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 most beautiful places to visit in MA in the fall.

1. Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
Old Sturbridge Village/Facebook
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
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA
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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
Minute Man National Historical Park, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
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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
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
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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.

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5. Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden Foot Bridge, Boston, MA 02116, USA
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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
Maudslay State Park, 74 Curzon Mill Rd, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA
Steve O/TripAdvisor
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
Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
Photo by Katkami/Moment via Getty Images
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
Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240, USA
Brooks P/TripAdvisor
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
Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts, USA
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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 that there are many other gorgeous places to visit in Massachusetts in the fall. What are your favorite fall day trips in Massachusetts? 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 a beautiful vacation rental.

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What is the best Halloween town in Massachusetts?

Out of 351 towns and cities, there are several great Halloween towns in Massachusetts to visit during the season. But if you are looking for the premier Halloween place to visit in Massachusetts in the fall, you’ve got to get to Salem, located in Essex County. Location of the 1692 Salem witch trials, this city is steeped in some very creepy and real history, and it celebrates it year-round, most especially during the Halloween season. Among the tons of things to do here include themed parades, haunted and historical tours, several different museums open for exploration, seances, pumpkin decorating contests, the House of Seven Gables, and of course, some of the very best decorations and costumes to be found in all of New England.

What are the oldest attractions in Massachusetts?

If you are looking for old attractions in the Bay State, head to Plymouth Rock. It was here that the pilgrims from the Mayflower landed in late 1620. You can be part of the over one million visitors that view it each year by heading to Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Within its 17 acres, you can do a self-guided Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour, bask in the waterfront views of Plymouth Harbor, and see the Mayflower II, a replica of the historic ship.

Which state parks should I visit in Massachusetts?

 

There are 24 state parks in Massachusetts for your exploration. In Boston, there’s Boston Harbor Islands State Park. This 1,482-acre park consists of 34 peninsulas and islands that surround the harbor, where you can take in both wildlife and urban life. Take a harbor cruise to see the waterfront scenery and Boston Harbor Light, hike a variety of different trails, swim, boat, or get a history lesson from one of the forts. Bash Bish Falls State Park is in Mount Washington. The highlight of this 424-acre park is Bash Bish Fall itself, the tallest waterfall in the state at 60 feet. Take in the unique wildlife of the area, hike to and around the falls, and even hop over the state line into New York and visit the 5,000-acre Taconic State Park. 

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