Norfolk is a charming town nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills region of northwestern Connecticut, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural offerings, and outdoor adventures that draw visitors year-round.
The village green itself is fairly understated, with just a scattering of historic buildings to admire, but the real highlights emerge when you stroll through the nearby forests. Here, you'll be treated to the sounds of diverse bird species chirping away—think warblers, thrushes, and perhaps even owls—and if fortune smiles, you could catch glimpses of them flitting through the trees or spot other wildlife like deer and foxes amid the lush greenery.
If you're visiting Norfolk or the surrounding area during the summer,
be sure to look into the schedule for live concerts, chamber music
performances, or art exhibitions at the Yale Summer School of Music,
which hosts the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival from early July through
mid-August, featuring world-class artists and emerging talents in an
inspiring setting.
Infinity Hall, situated along Route 44 at 20
Greenwoods Road West, serves as the town's premier music venue and
operates year-round with over 200 live shows annually in its intimate
300-seat space. It also doubles as a bistro dishing up innovative
cuisine, living up to its slogan of "intimate concerts and creative
cuisine." This historic gem, originally built in 1883, blends Victorian
architecture with modern entertainment—reach out at ☏ +1 860 542-5531,
toll-free: +1-866-666-6306, or email boxoffice@infinityhall.com for
tickets and details.
For outdoor enthusiasts, cool off with a swim at
Tobey Pond, a beloved local swimming hole formed by glacial activity
thousands of years ago, typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in
summer with lifeguards on duty for safety. Alternatively, lace up your
boots for hikes through the area's wildlife-abundant woods, teeming with
creatures from squirrels and rabbits to larger mammals like bears in
more remote spots.
A standout option is the trail at Haystack
Mountain State Park, a moderate 0.8-mile hike with about 223 feet of
elevation gain that leads to a 34-foot stone observation tower at the
1,680-foot summit. From there, enjoy sweeping panoramic views stretching
into Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont, complete with interpretive
displays highlighting the region's history and ecology—perfect for a
picnic or photo op.
Equally rewarding is a trip to Campbell Falls
State Park, a serene natural reserve where a short 1-mile out-and-back
trail with 141 feet of elevation brings you to a breathtaking 50-foot
waterfall cascading over ancient rocks, ideal for stream fishing,
peaceful hikes, or simply soaking in the misty ambiance amid the forest.
The primary route for accessing Norfolk, Connecticut, is U.S. Route 44, which serves as the main artery running through the town. This highway is commonly used by visitors traveling from Hartford, approximately 50 miles southeast, or connecting from U.S. Route 7, the key north-south corridor in the region, via a turnoff in nearby North Canaan. For those coming from farther afield, such as New York City (about 120 miles away), options include driving via Interstate 84 east to Hartford and then north on Route 44, or taking a bus from Times Square to Hartford's Union Station followed by a local connection to Norfolk, which takes around 4-5 hours total. While there are no direct train stations in Norfolk itself, the nearest Amtrak or Metro-North options are in places like Springfield, Massachusetts, or Hudson, New York, requiring a transfer by car or taxi. Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks (about 45 miles away) is the closest major airport for flights, with rental cars available for the scenic drive northwest. Most other roads leading into Norfolk are quieter, winding country lanes ideal for a leisurely approach but less efficient for quick travel.
Norfolk's compact village center, centered around the historic green, is easily navigable on foot, making it perfect for short strolls between shops and eateries. However, to explore the surrounding hills, parks, or outlying attractions like Haystack Mountain State Park, you'll likely need wheels—whether that's a bicycle for the milder trails or a car for steeper terrain and longer distances. Public transportation is limited in this rural area, with no local bus or rail service within town, so renting a bike from a nearby outfitter or bringing your own vehicle is recommended. For eco-friendly options, some visitors opt for electric bikes to handle the Appalachian foothills more easily.
Yale University hosts prestigious summer programs in Norfolk, including the Yale Norfolk School of Art and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (part of the Yale Summer School of Music). The art school, established in 1948, runs a six-week intensive residency from late May to early July for 26 rising undergraduate seniors from accredited institutions worldwide, selected through a competitive nomination and application process—contrary to some assumptions, it's not limited to current Yale students. The music program, dating back to 1941, welcomes advanced instrumentalists, composers, choral singers, and conductors via annual applications and auditions, offering performances alongside renowned festival artists at the historic Music Shed. These programs draw cultural enthusiasts to the town each summer, with public concerts and exhibitions enhancing Norfolk's artistic vibe.
While Norfolk itself has limited large-scale shopping, the Berkshire Country Store on Route 44 stands out as a local hub for groceries, deli items, ice cream, and regional products like artisanal goods and snacks—it's been celebrating local flavors since 2017. For more comprehensive needs, a Stop & Shop supermarket is available just a few towns away in Torrington or Canaan. The town also features a thriving farmers market on weekends during the warmer months, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts from local vendors. Antique shops like Joseph Stannard Antiques and Design add a unique touch for browsers interested in vintage items or garden decor. If you're seeking outlet shopping, head about 30 miles to Lee Premium Outlets in Massachusetts for bigger brands.
In the heart of Norfolk, you'll find several inviting spots for casual dining, including sandwich-focused eateries like the Berkshire Country Store's deli for hearty breakfasts, pizzas, and subs made with local ingredients, or the Icebox Cafe for creative wraps and salads in a cozy setting. Nearby, the picturesque Village Green provides a charming park-like area for picnics, complete with benches and seasonal events—perfect for enjoying your takeout. For more substantial meals, try the Blackberry River Bistro for upscale farm-to-table dishes or Infinity Music Hall and Bistro for American fare with live entertainment. Gluten-free options abound at places like the Norfolk Pub or Mountainside Cafe, and don't miss nearby gems such as the historic Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough for candlelit dinners.
Norfolk's low-key nightlife centers around a few welcoming pubs and bistros. The Norfolk Pub on Station Place is a standout, offering a diverse selection of craft beers, cocktails, and daily specials in a friendly atmosphere—it's open Wednesday through Sunday with extended bar hours on weekends. For a more vibrant scene, Infinity Music Hall & Bistro features live music alongside wine, beer, and spirits, often tied to concerts at the venue. Coffee and casual drinks can be found at spots like the Berkshire Country Store or Icebox Cafe during the day. If you're exploring further, nearby Falls Village Inn or Industry Kitchen and Bar offer additional bar options just a short drive away.
For overnight stays, the Manor House Bed and Breakfast at 69 Maple Avenue remains a top choice, providing nine elegantly appointed rooms in an eco-friendly Victorian mansion, complete with private baths, locally sourced breakfasts, and amenities like fireplaces—book via toll-free +1-866-542-5690 for rates starting around $200 per night. Other notable options include the Blackberry River Inn on Route 44 West, a historic property with 20 rooms, spa services, and event spaces ideal for retreats or weddings. For a more rustic feel, consider Airbnbs scattered throughout town or the Locust Tree Bed and Breakfast in nearby Canaan. Budget travelers might look at chain hotels like Days Inn in Torrington (about 15 miles away), while luxury seekers can opt for the Litchfield Inn.
Early Settlement and Colonial Period
Norfolk, located in
Litchfield County, Connecticut, traces its origins to the colonial era
when the land was part of the "Western Lands" granted to Hartford and
Windsor in 1686 as a buffer against territorial claims. In 1738, the
Colony of Connecticut divided the approximately 22,336-acre tract into
53 rights of about 400 acres each, reserving portions for schools,
ministry, and the first settled minister, with Yale College receiving
300 acres in 1732. However, the dense hemlock forests, swamps, and rocky
ledges deterred buyers, and it took years for settlement to begin.
The first permanent settler, Cornelius Brown from Windsor, arrived in
1744, building a log dwelling east of the Norfolk-North Canaan town line
and establishing a sawmill by 1750 at what became the center mills.
Settlement progressed slowly amid hardships, including the French and
Indian War, which delayed agricultural efforts. By 1745, John Turner and
Jedediah Richards from Hartford joined, constructing framed houses.
Other early arrivals included Samuel Manross from Farmington (around
1747-1748), Edward Strickland from Simsbury, Samuel Gaylord, Benoni
Moses, and Joshua Whitney from Canaan. Northern settlers like Ebenezer
and Ezra Knapp, James Benedict, Samuel Knapp, Jacob Spaulding, and Isaac
Holt came from Danbury and East Haven, while southern ones such as
Joseph Mills, Samuel Mills, Asahel Case, and Samuel Cowles hailed from
Simsbury. By 1756, the population reached 84, growing to 969 by 1774.
Resources like hunting (especially deer) and low meadows sustained the
community, with the first child born being Stephen Brown and early
burials initially in Canaan.
Roads were rudimentary trails cleared
through the wilderness, such as the 1743 path from Torrington to Canaan,
often following natural openings or "meadows" for grazing. Key early
routes included the South Road (Old Colony Road) passing Gaylord Hill
and Blakesly Pond, and branches through Meekertown (a small hamlet noted
around 1820). The first county road, built in 1761 from Canaan to New
Hartford, navigated swamps and hills. Cemeteries emerged, with Center
Cemetery laid out in 1757 (enlarged multiple times), South End in 1790,
and others in the early 19th century.
In 1758, with 43 families
(about 27 initially, growing to 43), the community petitioned the
General Assembly and was incorporated as the Town of Norfolk on October
12. The first town meeting occurred on December 12, 1758, with 44
voters, focusing on land divisions, committees, and infrastructure like
mills and iron works on sequestered common lands. Early priorities
included religious and educational institutions, reflecting the pious
Puritan roots of the settlers.
Religious Institutions and
Community Life
Religion was central from the outset. In 1759, a
meeting house was raised near the geographical center, painted
peach-blow pink and completed over a decade. The Church of Christ
(Congregational) was formally gathered in 1760, with Rev. Ammi Ruhamah
Robbins installed as pastor in 1761, serving until 1813. A larger
church, designed by David Hoadley, replaced it in 1813, overlooking the
Village Green.
Other denominations followed: An Episcopal Society
formed in 1786 with five members, building the Church of the
Transfiguration in 1894 as a summer chapel. The First Baptist Society
organized in 1812, constructing North Norfolk Chapel in 1876. Methodists
began worship in 1840, building a church on North Street in 1841, which
merged with the Church of Christ in 1918. Catholicism grew with Irish
immigrants; the first mass was held in 1836 at the Ryan brothers' woolen
mill, leading to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in 1859
(enlarged in 1924 by architect Alfredo Taylor), becoming an independent
parish in 1889.
Notable early figures in religious life included Dr.
Ephraim Guiteau, a Huguenot descendant and physician who helped organize
the church around 1760. The Village Green, bordered by the 1813 church,
elms, paths, and the Battell Fountain (designed by Stanford White with
bronze by Augustus Saint-Gaudens), became the town's centerpiece by the
late 19th century, forming the heart of the Norfolk Historic District
with little change since 1836 sketches.
Education and Early
Industries
Education was prioritized; in 1767, the town funded
schools if at least ten families (later three) participated, resulting
in eleven district grammar schools as one-room structures with wood
stoves. Surviving examples include West Norfolk (1839), South Norfolk,
and the restored North Middle (Little Red Schoolhouse). The Center
District evolved from a 1777 schoolhouse to a four-room building in
1886, demolished in 1970 when Botelle Elementary opened. Secondary
options included Norfolk Academy (1840, now a museum and town hall) and
the private Robbins School (1884–1912).
Industries leveraged natural
resources. Early sawmills (1750) and grist mills (1757) at Buttermilk
Falls powered by the Blackberry River supported tanneries, iron works
(1770, possibly supplying Revolutionary War chains across the Hudson),
and blacksmiths producing tools and nails. Farming dominated, with 191
of 232 families engaged in 1828, producing wool from sheep, silk from
mulberry trees, butter, and cheese (200,000 pounds annually by 1844).
Mid-19th-century water-powered mills included Ryan brothers' woolen
factory (1850), Dewell’s scythe production, Aetna Silk Company (1878),
Lawrence Machine Company (1854, with a 42-foot water wheel; later rifles
for Civil War), and Norfolk Manufacturing Company (1852, evolving to
hosiery with Edward E. Kilbourn’s automatic knitting machine invention).
Forests were cleared for bark, lumber, and charcoal, leading to
sustainable management like the Great Mountain Forest. Dairy farming
persisted into the 20th century at places like Breezy Hill Farm.
Revolutionary War and Early 19th Century
During the Revolutionary
War, Norfolk contributed resources and men. Legends suggest local iron
was used for a chain across the Hudson River. Notable incidents include
Col. Ethan Allen's Sabbath travel on the Old Colony Road, nearly leading
to his arrest as a Sabbath-breaker. Soldiers like Hopestill Welch served
as blacksmiths. Post-war, the Greenwoods Turnpike (Route 44, completed
1799) facilitated trade, with tolls for vehicles and exemptions for
worship travelers. During the War of 1812, Hanchett’s Iron Works on Lake
Wangum produced anchors for the U.S. Navy.
The Battell family became
prominent; Joseph Battell arrived in 1792, opening a store on the
Village Green and profiting from cheese sales. Other notables included
Nathaniel Pease (hotel and tannery), Samuel Trescott (tannery), and
clock-makers like Norton Gaylord (1812).
Civil War Era
Norfolk, a thriving town by 1861, responded to President Lincoln's call
for volunteers after Fort Sumter's fall, contributing 145 men to the
Union, with 39 fatalities—remarkable for its size. Key figures included
Capt. John H. Dewell (11th Regiment), Samuel Carter Barnum (fought at
Bull Run and Antietam), Theodore Parrett (died at Antietam), Timothy
Ryan (died of disease after Bull Run), and Edward Hine (one of eight
Black enlistees in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment). Battles like Bull
Run (July 1861) and Antietam (September 1862, the war's bloodiest day)
saw Norfolk soldiers halting Confederate advances. Abolitionist ties
included the Battell family's connection to John Brown, whose father
Owen worked as a tanner in Norfolk before moving. Rev. Joseph Eldridge
preached against slavery in 1861. Black residents like James Mars (born
enslaved, authored 1864 autobiography), Dolphin Freedom, Solomon
Freeman, Harry Hines, Samuel Smith, William Bailey, and William and Emma
Rice contributed to community life.
Late 19th Century: Railroad,
Resorts, and Modernization
The Connecticut Western Railroad arrived
in 1871, chartered in 1866 with funding from Egbert T. Butler and
advocacy by Rev. Eldridge, celebrated on the Green; a granite station
(1898) claimed Connecticut's highest elevation, but service ended in
1938. This transformed Norfolk into a summer resort, promoted for
scenery, air, and water. Hotels like Stevens House (1874, later Norfolk
Inn) and Hillhurst hosted guests, with attractions including Eldridge
Gymnasium (1892), Norfolk Downs Golf Links (1897), a country club
(1916), and the Norfolk Music Festival founded by Ellen Battell
Stoeckel. Winter sports began in the 1930s with ski jumps on Canaan
Mountain.
Public services advanced: Telephone (1894), electricity
(1897), water from Lake Wangum (1896), and sewer (1899), leading
Connecticut in these. Village Hall (1883) and Royal Arcanum building
(1904, with fire department) bolstered the business district. Architect
Alfredo Taylor designed many structures, including church remodels and
monuments, earning National Register status.
State parks like
Haystack Mountain and Dennis Hill preserved land, while camps developed
on Doolittle Lake. The Battell-Stoeckel estate, after Ellen's 1939
death, became a Yale University trust, hosting the Yale Summer School of
Music and Art.
20th Century to Present
By the 20th century,
Norfolk shifted from industrial and agricultural roots to a cultural and
recreational hub, thriving with arts, outdoor attractions, and historic
preservation. The Norfolk Historical Society documents this evolution,
with resources on genealogy, architecture (including 18th-century
colonial houses), maps, and notable residents like Theron Crissey (Black
history documenter). Today, the town maintains its historic charm, with
the Village Green and surrounding buildings largely unchanged, embodying
a transition from dense forest to a vibrant community.
The Blackberry River Inn (Moseley House-Farm)
One of Norfolk's
most prominent haunted sites is the Blackberry River Inn, a colonial-era
mansion at 538 Greenwoods Road West that dates back to 1763. Originally
built as a private residence by the Moseley family, it was added to the
National Register of Historic Places in the early 1980s for its
architectural significance and later converted into a bed and breakfast.
The property's history is tied to the Underground Railroad, with large
tunnels reportedly hidden in the basement of the main building used to
shelter escaped slaves en route to freedom in the 19th century. These
tunnels, combined with the inn's age, are said to contribute to its
paranormal activity.
The primary legend revolves around the "White
Lady," a ghostly female apparition dressed in white who is frequently
reported on the second floor. Witnesses describe her as a translucent
figure lingering in hallways or walking purposefully toward an empty,
dilapidated house at the rear of the property, only to vanish upon
approach. Some speculate she could be the spirit of a former resident or
a victim of tragedy from the inn's early days, though her identity
remains unknown. Guests and staff have also encountered a more
benevolent entity named "Francis," described as a friendly male ghost
possibly connected to the Underground Railroad era. Reports include
hearing footsteps in empty rooms, doors opening and closing on their
own, and sudden cold spots, even in summer. Paranormal investigators
have captured orbs in photos and EVP (electronic voice phenomena)
suggesting residual energy from the property's storied past. The inn
remains operational today, and some visitors seek it out specifically
for its haunted reputation, though owners downplay the activity to avoid
scaring away guests.
Botelle Elementary School
A lesser-known
but persistently reported site is Botelle Elementary School, a modern
public school in Norfolk. Staff and occasional late-night visitors have
described hearing doors slamming shut on upper floors when no one else
is present, accompanied by a sense of being watched. These incidents are
often attributed to residual hauntings from the land's history, possibly
linked to older structures that once stood there, though no specific
legends or tragic events are documented. The activity is mild and
infrequent, making it more of a local curiosity than a major paranormal
hotspot.
Other folklore in the broader Norfolk area draws from
Litchfield County's rich Native American history and colonial roots.
Nearby towns like Winsted (just a few miles south) feature legends of
the "Winsted Wildman," a Bigfoot-like creature sighted in the woods
since the 19th century, described as a hairy, humanoid figure evading
capture. While not ghostly, these cryptid tales add to the eerie
atmosphere of the forested regions between Winsted and Norfolk, where
hikers sometimes report unexplained sounds or feelings of unease.
Abandoned Places Near Norfolk
Norfolk itself lacks large-scale
abandoned sites, but its proximity to Cornwall—literally sharing a
border—places it near one of Connecticut's most notorious abandoned and
allegedly cursed locations: Dudleytown (also known as the "Village of
the Damned"). This former settlement in Cornwall's Dark Entry Forest is
about a 10-15 minute drive from Norfolk and is often associated with the
area's haunted lore due to its isolation and dark history.
Dudleytown (Dark
Entry Forest, Cornwall)
Dudleytown was founded in the mid-1740s by
the Dudley family, who purchased land in the hilly, forested valley for
farming and ironworks. The Dudleys—Thomas, Gideon, Barzillai, and
Abiel—were English immigrants, and the settlement grew to include
several homes, a school, and mills by the late 1700s. However, the area
was plagued by poor soil, harsh winters, and economic decline, leading
to its gradual abandonment by the early 1900s. Today, only crumbling
stone foundations, cellar holes, and overgrown roads remain, swallowed
by the dense woods of Dark Entry Forest. The site is now private
property owned by the Dark Entry Forest Association, with strict
no-trespassing rules enforced by fines and patrols—visitors are not
allowed, and attempts to enter often result in arrests.
The site's
infamy stems from the "Dudleytown Curse," a legend tracing back to 1510
England, when ancestor Edmund Dudley was beheaded for treason against
King Henry VIII. According to folklore, a curse was placed on the
family, dooming descendants to madness, violence, and untimely death. In
Connecticut, this allegedly manifested through a series of tragedies: In
1792, Gershon Hollister was murdered in a Dudley home; in 1804, General
William Dudley (a descendant) died from a lightning strike; multiple
residents reportedly went insane, including Mary Cheney, wife of Horace
Greeley (famous newspaper editor), who committed suicide in 1872 after
living nearby. Other accounts include failed crops, mysterious
illnesses, and even sightings of "demons" or shadow figures driving
people mad. By the 1920s, the last residents had fled, leaving the
village to decay.
Paranormal reports abound: Trespassers (before
strict enforcement) described overwhelming dread, cold spots,
disembodied voices, orbs, and apparitions of tormented souls. Some claim
electronic devices malfunction, and animals avoid the area. Ed and
Lorraine Warren, the famed paranormal investigators behind "The
Conjuring" films, visited in the 1970s and declared it demonically
infested, amplifying its reputation. Skeptics, including the Cornwall
Historical Society, argue the "curse" is exaggerated folklore, fueled by
natural hardships like lead poisoning from local water or simply bad
luck in a remote, unfertile area. Regardless, Dudleytown remains a
magnet for urban explorers and ghost hunters, though legal access is
impossible—viewing from afar via nearby trails in Mohawk State Forest is
the safest option.