Park, Campbell Falls State Park, and Guilford. Are there any other destinations that you believe qualify for the most beautiful scenery in Connecticut?

Does Connecticut have any hidden gems?

Absolutely! Connecticut could have the unofficial state nickname as the "Hidden Gem State" given all there is to discover. Some of the most incredible hidden gems in Connecticut include Chaffinch Island, Hidden Valley Preserve, the Center Church Crypt, Steep Rock Railroad Tunnel, Hearthstone Castle, the Mayflower Grace, Lao Buddha Ariyamett Aram Temple, Lavender Pond Farm, Bluff Point State Park, and Wild Bill's Nostalgia. Truly, these are some great places to go in Connecticut that only the locals know about.

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