There’s nothing like fall in New England, and the autumn season in Massachusetts is especially glorious. When you want to see the best of the changing leaves in the Bay State, head to one of these spectacular spots. These are some of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in the fall, and you don’t want to miss the spectacular display of color Mother Nature puts on!

1. Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Ipswich, MA, USA
Flickr/MOTT
Appleton Farms is a public park in Ipswich that is the perfect place for an autumn walk. Bring a warm scar and a steaming thermos of cider, and enjoy the striking colors of the leaves.
2. Leominster State Forest, Leominster
Leominster State Forest, Leominster, MA 01420, USA
Flickr/6SN7
This gorgeous public forest is located in the towns of Leominster, Fitchburg, Princeton, Sterling, and Westminster. It has a beautiful network of trails that are the ideal way to see the beauty of the leaves in this natural spot. Not only is this tranquil forest one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in the fall, but it's one of the best places for peace and quiet.
3. Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston
Cemetery Road, Cemetery Rd, Boston, MA 02130, USA
Flickr/Bill Ilott
You might not think a cemetery would be one of the best places to see fall foliage in Massachusetts, but Forest Hills Cemetery is one of a kind. This historic cemetery comes to life (though thankfully not literally) with a rainbow of colorful foliage in the fall. Walking amongst the old tombstones is the perfect spooky way to enjoy the leaves and the spirit of the season.
4. Tower Hill Botanical Garden, Boylston
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505, USA
Flickr/MOTT
Though you may assume that there's nothing to see at a botanic garden in the fall, you'd definitely be wrong in the case of Tower Hill. This place has some of the prettiest fall foliage in the area and is perfect for strolling.
5. Towle Land, Carlisle
Towle Land, Carlisle, MA 01741, USA
Flickr/Towles Field
Towle Land is a lovely wildlife sanctuary in Carlisle. The area includes beautiful open fields edged with leafy trees that look their best when autumn rolls around. Visit at the peak of foliage season and enjoy bird-watching, kite-flying, and strolling.

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6. Boston Public Garden, Boston
Boston Public Garden Foot Bridge, Boston Public Gdn Foot Brg, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Flickr/aleph78
You don't have to travel far from the city to admire lovely fall scenery. Boston Public Garden is a fantastic spot to walk with a hot cup of coffee and take in the splendor of the leaves and maybe do a little people watching.
7. Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Flickr/OtroPX
Massachusetts' tallest waterfall is an absolute wonder in the fall. Take the easy hike to the falls on Mount Washington and admire the bright gold and red foliage that rings the cascades.
8. Borderland State Park
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA 02356, USA
Flickr/Jennifer Macaulay
Borderland State Park is a history and nature preserve in the towns of Easton and Sharon. It’s a great way for urban dwellers in Boston to get a taste of the great outdoors without straying too far from home. The foliage in this state park is stunning and looks particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the park’s 1910 mansion.
9. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
Flickr/MOTT
Old Sturbridge Village is a historical living history museum that erupts with vibrant fall color each year, making it one of the best places to see the fall colors in Massachusetts. Visit to learn how early Massachusetts locals lived and admire the fantastic fall scenery.
10. Sunderland
Sunderland, MA, USA
Flickr/Aleph78
The town of Sunderland is one of those postcard-perfect New England towns, complete with a white-steepled church and plenty of leafy trees. The foliage here is incredible in the fall, and well worth a day's drive if you live out east. It might just be the prettiest town in Massachusetts in the fall.

Where is your favorite place to go to see the best foliage in Massachusetts? Do you have any secret leaf-peeping spots? Share and let us know in the comments. If you’re looking to take a fall road trip, check out these Massachusetts country roads that are pure bliss in the fall.

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best places to visit in Massachusetts in the fall

Jackie Ann | August 16, 2022

Which hiking trails in Massachusetts are best in the fall?

One of the best ways to see the fall colors in Massachusetts is by getting out of your car, lacing up your boots, and tackling the trails. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation features more than 17 miles of beautiful hiking trails which just transform during the fall. On the other side of the state, the Monument Mountain Trail in Great Barrington offers sweeping views of the Housatonic River Valley and the Berkshires, and this 3-mile loop might just be one of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts in the fall.

When can I see peak fall foliage in Massachusetts?

Timing is everything when you’re on the hunt to see the fall colors in Massachusetts. The season typically starts towards the end of September, and peaks around the first or second week of October. Of course, Mother Nature is going to do what she pleases, so we are often left to just sit around and wait patiently! You can always take a road trip in Massachusetts starting in the northwestern part of the state and then make your way east since the western part of the state typically sees the colors begin to change first.

Where can I go apple picking in Massachusetts?

Apple picking is a popular fall activity in Massachusetts, and there are plenty of apple orchards in Massachusetts that are perfect for a fall day. Many of these local farms offer much more than apple picking, like Parlee Farms, a 93-acre farm in Tyngsboro, which also features a pumpkin patch and incredibly scenic views of the Merrimack River.

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