4 Top Places to See Fall Foliage in Massachusetts

If you love the beauty of autumn, few states offer such gorgeous fall foliage as Massachusetts. Whether you live there or plan to visit this fall, you have plenty of options around the state for viewing the orange, red, and golden leaves. Here’s a list of the top four places to see fall foliage in Massachusetts this year.

1. An Autumn Tour by the Coast

You may not think driving by the coast is the best way to see autumn leaves, but it’s a great way to enjoy scenic views of the season’s best foliage. Start your trip at Maudslay State Park near Newburyport and head south on Route 1A. Along the way, you’ll pass several charming towns including Newbury and Rowley. At Ipswich, head southeast on Route 133 to Essex. You’ll eventually take the Route 127 loop, beginning and ending near Gloucester. Along these roadways, you’re sure to see a wide range of trees blazing with a variety of brilliant colors.

To wrap up, head west on Route 127, passing Manchester-by-the-Sea and ending in Salem. If you take this drive in the weeks leading up to Halloween, be sure to spend some time in Salem, the most popular spot in the state for spooky celebrations.

2. Stroll Around the Bryant Homestead

If you’d prefer to do most of your leaf viewing by foot, take a drive to western Massachusetts and visit the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington. Known for its birches with their yellow leaves, the homestead has well-kept grounds that are ideal for an autumn stroll. Though their colors don’t change, the towering evergreens make for an impressive site, soaring as high as 150 feet. The most popular sight at the homestead is the maple tree-lined entryway. Through the fall, they change to a deep scarlet, creating a memorable entrance to the grounds.

3. Drive the Mohawk Trail

Popular and beloved, the Mohawk Trail can become crowded during the height of autumn. It’s no wonder so many people turn west on Route 2. Along the way, they see more than fall foliage. They also pass through small towns that are so picturesque and welcoming you’ll want to stop and stay a while. The conclusion of this trail takes you through the Berkshires, a mountainous region that’s renowned for trees that produce vibrant fall colors.

4. See an Explosion of Color in Walpole

Bird Park is located in Walpole, which is about a 35-minute drive southwest of Boston. Take a walk through the three miles of trails and explore the various features of this park. Frog ponds, streams, stone bridges, and groves of trees in full fall colors make this park a special attraction in autumn. At the park’s entrance, orange-red birches provide a visual pop. Inside Bird Park, you’ll find red and sugar maple trees. There are plenty of benches if you want to sit and soak in the glory of fall.

To increase the chances that you’ll have a pleasant time viewing the fall foliage in Massachusetts, avoid driving on the more popular routes during the weekends. Instead, opt for a drive on a weekday afternoon.

Image via Flickr by tweber1 under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

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