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SCENIC BYWAY

James H. Darcey Memorial Scenic Highway

25.7 miles: 0 hours, 23 minutes

Follow the James H. Darcey Memorial Highway (SR 8) between the towns of Winsted and Waterbury to discover western Connecticut’s bucolic countryside. This north-south route cuts through the hilly terrain of the Naugatuck River Valley and is particularly stunning in October, when trees create a quilt of colors along the roadside.

flickr/John Schiller

Trees and rolling hills comprise most of the view along the James H. Darcey Memorial Highway. The terrain becomes noticeably hillier and densely forested as you enter Mattatuck State Forest near Waterbury, Conn. Fall is the best time to experience this scenic drive, but the landscape offers a peaceful respite year-round.

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