Fall Foliage
Massachusetts is famous the world over for its fall foliage. Some of the best places to see the brilliant colors of the changing leaves are in the 440,000 acres of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s state parks and watershed lands. Here are some ideas for the best fall foliage viewing on DCR properties.

Northeast Massachusetts
Willard Brook State Forest, Ashby & Townsend (978-597-8802)
Here you can find the character and feeling of forests usually found much farther west in the state, with a tumbling brook and quick water amid groves of classic New England woods.
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport (978-465-7223)
Like Borderland State Park, Maudslay has a mix of settings. Pine, mountain laurel, and hardwoods dominate the woods along the Merrimack, while elsewhere the park features lovely formal gardens and open meadows.
Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover (978-686-3391)
With 11 ponds (non-motorized boating allowed on all), Harold Parker is an excellent destination for fall canoeing or kayaking, and the views of foliage from the water are indeed beautiful. You can mountain bike, fish, hike, and camp (through October 9) at Harold Parker too.
Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord (978-369-3254)
This historic site is famous worldwide as the former home of author Henry David Thoreau. There is beautiful foliage around

Southeast Massachusetts
Borderland State Park, Easton & Sharon (508-238-6566)
Though it has forest trails and tree-line ponds like other parks, Borderland also offers a less rugged setting for those interested. The Ames mansion and surrounding fields make for a relaxed, civilized viewing spot.

Greater Boston Area
Blue Hills Reservation, Milton (617-698-1802)
Blue Hills Reservation is only a hop, skip, and jump from downtown Boston, but its 7,000 acres couldn’t be farther from the city in spirit. With 125 miles of trails and 22 hills, there is no shortage of places to explore. Especially notable sections include Brookwood Farm in Canton, Chickatawbut Overlook in Quincy, and Great Blue Hill in Milton.
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus (781-233-0834)
Breakheart’s terrain is varied: the Saugus River, two freshwater lakes, seven rocky hills, and hardwood forest. This makes for a wonderful variety of foliage viewing locations, all accessible via an extensive trail system.
Wilson Mountain Reservation, Dedham (617-698-1802)
Wilson Mountain’s 213 acres protect diverse wildlife habitat and important recreational open space. The property provides panoramic views of Boston and the Blue Hills.

Central Massachusetts
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge (508 278-7604)
The canal is the main attraction here. Take a peaceful two-mile round trip walk along the historic towpath trail and witness the splendor of colorful maple trees reflecting off the canal's waters. This is a flat trail with shaded areas, accessible for all levels of walking, hiking and biking. You can also canoe or kayak in the canal itself. For a bird’s eye view, check out Lookout Rock, accessible via Lookout Rock Trail or King Phillip’s Trail (keep an eye out for migrating birds of prey here!).
Blackstone Gorge, Blackstone, part of Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park Located hard on the Rhode Island border, the Blackstone Gorge is one of the most dramatic sections of the Blackstone River. Here you can stand on rocky cliffs and look down into the river 60 feet below, framed by the colorful trees.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton (508-234-3733)
Purgatory Chasm is a glacially formed gorge a quarter mile long and 70 feet deep cut through solid granite during the second glacial period, about 14,000 years ago. The imposing chasm walls and rock formations are even more impressive surrounded by brilliant fall colors.
Douglas State Forest, Douglas (508-476-7872)
Perhaps the most impressive part of Douglas State Forest is Wallum Lake, a popular fishing and boating spot on the Rhode Island border. View this 322 acre pond surrounded by hills of forests in full fall color.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton (978-464-2987)
Wachusett is the highest peak in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River, and offers one of the best panoramic views of Central Mass. The summit is accessible by car ($2 per vehicle), open sunrise to sunset. The summit road closes for the season on October 30.
Quabbin Reservoir (413-323-7221)
The massive Quabbin Reservoir, with its 181 miles of shoreline, makes for picturesque lakeside vistas of the changing leaves. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer particularly spectacular views.
Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation, South Deerfield (413-545-5993)
Mount Sugarloaf actually consists of two peaks, North and South Sugarloaf. South Sugarloaf’s summit is accessible by car, and both offer commanding views of the Connecticut River and the surrounding valley.
Mt. Holyoke Range State Park, Amherst (413-586-0350)
The Mt. Holyoke Range consists of a handful of mountains running east-west in Amherst and Granby. Probably the best views are available from the Notch, most easily accessible via the Notch Visitor Center.
Mount Tom State Reservation, Holyoke (413-534-1186)
In addition to offering sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley, from Mt. Tom one can also see the Berkshires to the west and the Pelham Hills to the east.
J.A. Skinner State Park, Hadley (413-586-0350)
Skinner Mountain’s summit is topped by the Summit House, formerly a hotel, now converted into a museum. It is open through Columbus Day; interpretive staff will remain at the park until October 22. A road leading to the summit allows access for cars.

Western Massachusetts
Mt. Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough (413-499-4262 or 413-499-4263)
The highest peak in Massachusetts is naturally an excellent vantage point for viewing the changing leaves in the Berkshires. The best time to view fall foliage at Mt. Greylock is late September to mid October, but bear in mind that foliage at the summit will begin to change earlier due to elevation. For outdoor enthusiasts, Greylock offers extensive hiking trails; those more inclined just to take in the view from the summit can drive. Bascom Lodge offers overnight accommodations (413-743-1591 for reservations). Mt. Greylock is also a wonderful area to watch many migratory birds, including hawks, owls and ravens. Note that the War Memorial Beacon Lights are turned off from September 15 – October 15 for bird migration.
Clarksburg State Park, Clarksburg (413-663-8469)
There is no more beautiful place to view fall foliage than Clarksburg State Park. The abundant, unspoiled forestland offers breathtaking views of both the Berkshire Hills and Green Mountains.
Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield (413-442-8992)
While the forest itself is a sight to behold when the leaves change, Berry Mountain is the main attraction at Pittsfield State Forest. The drive up, along Berry Pond Circuit Road, is lovely; the view from the summit is outstanding. Be sure to stop at Berry Pond along the way, one of the highest natural bodies of water in the Commonwealth.
Monroe State Forest, Monroe (413-339-5504)
Wild and rugged, Monroe State Forest is definitely off the beaten path. If you’re coming from points east, be sure to take Rte. 2—that portion of the road (known as the Mohawk Trail) is one of the prettiest drives in the state during the fall. The best vista at Monroe is the Ray Croft Outlook in the southernmost extreme of the park, accessible via the Smith Hollow Trail or the Spruce Hill Trail.
Mt. Washington State Forest, Mt. Washington (413-528-0330)
Hard on the New York and Connecticut borders, Mt. Washington State Forest is home to Bash Bish Falls, possibly the most dramatic waterfall in the state, 30 miles of trails, and a handful of beautiful mountains. Alander Mountain offers the best vantage point for fall foliage viewing—the hike up the Alander Mountain Trail from the park’s headquarters is well worth it.

Biking - Rail Trails
DCR rail trails are popular locations for enjoying fall foliage while walking, bike riding, skate or horseback riding. Check out the Nashua River Rail Trail (from Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable); the Norwottuck Rail Trail (Amherst, Hadley and Northampton) and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (Lanesboro, Cheshire and Adams). Portions of the Cape Cod Rail Trail from the Route 134 trail head parking lot in Dennis to Nickerson State Park in Brewster will be closed for repaving this fall, but the trail will be open from Brewster to Wellfleet.

MOTT Fall Foliage Hotline
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a modern, exciting, accessible and diverse leisure travel destination set in the midst of rich historical and cultural tradition. Discover autumn in Massachusetts, visit massvacation.com/foliage to unlock a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, scenic fall drives as well as a listing of fairs and festivals or call the toll free fall foliage hotline at 800-227-MASS for leaf peeping updates.