Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Massachusetts Like Never Before
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.
Peak times for foliage viewing in Massachusetts are October 5-21 (inland areas) and October 12-28 (coastal areas). The drive time for this trip is just shy of nine hours, so you may want to stop at the included overnight destination. For detailed driving directions, click here.
This family-owned farm has been providing an incredible bounty of fresh food and stunning fall colors 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.
Located a mere six miles from Boston, this 265-acre leafy paradise offers plenty of amazing spots for leaf peeping near the city. 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.
This park feels worlds away from 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.
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 in their mouthwatering baked goods. They offer 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.
This spot might be best known for its sublime skiing, but the 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.
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.
Located right along the Mohawk Trail (one of the best routes for doing some awesome leaf-peeping), 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.
These two magnificent forests are right next to each other, so you can take your pick. Both offer incredible landscapes of 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.
This charming state park features a petting zoo and ice cream shop, not to mention plenty of scenic walking paths and trails. The autumn season really brings out the beauty of the park. Check out Towels Field for a romantic sunset stroll or picnic spot.
You can’t go wrong with a Massachusetts road trip any time of year, but the autumn months are a particularly splendid time to hit the road. For another amazing trip across the state, check out our amazing waterfalls roadtrip.
