Science and nature attractions in Litchfield CT can enrich your vacation

Bull's Covered Bridge River Walk

Bull's Bridge Road Kent, CT

A scenic part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can enjoy the Bull's Bridge Scenic Trail loop, featuring views of waterfalls and gorges down below on the Housatonic River. The covered bridge itself was built in 1842, and is one of the few in New England still open to auto traffic. The trail follows the Housatonic River to Ten Mile River Gorge, and then up to the top of Ten Mile Hill.

Connecticut Antique Machinery Association

U.S. Route 7 Kent, CT 06557 Phone: 860-927-0050

Open: May through October, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Museum dedicated to the preservation, restoration and demonstration of antique machinery from our rich industrial and agricultural past. Areas of focus include Agricultural equipment and mechanical farm implements, The Cream Hill Agricultural School, Internal Combustion Engines, Industrial steam power, Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science, Narrow gauge railroad. Admission: Adults, $3; children under age 12, free.

H.C. Barnes Nature Center

175 Shrub Road Bristol, CT Phone: 860-589-6082

Open: Wed - Fri, 2 - 5 pm; Sat 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 -5 pm

This nature center features a variety of self-guiding trails, as well as interpretive exhibits and a nature library. The 70 acre sanctuary is home to a variety of species.

Kent Falls State Park

Route 7 Kent, CT Phone: 860-927-3238

One of the most visually stunning places in Connecticut, Kent Falls features a 200-foot, cascading waterfall. Along the falls visitors can utilize a staired path which allows views from top to bottom. The park also has picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing areas. There is a charge for admission on weekends and holidays.

Mattatuck Museum

144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 Phone: 203-753-0381

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.; closed major holidays

Exhibits chronicle the industrial history of the Naugatuck Valley as well as its social, architectural and cultural past. Period settings, decorative arts, furniture, 19th- and 20th-century art, changing exhibits. Cafe, museum shop. Admission: Adults, $4; Children under age 16, free.

Saugatuck Valley Hiking Trail System

Route 53 Redding, CT Phone: 203-958-2551

Open: Year round.

Over 65 miles of hiking trails wend their way through Redding, Easton and Weston. Hikers will pass historic and natural sites, including the view from a 200 foot cliff overlooking a reservoir. A permit is required, and available -- along with maps -- at the Redding Town Clerk's office.

Sharon Audubon Center

325 Cornwall Bridge Road / Route 4 Sharon, CT 06069 Phone: 860-364-0520

Nature trails meander through gardens, woods and around ponds. Walking the trails affords the opportunity to experience a diversity of wildlife habitats, home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals like bobcats, beavers, river otters and deer. The chestnut-sided warbler, ovenbird, and wood thrush, among other neotropical migratory birds, breed in our woods in the summer while many other migratory birds use the property as a lay-over point during their long migrations.
The Visitor Center houses the Nature Store, our Natural History Museum and Exhibit Room, live animals and displays, a Children's Adventure Center, and Research Library. Exhibits include a children’s discovery room, live animals and natural history. A gift shop and book store can also be found in the museum.
Hours: The Visitors Center and Nature Store are open year round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The building is closed on all major holidays.
Admission: Trails and most programs are $3 for adults; $1.50 for seniors; $1.50 for children

White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum

Route 202 Litchfield, CT Phone: 860-567-0857

Open: Year-round, daily

Sanctuary set on 4,000 acres features 35 miles of trails, including a wooden boardwalk through wetland areas. The sanctuary museum examines the flora and fauna on the property more closely. Visitors can also enjoy the gift shop. A 3.1 mile trail is ideal for the novice and nature lover, and takes visitors alongside the Bantam River and along a 1.2 mile wooden boardwalk that will take you through a large portion of the sanctuary's wetlands.