Get to know Cornwall, Connecticut, through three distinct highlights: river activities on the Housatonic, hikes in the surrounding area, and the West Cornwall Covered Bridge. Housatonic Meadows State Park offers several types of recreation, and there are also hiking trails near Cornwall of varying lengths and difficulty. The seasonal farmers market adds a local offering in West Cornwall to the area’s nature and cultural experiences.
River Activities at Housatonic Meadows State Park
Housatonic Meadows State Park is a 452-acre public recreation area on the Housatonic River in the towns of Sharon and Cornwall, Connecticut. The state park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and fly-fishing; the Appalachian Trail also passes through it. The activities range from being on the water to picnicking and hiking.
In the Cornwall section of the Housatonic River, paddling, fishing, and hiking are among the river recreation options. When planning, you can distinguish between these activities along the river and the wider selection available in the state park.
Choose Hikes by Length and Character
The Pine Knob Loop Trail is near Cornwall, in Housatonic Meadows State Park and Housatonic State Forest, west of the Housatonic River and north of Cornwall Bridge. This short, challenging trail forms a 2.6-mile loop, shares part of its route with the Appalachian Trail, and offers views across the river valley.
A longer section of the Appalachian Trail runs from Falls Village to West Cornwall Road and is near Cornwall. It is 18.2 miles long; its features include a river and some challenging climbs. The choice of route comes down to a clear difference: Pine Knob is a 2.6-mile loop, while the Appalachian Trail section covers 18.2 miles.
Nearby, Welles Preserve offers an easier, shorter walk: the one-mile trail crosses Bloody Mountain through the woods and offers views of Cornwall Village. The climb is very short; the walk takes 15 to 20 minutes. There is a picnic table at the top. The parking lot is on Town Street, four-tenths of a mile from the intersection with Route 128.
The Mohawk Blue Blazed Trail also runs through the pines and is a popular starting point and destination for outings in Cornwall.
West Cornwall: Seasonal Market and History
The seasonal farmers market in West Cornwall offers produce and other local products from farms and craft vendors. It combines agricultural products with crafts, setting it apart from the activities on the river and hiking trails. Since the schedule may change, check the dates before your visit.
The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is one of the last covered bridges in Connecticut. It is 172 feet long and 15 feet wide and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alongside the river and hiking options, it offers a specific structure with historic status, giving Cornwall another cultural facet.
Discover more destinations: Morris, Sharon, Plymouth, Warren, Litchfield, Northfield, New Milford, Canaan
Return to the main travel overview: Litchfield.
