This quiet town is home to the West Cornwall Covered Bridge – the longest covered bridge in Connecticut.
The town itself is actually divided into three areas, Cornwall Bridge, West Cornwall, and Cornwall Village.
West Cornwall is where visitors will find most of the action, since it contains a variety of shops, restaurants, a general store, a video rental store, and a post office.
The Housatonic River also has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts, including kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and fly fishing.
Or, if you prefer dry land, renting a bike is a good way to explore the town and see the sights it has to offer.
For those who enjoy taking part in more extreme sports, the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is nearby.
If you would like more information about what to do in Cornwall, keep reading for our comprehensive list of recommendations.
The 14 Most Popular Things To Do In Cornwall, Connecticut
14. Cream Hill Lake
5.0 (1 review)
The stunning and idyllic landscape of charming towns and rugged mountains is sprinkled with magnificent and bountiful lakes, such as Cream Hill Lake. It is an excellent spot for fishing, but there is also a plethora of other activities available at the lake. Visitors can reserve tennis courts for games or lessons, and there is an option for membership as well.
13. Dudleytown Hill
4.5 (6 reviews)
Dudleytown is one of the most famous ghost towns in the US and is only a 10 minute drive from Cornwall. Unfortunately, however, due to high levels of vandalism and trespassing, the site is no longer open to the public.
12. Dean Ravine
4.4 (7 reviews)
This waterfall is formed by Reed Brook. There used to be an Appalachian Trail hike running past it, but it was rerouted in the 1980s. Today you can view the falls from a different hike called The Mohawk Trail.
Credit: Ben Smith, Google Maps
11. Cunningham Tower
4.6 (7 reviews)
The tower sits on top of Mohawk Mountain in the Litchfield Hills. This tower speaks of the history of Mohawk Mountain as an area that was once dedicated to observation towers. Now it is known as the Mohawk Mountain ski area.
Credit: Debra Wojtczak, Google Maps
Location: Toomey Road, Goshen, CT
10. Mohawk Pond
4.5 (17 reviews)
Mohawk Pond is a great fishing spot and while there is a boat launch we must remind readers that motorized boats are prohibited. Parking is limited and there are no flush toilets on the premises. It is a truly exclusive spot in rural Litchfield County.
Credit: Valerie Pinnette, Google Maps
9. Mohawk Mountain State Park
4.6 (127 reviews)
The Mohawk Mountain State Park is a wildlife sanctuary dotted with rolling hills and beautiful scenery. The flora in the area is quite unique and there is a black spruce bog nearby which creates yet another unique ecosystem. It is the perfect place for hiking.
Credit: M Sullivan, Google Maps
Location: 79 Sharon, Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall, CT
Web Address: http://ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp
Our Top picks
8. Housatonic Valley
4.0 (2 reviews)
This river flows all the way into Long Island Sound. The river that flows through this valley had long been used for fishing and hunting. The upper part of the valley is part of a cultural heritage site. There are also three covered bridges that cross the Housatonic River at various points in the valley.
Credit: Morrowlong, License, Wikimedia commons
7. Cornwall Historical Society
5.0 (2 reviews)
The Cornwall History Society is dedicated to sharing knowledge and understanding of Cornwall’s past so that future of Cornwall might benefit from such understanding. There are several seasonal events to look forward to. There is also an active research service.
Location: 7 Pine Street, Cornwall, CT
Tel: 860 672 0505
Web Address: http://cornwallhistoricalsociety.org/
6. Cathedral Pines
4.5 (13 reviews)
This glorious old-growth Hemlock-Pine stands is great to visit for a person who wants to go walking around a forest area. Explore the hiking and walking trails in the area at your leisure. The laid back atmosphere of this forest against the rugged hills of the county offer a really great fairytale world to explore. This area is separate to the larger Mohawk State Forest. 
Credit: Marty Aligata, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: West Cornwall, CT
5. Pine Knob Loop Trail
4.7 (87 reviews)
The Pine Knob Loop Trail is on the more difficult side, being classified between moderate and strenuous. The loop is about 2.8 miles and has an elevation gain of 814 feet. It is a circuit trail and while parking and entrance is free, there are also no bathrooms at the site. The area opens at 8 am and closes at sunset.
Credit: Morrowlong, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Sharon, CT
4. Housatonic Meadows State Park
4.7 (192 reviews)
The park is situated around the Housatonic Valley. It is a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can hike, fish, go fly fishing, and camp. It is one of the most serene attractions to visit in the county. Canoeing or rafting is also allowed, but there is a stretch of river that is reserved only for fly fishing.
Credit: Morrowlong, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 90, US 7, Sharon, CT
Web Address: http://ct.gov/deep/housatonicmeadows
3. West Cornwall Covered Bridge
4.7 (308 reviews)
The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is not the only covered bridge in the county, but it is one of the best preserved surviving covered bridges. These quiet country roads combine the vibrant cultural scene of around five quaint villages with the quintessential small town lifestyle with stunning farmland in rural Connecticut.
Credit: Carol M. Highsmith, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Housatonic River, Connecticut, West Cornwall
2. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
4.5 (724 reviews)
Like many other attractions in Connecticut, the ski area is dependent on the seasons. It is only open during snowy season when visitors to Litchfield and Cornwall, Connecticut, can ski the hills and foothills of Mohawk Mountain.
Location: 46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall, CT
Tel: 860 672 6100
Web Address: http://mohawkmtn.com/
1. Kent Falls State Park
4.6 (1,519 reviews)
Kent Falls also has a covered bridge within their grounds. There are hiking trails to the falls that meet up with the river. Like other state parks the trails are all marked and documented, there is not a food service on site, but food is allowed in the park. No alcohol is allowed in the park or on the trails. If you plan to visit it is best to go early, when the park is full there is no additional parking and the park might remain closed for hours once it is at capacity.
Location: 462 Kent Cornwall Road Kent CT
Tel: 860 927 3238
Web Address: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Kent-Falls-State-Park
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Cornwall, Connecticut! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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