As the weather cools down and leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, fall becomes one of the best times to explore our state. Whether it’s going on a hike, apple picking, pumpkin patches, or even apple-cider donuts, there’s plenty to do near Clinton that won’t break your budget.
Two local favorites, Chatfield Hollow State Park and Bishops Orchards, offer the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, food, and a chill hangout spot for high school students looking to make the most of autumn.
If you’re into hiking, exploring, and a peaceful sense of nature, Chatfield Hollow is the best place for you. The park is full of scenic trails, wooden bridges, and a calm pond that is always home to ducks and other animals. It is free, relaxing, and fun. You can hike with friends, pack a picnic, or sit by the water and enjoy the view. It is also a low-pressure way to spend time outside, with no need for fancy gear or athletic skills.
“Between school, sports, and homework, it’s nice to have a place where you can just breathe,” said junior Brooke Lawlor. Brooke visited Chatfield Hollow mid-fall of last year and described it as a peaceful, calming setting. She went with her boyfriend, senior Kevin Calanza, and enjoyed spending time with him without a bunch of chaos going on around them.
If you want classic fall vibes, think apples, pumpkins, and cinnamon sugar. Orchard Farm Market & Winery is the perfect place. It’s family-run and full of everything fall lovers dream about: pumpkin picking, apple orchards, hayrides, and their famous apple cider donuts.
Apple picking usually costs $8-$15 per bag, pumpkins $8-$20 depending on the size, and apple cider donuts are about $1.50 each or $8 for six.
Bishops is the perfect hangout spot; you can pick apples, grab snacks, and take fun group photos surrounded by colorful trees. Plus, most activities are cheap or free, ensuring you can spend the day there for around $20 total. It’s a great mix of outdoor and indoor fun and cozy fall energy.
“You haven’t really done fall in Connecticut until you’ve had a warm cider donut from Bishop’s,” said junior Sam Weinzimmer. She went back in September of this year with her two friends. She initially wanted to go and get some fall photos taken, but got drawn to the peace and coziness of everything.
This fall at Bishop’s Orchards, the pick-your-own flower field offers late-season blooms away from the crowds, while Chatfield Hollow’s trails and ponds project peaceful autumn scenery. Together, they are providing the perfect mix of colorful farm life and serene nature for a memorable fall outing.
So grab a hoodie, throw on your favorite flannel, and get outside. Fall only comes once a year, don’t miss it.
