Need a quiet escape filled with nature, music, and small-town charm? Head to Norfolk! Tucked into Connecticut’s scenic Northwest Corner, Norfolk offers outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and year-round beauty. Whether you're hiking forested trails, catching a world-class concert, or relaxing in a historic inn, Norfolk is a peaceful and inspiring getaway.
Norfolk, CT Highlights:
- For Families: Visit the Norfolk Library – Step into a stunning, castle-like library with programs and cozy reading spaces for all ages.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike Haystack Mountain State Park – Trek to the stone tower for sweeping views over the Litchfield Hills.
- For Kids: Explore Great Mountain Forest – Hike, snowshoe, or discover wildlife in this preserved natural wonderland.
- For an Adventure: Paddle or fish at Wood Creek Pond – Enjoy serene waters perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and nature spotting.
- For Shoppers: Browse the local artisan shops and galleries – Find hand-crafted goods, books, and one-of-a-kind artwork downtown.
Best Time to Visit Norfolk, CT
The best time to visit Norfolk is late spring through fall (May to October) for hiking, foliage, and festivals. Winter is also magical if you enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy fireside retreats.
How to Get to Norfolk, CT
- If you are traveling by car: Located off Route 44, Norfolk is about 2.5 hours from NYC and 1 hour from Hartford.
- By Train: The nearest train stations are in Wassaic, NY (about 45 minutes) and Hartford, CT, connecting to NYC or Boston.
- By Air: Bradley International Airport is about 1 hour away, offering domestic and limited international flights.
Where to Stay in Norfolk, CT
- The Norfolk Inn – Elegant boutique inn located in the heart of town, walking distance to concerts and cafes.
- Manor House Inn – Romantic B&B in a historic Victorian mansion with fireplaces, canopy beds, and gardens.
- Mountain View Green Retreat – A quiet countryside escape with nature views and eco-conscious lodging.
Best Things to Do in Norfolk, CT
⮕ Infinity Music Hall and Bistro
Enjoy live music and savor a romantic dinner in a cozy, intimate venue.
Infinity Music Hall and Bistro is not just a concert venue - it’s a complete entertainment and dining experience. The venue was originally built in 1883 as a combination barbershop, saloon, and opera house. Even then, there was nothing even similar to it in the picturesque city of Norfolk. Today, the music hall retains much of its original charm, including the original stage, while adding modern upgrades such as a world-class sound system. The relaxed and intimate setting is the perfect place for you to enjoy great music along with fabulous food. Stop in for the popular open mic night to get a glimpse of some extremely promising local artists.
20 Greenwoods Rd W, Norfolk, CT 06058, Phone: 860-542-5531
For Nature Lovers
⮕ Haystack Mountain State Park
Hike wooded trails and admire fall views from the stone tower.
Haystack Mountain State Park is a public recreation space that every outdoor adventurer should explore while in Norfolk. Encompassing Haystack Mountain, visitors are able to drive to the top on the winding mountain roads or hike up there on the rugged trail. Either way, you’ll be able to take in the breaktaking views of the surroundings, which are at its prime in the fall when the spectacular colors of the foliage really stand out. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the 34-foot-tall Haystack Mountain Tower, which was built in 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-1817
⮕ Campbell Falls State Park
Walk along forest paths and see exciting waterfall sights on a quick trip.
Have a memorable outdoor experience within the diverse natural areas of Campbell Falls State Park. Campbell Falls is a great example of nature being preserved as naturally as possible; though informal trails are there from years of being a popular hiking spot, there are no paved trails or other major facilities. The lack of development within the park has actually made it a thriving space for the local flora and fauna, much of which you can get up close and personal with as you hike through the area. Another popular activity that you can partake in while at Campbell Falls is stream fishing.
117 Old Spaulding Rd, Norfolk, CT 06058
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Norfolk Historical Museum
Explore local artifacts and discover affordable glimpses into the town’s past.
Maintained by the Norfolk Historical Society, a non-profit organization which was established in 1960, the Norfolk Historical Museum is a wonderful place for visitors to better understand the people and events that have shaped the town. In the museum, you’ll be able to see a number of records and artifacts relating to the artistic, literary, natural, and civic history of the town. The building in which the museum is housed in is itself a historical marvel; built in 1840, the building was used as the old Norfolk Academy and the Town Hall and Jail before it was used as the museum.
13 Village Green, Norfolk, CT 06058, Phone: 860-542-5761
⮕ Dennis Hill State Park
Drive to scenic overlooks and enjoy a peaceful weekend picnic with family.
Dennis Hill State Park is a 240-acre estate that is absolutely marvelous to explore any time of the year. You can hike to the summit to see panoramic views of your surroundings and on a clear day, you may be able to see as far as New Hampshire. The colorful leaves during the fall foliage season should not be missed if you find yourself in the area during that time. In addition to hiking, visitors at Dennis Hill State Park can also partake in outdoor photography, bird watching, picnicking, and much more.
385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT 06058, Phone: 860-482-1817
⮕ Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument
Learn about ironworks history and explore unusual 19th-century ruins.
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument is a historic site which was established in 1946. Visitors will be able to see a well-preserved 19th century iron-making blast furnace right in the middle of Burr Pond State Park. The main furnace is a large stone structure which towers at over 40 feet tall; it was built by John Adam Beckley in 1847 for the production of pig iron and continued to operate until 1919. There are several other dams and furnaces to be seen alongside the nearby Blackberry River. Activities you can participate in in the surrounding state park include hiking, picnicking, pond fishing, or taking a seasonally-offered tour of the furnace.
Burr Pond State Park: 385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-364-5147
⮕ Berkshire Country Store
Shop for local goods and savor a cheap bite in a charming setting.
No matter if you call it a country store, general store, or a trading post, there’s no denying that these establishments are a historic centerpiece for rural small towns all across the nation. The Berkshire Country Store is one such place that serves the surrounding community and its visitors with a wide variety of goods but also a restaurant serving classic foods which are delicious. Going to the store will take you back in time as the decor, products, and hospitality all are reminiscent of eras past. You can feast on a hot or cold sandwich such as the Sweet Chili Chicken Melt or the Beauty & the Beef Berkshire wrap. Other items include pizza, hot dogs, burgers, soups, salads, and a number of sides.
6 Station Pl, Norfolk, CT 06058, Phone: 860-542-7176
Where to Eat in Norfolk, CT
- Infinity Bistro – Upscale bistro serving seasonal fare with a small-town vibe, often featuring live music.
- Wood Creek Bar & Grill – Friendly local tavern with pub classics, burgers, and outdoor seating in warm months.
- Norfolk Coffee & Tea – Cozy café with fresh pastries, coffee, and a perfect spot to relax or read.
If you are interested in local events:
- Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (July–August) – Classical music performances in a historic Music Shed by Yale School of Music.
- Norfolk Artists & Friends Exhibition (August) – Group show celebrating local artists across mediums.
- Weekend in Norfolk (August & February) – Seasonal town-wide celebration with concerts, tours, art shows, and family activities.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Norfolk, Connecticut:
- Salisbury (25–30 min) – Hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy Lakeville’s town beach, or visit The White Hart Inn.
- Falls Village (20–25 min) – Check out the Great Falls of the Housatonic River or visit historic downtown.
- Winsted (15–20 min) – Visit the American Museum of Tort Law or stroll Highland Lake for outdoor fun.
- Canaan (15–20 min) – Explore antique shops or grab a bite at local diners in this quiet crossroads town.
- Lakeville (25–30 min) – Lounge lakeside or visit Scoville Memorial Library, the oldest public library in the U.S.
- Barkhamsted (25–30 min) – Hike People’s State Forest or fish the Farmington River.
- Goshen (20–25 min) – Enjoy seasonal farm stands, wineries, and the Goshen Fairgrounds events.
- Winchester Center (20 min) – Wander a quaint historic village surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.
- Haystack Mountain (5–10 min) – Hike up to the tower for unbeatable views right from Norfolk’s edge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Norfolk located?
- Norfolk is an intimate New England town nestled within the natural beauty of Connecticut’s forests and hills.
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What types of activities can visitors enjoy in Norfolk?
- Norfolk offers a wonderful variety of things to do, catering to both adventure seekers and those looking for quiet solitude.
- Visitors can enjoy anything from peaceful retreats to lively gatherings in this scenic town.
Plan Your Trip
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