This ‘charming’ Connecticut town is perfect for fall leaf peeping

Do you want to start planning your next weekend trip at peak fall foliage season?

Well, Islands, a travel publication that started in 1981, says this obscure Connecticut college town looks absolutely beautiful in the fall.

“It’s home to Sleeping Giant State Park, which is full of forests, cliffs, caves, and miles of hiking trails with stunning views,” the publication said. “Several other state parks complete your outdoorsy itinerary, and you can finish your trip by visiting a local ice cream shop or restaurant (or both).”

And for that, they recommend heading to Hamden, Connecticut.

Hamden — ‘underrated gem’ with an amazing park

Islands named Hamden, Connecticut, as the best place to go to if you want a nice, quiet town with the beautiful backdrop of the New England outdoors to go with it.

What Islands said about it: “The number-one place to visit in Hamden is Sleeping Giant State Park. While it’s fine to visit throughout the year, it’s particularly popular in the fall, thanks to the stunning fall foliage (check out these fall foliage finder resources when planning your trip). The park’s 40 miles of hiking trails take you past waterfalls, caves, rivers, and cliffs, with many viewpoints to enjoy the scenery. Particularly notable is the Sleeping Giant Observation Tower, a four-story stone structure built in the 1930s that sees over 100,000 visitors each year. The park’s unusual microclimate makes it a unique ecosystem with many rare animals, birds, and plants. Go birdwatching and see how many of the 125 bird species you can spot, or take a nature walk to observe different kinds of trees, ferns, and fungi. One important note: The park is free for Connecticut residents, but there is an entrance fee for out-of-state visitors. On weekdays, the fee is $10 per vehicle; on weekends and holidays, it ticks up to $15.”

You can find Sleeping Giant State Park at 200 Mt Carmel Ave., in Hamden, Connecticut.

“Quinnipiac University is a major presence in Hamden,” Islands said. “Visitors can stroll through the Mount Carmel campus quad, explore the 48,000-square-foot Arnold Bernhard Library, catch a basketball or ice hockey game at M&T Bank Arena, or take in the scenery at the Pat Abbate Alumni Gardens.”

Fun fact: Ilona Maher, notable rugby player, played for Quinnipiac University and was voted the school’s Female Athlete of the Year, according to the Quinnipiac University athletics website.

Where to get ice cream

“Don’t forget dessert: Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream Company serves up unique flavors like chocolate Oreo brownie batter and salty buttered cashew, and Whitney Donut was voted best donuts in Connecticut,” the publication said.

You can find Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream Company at 3697 Whitney Ave. You can also find Whitney Donut at 2574 Whitney Ave.

“You’ll have earned a treat after a full day of exploring this charming New England town,” Islands said.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.