These 7 Beautiful Byways In Massachusetts Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
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Sophia
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Massachusetts actually has several designated scenic byways meant to lead travelers through the most picturesque locations in the state. Criss-crossing most of western Mass., these gorgeous routes are filled with historical sites, beautiful “leaf-peeping” areas, quaint towns and villages, spectacular natural features, and some of the freshest air you’ll find anywhere. A drive along any one of these scenic byways will change the way you think of Massachusetts forever. Let’s take a look at these magnificent Massachusetts scenic byways.
Mount Greylock, Adams, MA 01220, USA
This scenic route will take you from Pennsylvania to Maine, without ever stepping a wheel or foot off of Massachusetts! You'll drive right past incredible sites like Natural Bridge State Park, Bascom Lodge, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and MASS MoCA. This drive is 16.3 miles long and will take you about 2.5 hours with stops at the summit of Mount Greylock and Western Gateway Heritage State Park. If you'd rather admire the beauty from your car, the trip will only take you 35 minutes! The route starts in Adams and extends into Williamstown.
Check out the gorgeous views on this scenic byway:
Check out the gorgeous views on this scenic byway:
U.S. 20, US-20, Marlborough, MA, USA
The Jacob’s Ladder Trail Scenic Byway is a gorgeous rural route that will take you through the best of the Berkshire foothills. You'll pass through quaint small towns, past cliffs that sparkle with clear mountain runoff, and plenty of woodland paths that are perfect for stretching your legs after a while in the car. Check out Lee Center for an eyeful of some really beautiful architecture from the 1800s.
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This beautiful road will take passengers to the eastern edge of the Mohawk Trail and right through the middle of the Berkshires. It passes through historic Deerfield, a rebuilt 18th-century English settlement that is also a thriving modern town. Other towns along the route include Conway, Savoy, Plainfield, Cheshire, and Adams. The byway also accesses the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and will take you past gurgling springs and through sun-dappled forests.
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Massachusetts 112, MA-112, Colrain, MA, USA
Route 112 winds from north to south, running from the Vermont border to Huntington. There are lots of scenic towns and sites along the way, so this is definitely one byway that lends itself to frequent stops. A great place to start is the town of Colrain, which was settled in 1735 and is something of an art colony. Along the southern end of the route, the DAR State Forest, C.M. Gardner State Park, and Chester-Blandford State Forest are all great options for big wilderness exploration.
Connecticut River Watershed, 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA
This route runs parallel to the beautiful Connecticut River. The byway will take you through some of the most fertile agricultural lands in New England, with plenty of charming farms and rural communities sprinkled along its course. This road is best experienced in the fall when the trees are ablaze with autumn foliage, but it's a beautiful trip no matter what the season. There are over 1,200 nationally recognized historic sites and buildings along the byway, including Summit House on Mount Holyoke and the Hadley Farm Museum.
Mohawk Trail, North Adams, MA, USA
This is definitely one of the most scenic routes on this list. With over 100 attractions along its winding course, the Mohawk Trail Byway will take you past sights like Shelburne Falls famous Bridge of Flowers, the striking "Hail to the Sunrise" statue and even crumbling ruins from pre-colonial times.
Follow along on a drive on the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway:
Follow along on a drive on the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway:
Massachusetts 122, MA-122, Worcester, MA, USA
Passing just to the north of the Quabbin Reservoir, this byway twists along 40 miles of quiet country roads and untouched wilderness. Among the most relaxing passages in the state, Route 122 will take you through historic towns like Orange and Paxton, as well as several convents and monasteries in the Petersham and Barre area. As you wind your way west, you're likely to spot quite a few picturesque old saw and grist mills just off the road.
Have you driven along any of these fantastic Massachusetts scenic byways? Are you lucky enough to live off of one of them? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for more reasons to take a road trip, check out these country roads in Massachusetts.
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More to Explore
Road Trip Attractions in Massachusetts
What are some hidden gem attractions in Massachusetts?
Hidden gem attractions in Massachusetts include:
- The Brattle Bookshop in Boston. This is one of the oldest antiquarian bookshops in the nation, which opened in 1825.
- Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswitch. Gorgeous gardens are combined with stunning ruins and ocean views to make this an unforgettable destination.
- Stockbridge General Store in Stockbridge. Norman Rockwell used this as inspiration for several of his paintings and it is replete with New England charm.
- Bancroft Tower Castle in Worcester. This castle was built in 1900 to memorialize George Bancroft who was born at this place in 1800.
Discover more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Massachusetts.
What are the most beautiful places in Massachusetts?
The most beautiful places in Massachusetts include:
- Boston Harbor Islands. These are all part of a national park and are wonderful for camping, swimming, and seeing wildlife.
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach. The white sands, lovely seashore, and stunning lighthouse combine for views that are breathtaking.
- Mohawk Trail. This was once a trade route used by Native Americans and it’s also one of the most scenic places in the state.
- Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This is a place where you can see whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine wildlife.
Discover more about the most beautiful places in Massachusetts.
What are the smallest towns in Massachusetts?
The smallest towns in Massachusetts include:
- Tyringham. This tiny village’s name came from Norse roots which became Olde English and it means the Home of Tyr.
- Savoy. This was originally called New Seconk when it was settled in 1777 and it has a population of 692 people.
- Middlefield. This town of 521 people got its start in 1783 and it is full of bucolic beauty and New England charm.
- Gosnold. With only 75 people, this is certainly the tiniest town in the state and its town hall is literally a house.
Find out more about the smallest towns in Massachusetts.