There's nothing quite like Massachusetts in the fall. It's no wonder why people from all over the world visit to view the leaves changing into vibrant colors during this time of year. With its varied landscapes of mountains, valleys, and coastal plains, as well as numerous parks and historic sites, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to enjoy fall foliage in MA. Here are some of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in the fall.
1. Old Sturbridge Village
Fall in Massachusetts may be the best time to visit Old Sturbridge Village, an open-air museum depicting 18th and 19th-century rural life in New England. With over 200 acres of trees, farmland, and historic buildings, just to see the crimson, amber, and gold leaves around the property is nothing short of spectacular.
2. Mount Greylock State Reservation
In 2021, Mount Greylock State Reservation was given the honor of being named the "Best State Park in Massachusetts" by Travel + Leisure. Encompassing 12,000 acres of hills and towering trees, you can hike along more than 70 miles of hiking trails and get colorful views of fall foliage in Massachusetts just like this one.
3. Minute Man National Historical Park
As the site of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War, Minute Man National Historical Park is 970 acres of forests, meadows, fields, wetlands, and historical structures dating back hundreds of years. A great place to visit in MA in the fall, you'll be treated to a colorful backdrop of foliage.
4. Cape Cod
The summer beach crowds are gone, leaving this part of the state with peace, quiet, and gorgeous views of the fall colors. Cape Cod is one of the last places in the state to reach peak colors, so plan a visit later in the season. For even more color, visit one of the many crimson cranberry bogs of MA in the fall. Read about all the scenic views Cape Cod has to offer visitors.
5. Boston Public Garden
Boston gets its fair share of leaf-peeping opportunities during the fall in MA, especially in the Public Garden. Bundle up and take a stroll to enjoy the colorful views around this historic botanical garden which was established in 1837. Discover more about the
Boston Public Garden on the City of Boston website.
6. Maudslay State Park
If you happen to find yourself in the seaside city of Newburyport in the fall, do yourself a favor and spend some time at Maudslay State Park. With 16 miles of trails, you can explore the forest in all its autumn splendor.
7. Bridge of Flowers
While there's no arguing that the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls is gorgeous in the spring and summer, there's something even more spectacular about it in the fall. With seasonal flowers and the surrounding hills ablaze in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, it's one picturesque place for fall foliage in Massachusetts that you have to see for yourself. Read more about the
Bridge of Flowers to help plan out your visit.
8. Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Set along the slopes of Lenox Mountain, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary has 1,000 acres of wetlands and forest for some incredible fresh air and fall hiking. It's one of the best places to visit in MA in the fall. Find out what else you can do during a visit to Lenox in our feature article.
9. Quabbin Reservoir
Covering an area of nearly 39 square miles with 181 miles of shoreline, Quabbin Reservoir is a must-visit location any time of year. But during the fall in MA, it's especially breathtaking as the leaves of acre upon acre of deciduous trees transform into a colorful array of red, yellow, and orange hues. Check out this hike at Quabbin Reservoir to the observation tower.
We know there are many other gorgeous places to enjoy fall in Massachusetts. What are some of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in the fall that you have discovered? Please tell us in the comments!
Wondering about some of the other seasons? Check out things to do in the winter, spring, and summer! And if you are planning a fall getaway in Massachusetts, consider the beautiful Berkshires. This cute cottage is surrounded by an old-growth forest that comes alive in the fall.
Check out more of America's best fall foliage destinations in this quick video:
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!