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The Best Places to See New England Fall Foliage

Posted on September 16, 2020Written by Linda Beach
Updated on September 16, 2020

Historic Route 2 Mohawk Trail North Adams Fall foliage leaves driving road country road scenic

Nothing Says Fall Like the Changing Colors!

By Stacey Marcus, Readers Digest
Updated: Sep. 14, 2020

Nothing says fall quite like seeing the leaves change color from bright green to brilliant shades of crimson, scarlet, gold, and purple. It’s just one of the many reasons fall just may be our favorite season. Of course, New England is a prime place to see this, with the first few weeks in October the ideal time to peek at the peak. “New England is the world’s quintessential fall foliage destination, and for good reason. From the mountains and forests of Maine and New Hampshire to the coastlines of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, there is a wide range of opportunities to view the colorful change of seasons,” says Chris Jennings, executive director of Discover New England. “The colors change for several weeks from north to south, so our wide, open spaces, scenic beauty, and the ability for visitors to escape crowds make fall in New England especially appealing.”
So, where should you go? We curated a list of the best spots to get a front-row seat to see New England’s stunning fall foliage. If you’re not in the area, check out the other amazing places in America to leaf-peep this fall.

The Mohawk Trail historic and scenic drive between the Boston area and Northern Berkshires is one of the most beautiful New England fall foliage drives. The 60-plus-mile trail, which follows a Native American trade route, runs east to west through the northwest part of the state (Route 2 and 2A between Westminster, near the Boston area, and Williamstown), straddling the Berkshire Mountains between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys. A portion of the historic route is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and as you explore, you’ll find plenty of fall foliage and mountain streams, plus scenic viewpoints, historic spots, roadside attractions, and gift shops. Surrounded by state forest, the Berkshire Mountains are clearly visible along the route, and a variety of outdoor recreation is available, including whitewater rafting, ziplining, riding mountain coasters, and hiking.

Where to stay: Be one with nature at the Tourists hotel in North Adams. A modern and meticulously designed riverside retreat inspired by the classic American roadside motor lodge, it’s a perfect spot for resting your head and enjoying even more nearby trails and beautiful views.

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