Massachusetts Fall Foliage along the Mohawk Trail.
New England is famous for many things, but one of its most beautiful features might be the changing colors of the fall. Every year thousands flock to this part of the country to witness its dramatic transformation from lush green to pops of red, orange and yellow. While it can be fun to stay in Boston and see the foliage in places like the Boston Common, it’s even more thrilling to hit the road and enjoy some of the area’s most scenic drives. Late September and early October are often the ideal times to go.
One With Nature
The highlight of driving through New England in the fall is of course, the changing flora. This can be viewed while zooming along major highways, twisting smaller routes along back roads and while navigating charming towns. Start with a little history on Massachusetts’s most historic scenic highway, called the Mohawk Trial. Now better known as Route 2, this is more than 60 miles of hills and valleys covered in indigenous trees. The Native Americans used this same path for trading and migrating centuries ago. Pull right off the road in the town of Shelburne for a charming stay at the Berkshires Hills Country Inn in Williamstown.
Only an hour or so from Boston is Route 6A down by Cape Cod. This is a breathtaking, 34-mile stretch near the coast passes by not only perfect fall foliage, but plenty of museums, art galleries and old maritime villages. It’s doable in a day but staying a night or two would be best. Have a look at Wequasset Resort and Golf Club for a luxurious experience by the beach, or the cozy Kilbrannan Guest House in Yarmouth.
Indulge in an overnight
To have a truly immersive experience this fall, consider a weekend getaway or overnight to one of the hotspots for “Leaf Peeping.” It will give you the opportunity to relax, unwind and spend plenty of time on windy roads surrounded by the gorgeous colors of the season.
One option is to head west from Boston and land in Central Massachusetts. All autumn long the towns host special events revolving around the changing of the seasons. Book a beautiful room at the Southbridge Hotel, for instance, then head next door to Sturbridge for its annual Harvest Festival. Pick up a few local treats this October from artisan vendors to take on your drive through Southbridge, Charlton, and Sturbridge.
Even wandering into neighboring states can be well worth a weekend away from Boston. Both New Hampshire and Vermont are well-known for being hotspots of fall foliage presentations, and same goes for Rhode Island and Connecticut. All can be reached within hours. See waterfalls and lakes framed by fall leaves in Litchfield County, Connecticut, or on Route 7A in Vermont the endless acres of colorful mountains.
