Just as summer blazes to an end, fall is right around the corner. In Connecticut, fall seems to come a bit earlier than other parts of the country, offering travelers some unique places, events and festivals to usher in cooler weather. Featuring, front and center, the state's legendary fall leaf sightings, other fall activities include adventurous tree climbing and zip lining or trips down the ever popular Connecticut Wine Trail. Here are five fall events unique to Connecticut.

Gillette Castle State Park features wooded hiking trails and plenty of places overlooking the woods to see all the colors of the autumn season. The patio at the castle offers a view of the lower Connecticut River Valley featuring a spectacular array of color.

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat has a fall foliage package that includes a two-and-a-half-hour steam train and riverboat ride through the Connecticut River Valley. Guests will enjoy a bursting array of red, orange, yellow and gold foliage as they tour the countryside and the Connecticut River.