I leaned all the way into fall last weekend, starting at Hein Farm’s Fall Festival (yes, I came home with a pumpkin) and ending at Old New-Gate Prison’s Jack-o-Lantern display, which was every bit as eerie and enchanting as it sounds.

If you’re looking for something grounded in local history, the Unionville Museum is hosting guided walking tours (starting Saturday Oct. 18) that trace the path of the devastating 1955 flood through downtown Unionville. No RSVP needed; just meet in front of the museum.

On your way to the walking tours, stop by Chokaico in Avon’s Riverdale Farms Shopping Plaza for a hot chocolate, or maybe a little something extra. Their hot chocolate is top tier and perfect for keeping cozy as the weather turns cooler. They also host monthly tours and tastings, the next one is on October 16; details are below!

As always, tag us in your photos or drop me a note at [email protected] to share what you’re loving this week. See you out there!

Foliage season is peaking in the Valley, and there’s no better way to soak it in than on foot. I’ll admit, hiking even at its most scenic doesn’t quite rival the comfort of lounging on the couch with football and snacks. But the views? Unbeatable.

This is hands-down my favorite season to hit the trails. The mosquitos have packed it in, the heat and humidity are finally gone, and the trees look like they’ve been touched with an artist’s palette: bold reds, golden yellows, glowing oranges. Sometimes I wonder if it’s all natural or if the trees are hiding their age like I am, with a little help from the drugstore. Maybe they’re born with it…maybe it’s Maybelline?

Whatever the magic is, it’s spectacular. Luckily, there’s a hike for everyone, whether you’ve got toddlers in tow or just an hour to spare. A big thank-you to our local land trusts for helping make this roundup possible.

Land trusts throughout the Valley work year-round to protect open space, care for wildlife habitats, and keep these trails open for everyone to enjoy. Their quiet, behind the scenes efforts help make fall, and quite frankly every season in the Valley as stunning as it is.

Find your perfect fall trail below:

Wellner Preserve — Avon
Good for: All ages
Trail type: Forest loop with short spur to scenic view
Time to allow: 30+ minutes
Tucked quietly behind the Avon Petco off Route 44, this hidden gem offers a peaceful forest escape just minutes from errands and traffic. The preserve sits in a natural amphitheater of hardwoods and pines that glow with color each fall. Start on the yellow-blazed perimeter trail and take a short detour onto the red-orange Nancy Nation Trail for a surprising eastward view toward the Metacomet Ridge and Heublein Tower which is especially stunning in October.

Hazen Park Trails — Avon
Good for: Fit hikers
Trail type: Out-and-back with switchbacks, picnic tables and overlooks
Time to allow: 1+ hour
Skip the crowds and climb to Heublein Tower the back way from Hazen Park in Avon. This 2.5-mile roundtrip hike is steeper, but manageable thanks to switchbacks and benches. You’ll catch sweeping views of the Farmington Valley even before the summit especially if you take the white-blazed Lower Ridge spur. There’s even a picnic table partway up, perfect for a foliage snack break. Plan for 30–35 minutes up, less on the way down.
Bonus: Hike on October 18 or 19 to catch the quirky Tower Toot Festival with food, music, and fall views from the top. You can even hike to the festival with the Avon Land Trust.

Sweetheart Mountain — Canton
Good for: Adults & teens
Trail type: Wooded loops, easy to strenuous
Time to allow: 1+ hour
Once home to the Canton Ski Club, this 63-acre parcel features 2.5 miles of trails and old ski lift relics. The red trail leads to a peaceful overlook with views of the Farmington River and Collinsville. Trails range in difficulty and see light traffic. Parking on Dunne Avenue.

Pratt Preserve — Canton
Good for: All ages
Trail type: Moderate woodland loop
Time to allow: 45+ minutes
This 50-acre preserve features scenic Cherry Brook, a footbridge, rocky climbs, and a squeeze between boulders. Trail loops range from 1.3–1.7 miles. Great for families as kids love splashing at the brook’s edge, and picnic tables await near the water. Park near 84 Cherry Brook Road (look for the yellow rope). Foot access only.

Hill-Stead Museum Grounds — Farmington
Good for: All ages, stroller & wheelchair friendly (paved road path)
Trail type: Woods, meadows, and paved road path
Time to allow: 30+ minutes
Enjoy fall color with zero effort or lots of it, your choice. Meander the historic estate’s rolling grounds or rock gently on the porch with a cup of tea and a sweeping view of trees in full seasonal attire.

West Mountain Trails — Simsbury
Good for: Experienced hikers with good footwear
Trail type: 5-mile moderate/challenging loop
Time to allow: 3+ hours
Ridge views, hawks on thermals, and a geologic fault line make this a standout hike. Start from Westledge Road, follow the red trail for sweeping vistas, then connect to the white trail (look for the waterfall) and loop back via the blue. Highlights include traprock ridges and one of Simsbury’s best talus fields. Fall hikers may spot cedar waxwings among the junipers.

West Hartford Reservoir — West Hartford
Good for: All ages, bike, stroller & wheelchair friendly
Trail type: Paved and gravel loops, wide and well-marked
Time to allow: 1+ hour
West Hartford’s “Central Park” truly shines in autumn. Stick to the paved loop around the water for reflection views or explore the woodland loops for a more rustic, leaf-crunching experience.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.