Scenic Hikes for Fall Foliage in North and Central Massachusetts

We’re at the peak of leaf-peeping season. As hot summer nights give way to cool autumn evenings, forests across north and central Massachusetts explode with color. Stirred by the cold, maple trees transform into a fiery blaze, while stands of birch glow golden beneath the sky. Colorful leaves flutter down to the forest floor, landing on the heads of hikers and on the backs of black bears as they wander through forests and past fields.

The spectacular blend of deciduous and coniferous trees in our region make for some of the country’s best fall-foliage. Here are some of our favorite autumn hikes.

Note: If you plan on hiking during hunting season, please be sure to wear blaze orange.

• Location: Orange, MA
• Trailhead: Mountain Road parking area marked “Tully Mountain Wildlife Management Area.”
• Property managed by: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
• Distance: 1.5-mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate / Hard

A short but steep hike with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding forests and hills, especially stunning in the fall. The summit offers sweeping views of Tully Lake and the colorful tapestry of the region's foliage. The view from the rocky ledges at the top also includes Mount Monadnock on the northern horizon, with its barren summit clearly visible.

This loop features a moderate climb along the Tully Trail to the ledges and a short but steep descent on the return route. Those looking for a good workout or a short, direct, .25-mile route to the summit may wish to do this hike in reverse. It’s common practice for people to hike up the steep ascent and down the gradual. Be aware that the steep ascent is quite rocky and can be slippery when wet or covered with autumn leaves.

Here’s the AllTrails route.

• Location: Athol, MA
• Trailhead: Parking lot is located just past the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust office
• Property managed by: Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
• Distance: Variable
• Difficulty: Easy

Every October, the 40 acres of rolling meadows and mixed-deciduous forest surrounding the headquarters of Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust burst into a kaleidoscope of color. The wide array of tree species found at Skyfields makes it the perfect spot to enjoy every species’ unique fall time color.

• Location: Phillipston
• Trailhead: Right side of Lincoln Road
• Property managed by: Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
• Distance: 1.3-mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Fox Valley is a 103-acre wildlife sanctuary in Phillipston that’s open to the public for non-motorized outdoor recreation including hiking, bird watching, and nature study. The trail is rustic, yet it captures the essence of Massachusetts in the fall: winding stone walls, a bubbling brook, and vibrant hardwood trees that all display their unique autumn colors.

Here’s the AllTrails route. You can find more information about the property on our website, or by clicking here.