Best Fall Foliage Spots in Massachusetts

During October, the trees in Massachusetts begin their preparation for winter. For that, their leaves display brilliant fiery colors over huge swathes of the state. Massachusetts is famous for the history of the American Revolution as well as fantastic seafood, but the fall foliage is one of the biggest draws.

There are certain places in the state where the best fall foliage spots in Massachusetts offer spectacular views of this magnificent experience, and you will find those listed below. No need to wonder if you missed something great because we are starting with the best.

The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

The Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut are an extension of the Appalachian Mountains. It is an extremely beautiful area called the Berkshire Plateau that has been developed to attract visitors to view the natural fall colors, attend music and art festivals and enjoy summer and winter sports.

Early to mid-October is the time you need to plan to see the best fall foliage in Massachusetts. It usually begins high in the Berkshires around Columbus Day weekend, and gradually reaches the valleys as the weather cools.

Take a Hike

Mount Greylock is the place to go to get a spectacular view of the colors of fall. You will follow in the footsteps of Thoreau and Melville who loved the mountain. The Cheshire Harbor Trail is a four to five-hour hike but well worth the effort. There is a Veterans War Memorial Tower on the summit of the mountain. You can also drive to the summit and there is a restaurant there, too.

Other spots are the hike to Monument Mountain, Stony Ledge, Bash Bish Falls, and Olivia’s Outlook, all excellent places to enjoy the coming of winter.

Amazing Road Trips and Trails

The Mohawk Trail, or Route 2, is a historic road that winds throughout the northern Berkshire Mountains. The tour either starts or ends at Greenfield in the east to North Adams in the west. You can take a side trip to the summit of Mount Greylock, so no one has to miss the view at the top if they can’t make the hike.

In the town of Greenfield, you may take a walk at Rocky Mountain Park along the Connecticut River. You pass through forested ridges and hills along the valley that present an amazing display of color. There are also hiking and biking trails, and a place to rest at Poet’s Seat Tower.

A little west of Greenfield is Shelburne Falls. It’s on Route 2 and is the home of the Bridge of Flowers which is open from April 1 to October 30. There is also a majestic waterfall nearby. If you want to immerse yourself in the fall foliage, try ziplining through the brilliantly colored trees.

Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation is located in South Deerfield on the western side of the Connecticut River. There are two state parks, North Sugarloaf Mountain and South Sugarloaf Mountain, and the views of the Connecticut River and Pioneer Valley with farmland and white church steeples are stunning. It’s like looking at a miniature landscape, and in the fall its colors are breathtaking.

Painted Hills

The Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 1,100 acres of protected forest with a wildlife sanctuary. It is at the foot of Lenox Mountain and there are many hiking trails throughout the area. In October, due to the type of trees in the forest, it looks like it was painted brilliant orange, dark crimson, and polished gold. If it’s colorful fall foliage you want, this is a great place to go in early October.

Do All the Leaves Turn Orange?

The fall foliage in Massachusetts comes in a wide range of colors. Here are a few fall colors you can expect to see, along with the types of trees:

• Brilliant scarlet – Red maple

• Golden bronze – Hickories

• Purplish red – Dogwood

• Orange red - Sugar maple

• Golden yellow – Yellow poplar and aspen

• Glowing yellow – Black maple

Along with natural beauty, Lenox has a famous music festival at Tanglewood and the Boston Symphony Orchestra also performs there. You can visit the magnificent estate of Edith Wharton nearby.

Massachusetts is also famous for its cranberry bogs. This is the state where 30% of all the cranberries in the world are grown. The bogs are flooded so the betties grow at the top. The bright red cranberries grow close together and seem to go on forever. At Benson’s Pond, you can put on waders and jump into the bog to pick cranberries. If you like the idea of picking fruit, there are plenty of farms that allow you to pick apples.

Other fall activities that happen throughout Massachusetts are in pumpkin patches. Resplendent with fall colors, they have hayrides, petting zoos, and, of course, pumpkin pie. If you are traveling with young children, they will love this even more than looking at brightly colored trees.

After a clear, sunny day and a cool night, the morning fog rises among the beautifully colored trees. This is a highly atmospheric time of day and good for dreamy photographs, especially as the sun rises and the sunbeams streak through the trees. You need to get up early for this, but you won’t regret it.

Walden Pond

There is a nominal fee to visit Walden Pond, but with some of the most beautiful fall foliage in Massachusetts, it’s worth it. The land of Henry David Thoreau, you can visit a model of Thoreau’s house, which is newly restored, take a picnic and spend the day on the banks of the pond, and walk the trails through the woods. You can swim in the pond and go boating as the reserve is open at 5 am and closes at 6 pm. If your group is large you may need to plan ahead and make a reservation.

The Science Behind the Fall Colors

Low temperatures and bright sunlight slow and eventually stop the production of chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. The red and purple pigments form when the nights are cold and the days are sunny. Finally, when winter starts and frosts begin, they stop producing any color at all and gradually drop off the tree. Early October is the best time because there is no frost yet, and the leaves are still producing color.

Massachusetts is a state that is loaded with fun things to do and interesting places to visit but it also has the type of geography that create the most beautiful colors. It’s no wonder that some people visit just to experience the amazing fall foliage in Massachusetts.

Top Timeshares to See Fall Foliage in Massachusetts

Once you’ve decided to visit Massachusetts to take in the best fall foliage, you’ll need a place to stay. Fortunately, we have that covered with these top Massachusetts timeshares shown below according to feedback from our customers. Check them out.

Wyndham Bentley Brook (Hancock)

Located in the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, you’re right at the base of the mountain and perfectly positioned to see the terrific fall foliage. Mount Greylock is just a few miles down the road as is the town of Hancock. Studio, one- and two-bedroom timeshare units let you relax and soak up the atmosphere from your balcony in the larger units. Each unit has kitchen facilities so you can pack up a picnic lunch while heading out to enjoy the scenery.

Vacation Village In The Berkshires (Hancock)

Set in the midst of the Berkshires near Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, you’re in the midst of the kaleidoscope of color with all the comforts of a vacation condo. One- and two-bedroom suites come with balconies, living room, dining area and kitchen facilities. Onsite hiking trails are convenient while the indoor pool and movie theater are fun options if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Ponds at Foxhollow (Lenox)

A wonderful location between the towns of Lenox and Lee, this Capital Vacations resort is home to 48 condominiums in a residential-style atmosphere, offering one- and two-bedroom layouts. Full kitchens, living room, dining area and deck overlooking the pond are features, while the indoor pool provides year-round swimming. Art lovers will enjoy the Norman Rockwell Museum in nearby Stockbridge and the world's largest collection of his original artwork.

Berkshire Mountain Lodge (Pittsfield)

Just a couple of miles south of the center of Pittsfield and close to the Bousquet Mountain Ski Area, you’re just a few minutes’ drive to the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The one-bedroom, condo-style timeshare units are a generous 850 square feet with living room, dining area, full kitchen and sofa bed for extra sleeping capacity. After your leaf-peeping, come back to relax in the hot tub or indoor pool.

Country Village at Jiminy Peak (Hancock)

Right in the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort with access to all the great dining, shopping and activities, you’ll have cottage-style accommodation to enjoy. Two- and three-bedroom accommodations up to nearly 1,400 square feet in size feature all the modern conveniences like full equipped kitchen, living and dining areas and a fireplace to relax in the evenings. Mount Greylock is just nine miles away for amazing fall colors, but you’ll be surrounded by the majesty of the Berkshires.

Marriott's Custom House (Boston)

While many visitors gravitate to the Berkshires and western and central Massachusetts, the Boston area also puts on a tremendous fall colors show. Boston Common and the Public Garden across from the Common are great places to start in central Boston, then head out to Boston Esplanade along the Charles River and back through Beacon Hill. It’s all available from your one-bedroom suite at Marriott's Custom House, located downtown near Faneuil Hall and two blocks from Boston Harbor.

In order to fully appreciate the best fall foliage spots in Massachusetts, you should choose the comfort and convenience of the best timeshare resorts in the region. If you are looking for a different option from those mentioned above, leave our licensed agents a message by clicking here or call us on 877-624-6889 and we’ll be happy to go over options with you.