Fall Foliage, New England's Main Event
New Englanders sometimes take the wonderful fall foliage for
granted. Having lived in New York City, Charleston SC and Cologne,
Germany before coming to New England, makes one appreciate just how
beautiful the change of seasons is here in Massachusetts.
Harvard Pond in Petersham MA, October 2008
There are websites that
will give you lists of the top ten places in the world, or the top ten
places in the US. And while New England is not the only place to see
the brilliant reds, oranges, golds and bronzes of the fall, it ranks
consistently in the top ten. In all, thirty-two states in the US, claim
fall foliage as a major tourist attraction, but there is something
special about fall in New England and if you've been here for the fall
foliage, you know it. The wide range of deciduous trees, each with
their unique genetic color coding, combine to make the New England
landscape brilliantly rich and charmingly colorful.
Colorful New England Landscape in Petersham MA Fall 06
And even in New England, many people think only of Vermont. But all six New England states celebrate autumn with gorgeous colors each fall -- it just starts in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and works it's way south. Massachusetts, being right in the middle, is a perfect base from which to explore. And peak foliage hits central Massachusetts in the middle of October on those brilliant, crisp, cold, clear days that make you happy to be alive.
Petersham in the Fall of 1998
After leaving Boston, travelers find themselves in the countryside. With town commons, historic churches, farms, forests and lakes everywhere you look. In fact, Petersham MA, almost in the center of the state was recently recommended by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the best places ( see another list) to see the magnificent New England fall foliage at affordable prices.
Brilliant Color graces the historic Petersham Town Common, Oct 08
Each year is different, but all years are amazing. And Clamber Hill and the other Back Road Inns of Central MA offer both lodging and foliage travel tips to help you make the most of your experience. If you want to come "leef peep" this year, your best bet at this point is mid-week. The other option is to start planning your leef peeping vacation early for next year. Each and every year is special in New England.
Foliage Timetable for Massachusetts
