Massachusetts Fall Foliage Drive

When fall foliage season arrives, the Berkshires are the place to appreciate the autumnal grandeur. Winding roads lined with dramatic trees ablaze—notably maples, birches, and beeches—pass alongside meadows, pasture, farmland, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

Although this complete scenic loop is only about 35 miles, you could easily spend the day making your way leisurely along the circuit. Begin in North Adams, a city transformed by art, and spend some time at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). Just west of downtown off Route 2, the Notch Road leads into the Mt. Greylock State Reservation, ambling upward to the summit. At 3,491 feet, it's the state's highest point and affords expansive views of the countryside. Hike any of the many trails throughout the park, picnic at the peak, or stay for a meal at the rustic Bascom Lodge. Continue your descent on the Notch Road to Rockwell Road to exit the park and join Route 7 South.

Best Time to Go

Peak leaf viewing generally happens in mid-October. Trees growing near water tend to have more vibrant colors that peak a bit sooner. The state regularly updates fall foliage information by phone and online (800/632–8038 www.massvacation.com).

Planning Your Time

This scenic loop is only about 35 miles, but you could easily spend the day leisurely exploring the circuit.

Follow Route 7 South into the small town center of Lanesborough, where you'll turn left onto Summer Street. Horse farms and wide-open pastures make up the landscape, with distant mountain peaks hovering grandly in the background. If you want to pick your own apples, take a 1½-mile detour off Summer Street and stop at Lakeview Orchard.

Summer Street continues to tiny Berkshire Village, where you'll pick up Route 8 heading back toward North Adams. Running parallel to Route 8 from Lanesborough to Adams, is the paved Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for biking and walking. Right in the midst of two mountain ranges, the trail abuts wetlands, mixed woodland (including beech, birch, and maple trees), the Hoosac River, and the Cheshire Reservoir. In Cheshire, Whitney's Farm Market is busy on fall weekends with pony rides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and hayrides; plus it sells baked goods like the pumpkin whoopie pie.

Continuing on Route 8, you'll start to leave farm country as you make your way back to North Adams. Once a part of its much larger neighbor, the town of Adams still has active mills and the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. The 1817 Federal home of her birth has been fully restored.

Need a Break?

Bascom Lodge. Built in the 1930s, this mountaintop lodge retains its rustic charm with comfortable, no-frills lodging and a restaurant in a stunning setting. Mt. Greylock State Reservation, Adams, Massachusetts, 01237. 413/743–1591; www.bascomlodge.net. Closed Nov.–May.

Lakeview Orchard. Here you can pick your own bushel of apples (and other fall fruit) and sip on freshly pressed cider. The friendly farmers also sell homemade pies and pastries, but make sure to sample their singular (and superb) cider doughnuts. 94 Old Cheshire Rd., Lanesborough, Massachusetts, 01237. 413/448–6009; www.lakevieworchard.com. Early July–Oct., Tues.–Sun. 9–5.

Whitney's Farm Market. Whitney's Farm has a large market with baked goods and a deli; you can also pick your own seasonal fruit. The fun Pumpkin Fest takes place on weekends, mid-September–October. 1775 S. State Rd., Cheshire, Massachusetts, 01225. 413/442–4749; www.whitneysfarm.com. Apr.–Dec., daily 9–6.