Massachusetts Fall Foliage 2024

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The Connecticut River in Sunderland, MA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Autumn in New England is famous for its vibrant colors. The abundance of red maples, northern red oaks, quaking aspens, and birch trees results in stunning foliage displays all over Massachusetts, but especially the central part of the state and the Berkshires regions, known for its lush forested hills and scenic river valleys. Lots of stunning sugar maples also grow in the Cape Ann region and around Plymouth. Some routes and places are recommended as particularly scenic. However, feel free to venture off the beaten track and discover new leaf-peeping spots to marvel at fall colors.

The best time to see fall foliage in Massachusetts

Golden foliage takes over Massachusetts gradually, starting with western areas, proceeding to central counties, and finally arriving at the east and southeast of the state. Generally, the season begins in mid-to-late September and peaks around Columbus Day weekend.

The Berkshires region and Central Massachusetts experience peak foliage in early October to mid-October. Pioneer Valley boasts the most stunning displays in mid-October, while the Boston area looks the best around the last two weeks of October. Coastal areas and Cape Cod usually keep their pretty foliage till the end of October.

The Berkshires

In Berkshire County, Western Massachusetts, the peak of fall leaf season reveals itself on the first days of October, and the magic continues for two weeks. The best thing about the Berkshires fall foliage is that you don't have to go to a specific place for a striking vista—the views are delightful everywhere in the highlands.

If you're at a loss for where to go, check out Route 7 packed with color. Set off from Great Barrington, through Lenox and Pittsfield, and finish in North Adams. For an extra portion of colorful foliage, drive to the summit of Mount Greylock in Adams. With the elevation of 3,491 ft (1,064 m) the mountain is the highest point in the Old Colony State. Additionally, there's another admirable foliage route leading to North Adams—Mohawk Trail. The route starts in Orange (Central Masachusetts) and runs along the charming 63 mi (101 km) of Route 2.

Central Massachusetts

Shortly after the Berkshires, the colors burst in Central Massachusetts, namely in the areas north of Worchester. Roam the beautiful network of trails in Leominster State Forest, a veritable paradise for leaf peepers. The forest is tucked between several towns, including Leominster, Sterling, Princeton, Westminster, and Fitchburg.

Pioneer Valley

Discover another off-the-beaten-path place in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, stretching along the Connecticut River, known colloquially as Pioneer Valley. The unparalleled scenic beauty of the region becomes more hypnotizing during the autumn foliage season. Plan your itinerary so that it passes across the region's most popular destinations, starting with the largest city of Springfield, and proceeding north to Holyoke, Northampton, and Amherst.

Cape Ann

Cape Ann region, north of Boston, boasts beautiful fall foliage displays and wonderful outdoor spaces. Take a scenic Route 127 boasting stunning coastal views in the towns of Beverly, Manchester By The Sea, Rockport, and Gloucester, For hikers, Ravenswood Park in Gloucester offers ten miles of scenic trails. You can take a short hike to the overlook of Gloucester Harbor or a 2-mile Ledge Hill Trail through the magical forest. If you are looking for something more challenging, take a 3.4-mile (5.5-km) trail to Sunset Mountain with beautiful views of the Atlantic Coast.

Boston

The city of Boston and the surrounding area celebrates a riot of colors in mid-October. The peak show usually occurs in the third week of the month. Some of the most attractive spots across the city feature the Public Garden, Charles River Esplanade, Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, and Mount Auburn Cemetery. Most fall foliage sites in the capital are free of charge.

There're plenty of opportunities outside Boston too. Pick Route 133 and let country roads take you north to the picture-perfect towns of New England. Save your awes for Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, and Georgetown. Or opt for Route 24 south and explore the marvelous landscapes of Plymouth County. Turn east to Route 104 and visit Bridgewater, then continue to Route 106 and Halifax, and then take Route 58 southeast to North Carver with flooded cranberry bogs.

Cape Cod

The last to put on color is the southeast of Massachusetts. The area praised as a beach holiday destination boasts a special and fairly secret beauty in late October. Not only does the foliage change colors, but also farmlands, bogs, marshes, and even beaches transit from lush green to vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues. A scenic ride is assured if you take Route 6A, also known as the ''Old King's Highway.'' The road winds along the bay side of Cape Cod across some of the oldest villages in the US. Take your time to explore the historic Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, and Brewster. Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are also well-worth visiting. The best way to get to the islands is by ferry.