Discover New Milford through its river landscapes and traces of its history. Lovers Leap State Park stretches along both sides of the Housatonic River on the northern edge of Lake Lillinonah. Four miles of hiking trails lead through centuries of land-use history. In this park, the landscape and the changing ways the land has been used stand side by side—making it a great starting point if you’d like to combine nature and cultural heritage in one trip.

A historic bridge in Lovers Leap State Park

One tangible historical landmark is the Berlin Iron Bridge in Lovers Leap State Park. Built in 1895, it is one of only four surviving lenticular truss iron bridges in Connecticut. Here, the lenticular shape is more than a technical term: it describes the distinctive form of the trusses and sets the bridge apart from a general notion of historic iron bridges. A truss consists of connected structural members that together form a load-bearing structure. The Berlin Iron Bridge is defined both by its year of construction and by its distinctive bridge type.

Quilt patterns on historic buildings

The New Milford Barn Quilt Trail also combines history with an exploration across multiple locations. It features 19 colorful, hand-painted quilt patterns on large, weather-resistant panels. They are mounted on antique and historic barns and historic buildings in New Milford. You can explore the trail by car or bicycle; visitors can use a mobile device at the panel locations. Unlike the single Berlin Iron Bridge, the trail is characterized by multiple panels at different buildings. This difference can help you choose a cultural theme: one historic iron bridge or a series of quilt patterns on barns and historic buildings.

Water activities and time in the park

There are also clearly distinct options for water activities. You can kayak or row on the Housatonic River, and go boating or swimming at Candlewood Lake. So, if paddling or rowing is your priority, head for the river; if you’re looking for boating or swimming, you’ll find those options at the lake. The Housatonic River thus stands out both as part of the landscape at Lovers Leap State Park and as a place for kayaking and rowing in New Milford.

Harrybrooke Park adds time outdoors to these options. It is open to walkers, runners, and cyclists 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can also sit, read, or meditate there. The activities range from exercise to quiet time outdoors. Plan your park visit within these hours and check the information before setting out. At the southern end of New Milford, Harden House, now a museum, is located in Harrybrooke Park. The park and museum therefore share a named location, which you can consider together when planning around your interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Plymouth, Morris, Cornwall, Warren, Canaan, Sharon, Litchfield, Salisbury

For the main travel overview: Litchfield.