On this backyard road trip we’re heading out to Eastern Connecticut for a family-friendly journey that includes hiking, a visit to a winery, and a favorite playground. The route travels from the East Hampton/Colchester line, to Franklin, and on to Norwich. This Eastern Connecticut adventure is sure to please everyone!
Salmon River State Forest/Comstock Bridge
Although the Salmon River State Forest is quite large, I like to begin my trek at the Comstock Bridge. This scenic wooden covered bridge brings a slice of northern New England to Connecticut. Officially, you’ll be parking in East Hampton (off of Route 16), but the actual path is on the Colchester side of the Salmon River.
The bridge is parallel to Route 16 and was once upon a time the way to traverse the river. Today the 1840 covered bridge is only open to foot traffic. For our eastern Connecticut adventure, cross the bridge and head directly left toward the river behind the sign. My kids could have spent all afternoon here throwing rocks into the water. (It’s also a very popular spot for fishing.)
We only hiked a fraction of the state forest’s trails, but we did journey for about 20 minutes each way. At first the blue blazed trail hugs the banks of the Salmon River. After a canopy of trees, the path becomes steep. I was impressed that my almost five-year-old was able to scale this by balancing on logs with sure footing over roots. Near the top of the steady incline is where we decided to turn around.
A few fun facts about Salmon River State Forest is that the river itself is part of Connecticut’s Garnet Trail. The garnet is Connecticut’s state mineral. If you feel like wading into the rushing waters, you may uncover a sparkling garnet. Make sure to be on the lookout for the elusive black fox. This trickster is a ghost of a fox that duped both the Indigenous people of the land and early settlers alike.
Keep hiking through the forest to get to another scenic state park, Day Pond State Park. If you want to stay on the East Hampton side of things, the excellent Air Line Trail connects just north of Comstock Bridge. Follow Comstock Bridge Road to Bull Hill Road. Heading west on the Air Line Trail was one of the finest examples of a wrought iron railroad trestle in the state, the Lyman Viaduct. The route is part of the rail trail but it has been filled in. The trail is an impressive journey, from Portland to Thompson.
Arrowhead Acres Farm Winery
The next stop on our Eastern Connecticut adventure is another visit to Arrowhead Acres Farm Winery in Franklin. Head on Route 16 through Colchester until it connects with Route 207. Take that east toward Lebanon and Franklin and the winery is at the junction with Route 32.
Arrowhead Acres is what a winery should be–rustic with gorgeous views but without any pretentiousness. Their wine is excellent and so are the items available at the farm store.
Heading into the store, you are greeted with an array of options, including locally-made products such as sauces, drinks, and cheese. Sandwiches are available and so are delish treats. I picked up a breakfast sandwich and others chose lunch sandwiches. All were top notch, as was the pumpkin whoopie pie.
We had the kids in tow and although the tasting room is for over 21 only, it was not busy so we were able to sit. If not, the outside space is a great option for all ages. I chose two reds, a fruit wine, and their house white as part of my wine flight. I’m not typically a wine guy, but I’ve enjoyed every sip I’ve had here. From a dry red to a sweet fruit-based, they all are superb. The decor features Franklin’s agrarian nature (think farm tools on the wall as decor) and is an excellent backdrop for some sipping and conversing.
Taftville Playground (Mt. Everest)
Since my kids put up with the winery very well (thanks to sandwiches, sweets, and sticker books), they were able to romp around a favorite playground afterward. Continuing on Route 207 through Franklin into Sprague, take a right onto Route 97 and eventually another right onto Route 169 to be in the heart of the village of Taftville, a former mill town that is part of Norwich.
Here at 140 Providence Street is my kids’ favorite playground. Officially known as the Taftville Playground, my kids know it as Mt. Everest. This is because of the massive playscape structure that they love to climb, although during this visit they stuck mostly to the swings as well as playing a game called “color ball.” One person throws a ball from the bench while the other tries to block a structure of four steps, each in a different color. If the step is hit, a point is had.
For our Eastern Connecticut adventure, the afternoon was spent hiking in Salmon River State Forest, eating and sipping at Arrowhead Acres Farm Winery, and having fun at the Taftville Playground. With destinations in close proximity to each other, it makes it a rewarding adventure without too much extra driving.
