We here in the Commonwealth are so fortunate to have the gorgeous colors of autumn on full display right in our own backyards. There’s nothing like watching local flora flare with brilliant hues of gold and scarlet. The best way to see all the autumnal splendor? A fall foliage road trip, of course. The drive time for this road trip to the best fall foliage in Massachusetts is just shy of nine hours, so you may want to stop at the included overnight destination. For detailed driving directions, follow this New England fall foliage road trip map.

The Route
Google Maps
Appleton Farms, Hamilton, and Ipswich
Appleton Farms, MA-1A, South Hamilton, MA 01982, USA
MOTT/Flickr
This family-owned farm has been providing an incredible bounty of fresh food and stunning fall colors in Massachusetts for nine generations of Appleton farmers. Roam the open pastures, golden fields, and beautiful orchards to get your fix of autumn beauty. The crimson ivy climbing across the farm’s rock walls is particularly stunning.

Take a virtual tour of Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA. A trip to the farm is a fun way to spend a sunny day in Massachusetts in the fall.
Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130, USA
Bill Ilot/Flickr
Located a mere six miles from Boston, this 265-acre leafy paradise offers plenty of amazing spots for watching the leaves change colors in Massachusetts. Many of the trees are labeled, so you’ll know exactly what kind of colorful flora you’re looking at. The paths are well-marked and edged with brightly-hued leaves, and the arboretum is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Brewster Gardens, Plymouth
Brewster Gardens, 30 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
MOTT/Flickr
This park feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of urban living, but it's located right in the Plymouth cultural district. Featuring carefully maintained walking paths and a babbling brook, this little park is a hidden treasure that is packed with gorgeous fall colors.
Where to Stay: Longfellow's Wayside Inn, Sudbury
MOTT/Flickr
Longfellow's Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA
The Wayside Inn/Facebook
This mill is the oldest operating inn in the country and the quintessential autumn hideaway. They’ve been welcoming guests since 1716, and grinding their own corn meal and wheat flour since 1929. This delicious flour is then used in their mouthwatering baked goods. Longfellow's Wayside Inn offers 10 guest rooms that are furnished with a combination of authentic antiques and period-inspired reproductions. It’s the perfect place to bed down for the night after a full day of foliage hunting.

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Wachusett Mountain, Princeton
Mount Wachusett, Princeton, MA 01541, USA
Jukie Bot/Flickr
This spot might be best known for its sublime skiing, but the Wachusett Mountain transforms into a wonderland of fall colors around late September. Don't miss your chance to take in the beauty of this natural landmark without the winter crowds.

A great way to enjoy fall in Massachusetts is hiking Wachusett Mountain. In this video from Not Thursday, we hike along the Mountain House Trail to reach the top of Wachusett Mountain:
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
MOTT/Flickr
There’s something particularly special about Old Sturbridge Village in the fall. This open-air, living history museum recreates all the charm and stately beauty of colonial New England. There’s no better time to explore than during the autumn months when the village’s ancient trees are afire with dazzling shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Deerfield
MOTT/Flickr
Deerfield, MA, USA
MOTT/Flickr
Located right along the Mohawk Trail (one of the best routes for admiring the fall colors in Massachusetts). Deerfield is a charming town filled with wide lanes, colonial homes, and a profusion of brightly-colored autumn foliage. Stroll through the historic district and catch an eyeful of rich fall splendor.
Savoy Mountain State Forest and Florida State Forest
Savoy, MA, USA
MOTT/Flickr
These two magnificent forests are right next to each other, so you can take your pick. Both offer incredible landscapes, especially during peak fall foliage. The Florida State Forest is smaller and lesser known, so it might be the perfect spot to find a beautiful, shady grove all to yourself. However, Savoy Mountain State Forest has some of the most breathtaking views around.
Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle
MOTT/Flickr
Great Brook Farm State Park, 165 North Rd, Carlisle, MA 01741, USA
MOTT/Flickr
This charming state park features a petting zoo and an ice cream shop, not to mention plenty of scenic walking paths and trails. The autumn season really brings out the beauty of Great Brook Farm State Park. Check out Towels Field for a romantic sunset stroll or picnic spot. For more information about the hiking trails in the park check out AllTrails+.

Let's head to Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, MA for a tour of the area in this video from Baldadonis:

You can’t go wrong with a road trip any time of year, but the autumn months are a particularly splendid time to hop in the car and go on a fall foliage road trip in Massachusetts. For another amazing trip across the state, check out our amazing waterfalls road trip.

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Massachusetts

Beth Price-Williams | August 16, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Massachusetts?

The best time to see fall foliage in Massachusetts is in October. The peak fall foliage depends on where you are in the state. If you’re inland, expect the best explosion of colors from early to mid-October. However, if you’re on the coast, you’ll enjoy the changing of the colors from mid-October through just before Halloween. Excited for the peak fall foliage in Massachusetts? Start making plans now.

Where are the best places in Massachusetts to see fall foliage?

Some of the best places in Massachusetts to see fall foliage include:

 

Not sure where to see the fall colors in Massachusetts? You’ve got a ton of choices! Listen to the crunching of the already-fallen leaves as you admire the trees, drenched in the colors of fall, at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston, or take a stroll around Boston Public Garden for spellbinding views.

If you’re up for a little bit of exploring as you go leaf peeping, plan a visit to one of the state parks that promise spectacular leaves changing color in Massachusetts. Leominster State Forest in Leominster and Borderland State Park in Easton and Sharon are both perfect for an autumn adventure.

What are the best Massachusetts hikes to take in the fall?

Some of the best Massachusetts hikes to take in the fall include:

 

On the hunt for fun things to do in the fall in Massachusetts? Lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable autumn hike. If you prefer a leisurely, easy hike, you have plenty of choices. Skyline Trail at Middlesex Fells Reservation, Monument Mountain Trail in Great Barrington, and Birch Pond in Saugus all offer picture-perfect ways to see the leaves changing color in Massachusetts.

If you prefer to kick back and relax as the fall landscape rolls by, how about a fall foliage train trip? Hop aboard a train with the Cape Cod Central Railroad for a fall leaf-peeping excursion.

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