Autumn
arrives every year, but only in climates
like New England’s is its splendor so
completely realized. October in
Massachusetts comes wrapped in the reds,
yellows and oranges of peak foliage season,
and communities throughout the region claim
ownership of the best viewing spots—that is,
if Mother Nature is on their side. When and
where you travel can make a big difference
in the variety of color you’ll see, with the
leaves turning their bright hues earlier the
further north or west you travel from
Boston. But even sites within the city
limits could be showing some color as early
as the middle of October. If you’re hoping
to do some leaf-peeping while in town, the
following routes will steer you in the right
direction.
Arnold Arboretum
The
Arborway, Jamaica Plain, 617-524-1718
The good news is that this Harvard
University-run botanical garden is located
within the city limits and boasts some of
Boston’s highest hills. And its 265 acres
are filled with an eye-popping array of
plants and trees, including the brilliantly
colored leaves of the witch alder and
katsura varieties. The best time to enjoy
its offerings, however, is later in October.
But no matter when you’re able to pay a
visit, the Arboretum offers excellent views
of the Boston skyline, impeccably groomed
landscaping and free walking tours of its
vast plant collections (select Saturdays
at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m.).
Greater Boston
From
Cambridge: Take Rte. 2 to Rte. 2A to Rte. 27
South to Rte. 117 East to Rte. 128 to the
Mass Pike
Driving some of the smaller, less-traveled
roads through Concord, Acton, Maynard and
Stow is a relaxing way to take in the
foliage while making pit stops at historic
sites such as Concord’s famous North Bridge
and Walden Pond
(978-369-3254), where Henry David Thoreau
wrote his famous tome Walden. The route
we’ve listed above would be about an hour’s
drive roundtrip. If you have more time, pick
up Rte. 62 (off of Rte. 117) and continue
traveling west to Wachusett
Mountain Reservation (978-464-2987),
where you can drive, hike or take the
skyride to its summit for a panoramic view
of the countryside.
The Mohawk Trail
From
Boston: Take the Mass Pike (I-90) to I-91
North to Rte. 2 West; or take Rte. 2 West
from 128
The Mohawk Trail runs 63 miles from Orange,
Massachusetts west towards the border of New
York. It’s one of the oldest scenic routes
in the country, dating back to post-glacial
times when it was a well-travelled footpath
used by Native Americans for trade, hunting
and socializing. Fall foliage season is by
far its heaviest traffic time, but with top
views of the surrounding mountains, historic
towns and state parks, you won’t mind the
slower pace. It also boasts more than 100
sights of interest, making frequent stops a
must. Don’t miss spots like
Mt. Greylock Reservation in Adams,
the highest peak in the state, and
Turner Falls with its
impressive namesake waterfall.
The Berkshires
From
Rte. 2: take Rte. 7 South
The splendor of the Berkshire
Mountains can be toured further by heading
south along Route 7, a prime path for
leaf-peeping and a convenient route to
several historic sites and points of
interest. Start your trip with a visit to
Mass MoCA in
North Adams
(413-662-2111), the country’s largest
contemporary art center, then make a stop in
Pittsfield and visit
the historic home where Herman Melville
wrote Moby Dick (413-442-1793). In
Lenox, you can take in
the beauty of Edith Wharton’s estate and
gardens (413-637-1899) and, once in
Great Barrington, hike
to the top of Monument Mountain.
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