Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Granby, Connecticut

A picturesque town nestled in the beautiful countryside of Massachusetts, Granby is located on the western side of the Connecticut River Valley.

Despite its tranquil ambiance, Hartford is merely over 13 miles to the south, easily accessible via Route 202. Granby offers a rural setting, where visitors can enjoy award-winning wines at local vineyards, hike segments of extensive trails, and pick apples at various orchards.

One must-see attraction is Enders Falls, a sequence of five waterfalls with sparkling pools located within Enders State Forest.

Let us delve into the premier activities available in and around Granby:

1. Enders State Forest

Primarily situated in Granby, Enders State Forest is a cherished natural area known for its diverse streams, wetlands, woodlands, and waterfalls.

Next, we will discuss the prominent attraction, Enders Falls.

This forest, inaugurated in 1970, was a generous gift to the citizens of Connecticut from the children of banker John Enders and his wife, Harriet.

Within its 1,500 acres, the elevation changes by more than 60 meters, with streams flowing eastward from the wetlands through a boulder-rich forest.

The hiking trails are enveloped in a dense canopy of leaves, creating a humid environment that can make the rocks slippery, necessitating careful navigation.

2. Enders Falls

A purple-marked trail within the forest extends three-quarters of a mile to a viewpoint offering stunning views of the magnificent Enders Falls.

For enthusiasts, these falls rank among the most breathtaking in the state.

Enders Brook cascades through a series of drops, slides, and plunges, with the tallest waterfall measuring approximately 10 meters.

Five distinct waterfalls create a captivating sequence, with pools that are popular among anglers and swimmers alike.

Swimming is allowed; however, it is not officially advised due to potential hazards created by high drops, slippery rocks, and swift currents.

3. Lost Acres Vineyard

Located in the serene northern area of Granby, Lost Acres Vineyard features a charming winery and tasting room housed in a rustic barn equipped with solar panels.

The vineyard cultivates various grape varieties, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Traminette for producing both single varietal and blended wines, such as the refreshing Wedge White (Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Cayuga White, Traminette, and Seyval Blanc). Wine tastings are available for $7, allowing visitors to sample five wines and receive a complimentary glass as a keepsake.

A farm kitchen offers antipasto platters and cheeseboards, while guests are welcome to bring their own picnics.

Check the vineyard’s calendar for information about live music, art events, and an indoor farmers’ market in the spring.

4. McLean Game Refuge

This expansive 1,700-acre refuge is open to the public, extending to Canton and Simsbury in the southern portion of Granby.

The land was acquired in stages by George P. McLean, a senator and governor of Connecticut, throughout his lifetime.

Following his passing, the property was designated to a fund in his honor, allowing visitors to explore over 20 miles of walking trails and two bridleways amidst diverse landscapes.

Triassic basalt ridges are present in the east, featuring the uniquely shaped Barndoor Hills, while the west boasts a Paleozoic metamorphic terrain interspersed with eskers, sandy fields, and kettle ponds.

The woods include hemlocks, maples, birches, beeches, oaks, and chestnuts, and numerous bird species, including winter wrens, pileated woodpeckers, Blackburnian warblers, and hermit thrushes, can be observed here.

5. Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine

This intriguing archaeological site has recently reopened to the public following ten years of renovations.

Copper was first discovered at this location in the early 1700s, and mining operations continued until 1745. Approximately 30 years later, the tunnels were repurposed as an underground prison, initially for common criminals and later for Loyalists and British captives during the Revolutionary War.

Post-war, New Gate prison became Connecticut’s first state confinement facility, with surface buildings dating back to the early 19th century.

A visitor center is located in the Old Guardhouse, and guided tours of the tunnels below, once referred to as “Hell” by prisoners, are available.

6. Saville Dam

Constructed in the 1930s, the Saville Dam impounds the eastern branch of the Farmington River at the southern end of the Barkhamsted Reservoir.

The dam offers a stunning view, especially when observed from CT-318, whether looking up along the reservoir or back over the Farmington Valley.

The picturesque Upper Gatehouse Tower of the dam features Medieval-inspired architecture with round arched windows, buttresses, rustic stone, and a conical roof, all connected by a bridge to the roadside.

Once you have appreciated the scenic views, you can utilize nearby picnic areas that date back to the 1930s, laid out by the Works Progress Administration.

7. Brignole Vineyards

The focal point of this award-winning vineyard is the grand tasting room, exhibiting elements of New England’s Greek Revival architecture, including Doric columns and pediments.

A pergola on the upper level allows visitors to enjoy views of the vineyard while sampling wines from the decks below.

Brignole produces wines using grapes adept at thriving in Connecticut’s climate, along with California-grown red varieties, effectively bringing a touch of Napa Valley to Granby.

These wines range from sweet whites to robust, full-bodied reds.

The tasting room opens from Wednesday to Sunday, offering samples, wine by the glass, sangria, and even wine slushies.

During the summer months, Brignole hosts various food trucks and features trivia nights, live music, and additional activities.

8. Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard

This Granby farm features approximately 15,000 apple trees and additional crops like peaches, nectarines, Asian pears, and blueberries.

Utilizing Integrated Pest Management, Clark Farms limits chemical pesticide use, ensuring a family-friendly pick-your-own experience where no apple tree exceeds two meters in height.

The farm offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Share for residents, in addition to a creamery open from spring to fall, and a bakery producing muffins, pies, apple turnovers, and delectable apple cider donuts.

Additionally, there is a farm-to-table cafe open for breakfast and brunch on weekends from 08:00 to 13:00.

9. The Garlic Farm

This authentic organic farm is primarily renowned for its garlic (including scapes) but also cultivates a diverse range of produce such as carrots, chard, beets, cucumbers, leeks, peppers, tomatoes, winter squash, and a variety of herbs.

One of the delights of the Garlic Farm is that the farm market is housed in a historic barn.

All products are freshly harvested and grown without pesticides.

The market opens in mid-July and offers a selection that changes throughout the summer until closing in August.

A regular newsletter updates subscribers about the availability of their favorite vegetables and herbs.

10. Old Mill Pond Village

This charming location offers a delightful shopping experience in a series of historic barns and outbuildings surrounding a picturesque pond, providing an excellent setting to spend an hour or two.

It is impossible to encapsulate all that is available in one paragraph; nonetheless, a brief overview includes women’s jewelry and accessories, furniture, kitchenware, pottery, outdoor furniture, yard decorations, textiles, and much more.

Notable brands available at the Red Barn Gift Shop include Yankee Candle, Vera Bradley, and Alex and Ani.

The Christmas Shop is a seasonal favorite, offering an array of Christmas-themed collectibles, decorations, cards, and candles.

11. Salmon Brook Park

Located just south of Granby Center, Salmon Brook Park serves as the central hub for a variety of recreational activities, including basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, and field hockey.

The park also features hiking trails and a spacious playground equipped with facilities suitable for children of various ages.

Moreover, there are two picnic areas and a large park house, both of which can be reserved by local residents from May through November.

Additionally, the park encompasses Salmon Brook Pond, which boasts remarkably clear waters sourced from springs and deep wells.

This pond includes a gradually sloping sandy beach that is open for swimming daily during the summer school break.

12. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

This extensive mixed-use trail, steeped in history, runs through Granby along Floydville Road on its 80-mile journey across Connecticut and into Massachusetts.

As you walk this route, you traverse the railbed of the New Haven and Northampton Company from the 1840s.

Previously, this area served as a canal constructed in the 1820s by a consortium of businessmen to enhance waterborne trade between New Haven and Northampton.

As of 2019, approximately 85% of the original railbed is navigable, with Granby located along the longest uninterrupted stretch between Northern Plainville and the Massachusetts state line.

Interpretive signage highlights intriguing historical aspects, and the paved path allows for easy walking or cycling.

13. Penwood State Park

Located five miles south of Granby Center, at the end of Wintonbury Road, lies an access point for the Metacomet Trail.

This 63-mile Blue-Blazed trail follows the Metacomet Ridge, an ancient basalt fault formed over 200 million years ago, stretching between Long Island Sound and the Massachusetts-Vermont border.

Hiking south from the parking area rewards adventurers with breathtaking views high on the west side of the Connecticut Valley, prominent in the northern section of the ridge’s Talcott Mountain range.

Continuing further south leads to Talcott Mountain State Park, renowned for the Heublein Tower, a signature landmark of Connecticut constructed for a German soft drink entrepreneur in the early 20th century.

14. Tunxis State Forest

Situated primarily along the shores of the Barkhamsted Reservoir, this state forest spans parcels throughout Granby, Barkhamsted, and Hartland.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, fishing, and letterboxing.

Most activities are accessible near Routes 20 and 179 in Hartland.

A northern section of the Blue-Blazed Tunxis Trail weaves through the forest, extending nearly 80 miles down the western ridge of the Connecticut Valley.

The northern endpoint is located in Hartland at the scenic Hurricane Brook.

Access to the cross-country skiing area, established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, can be found via Balance Rock Road off Route 20 in East Hartland.

15. Ski Sundown

Located past Granby’s southwestern edge in New Hartford, Ski Sundown features 16 ski trails, comprehensive snowmaking capabilities, and nighttime skiing available on all but one trail.

While Ski Sundown caters primarily to novice skiers, it boasts four black diamond runs for those seeking a greater challenge, despite nine of the 16 trails being designated as green circle for beginners.

The resort includes terrain parks on the mile-long Tom’s Treat trail, the easiest run, and both rail and barrel features on the black diamond Stinger trail.

Visitors can expect to find programs and private lessons for all ages, along with walk-in group classes for skill enhancement.

In 2019, lift tickets were priced at $62 for eight hours and $38 from 18:00 to 22:00.