Fall Foliage/Photography Tour

When the calendar begins to approach October, thoughts turn to the blazing Fall foliage of central Massachusetts – Johnny Appleseed territory.  His beloved countryside still bears witness to that particular mix of trees that yield the golds, oranges and reds that set hillsides afire.

Visit Mount Wachusett (www.wachusett.com) in Princeton for a view to take your breath away. Take Route 2, exit 25 (Westminster/Princeton) to Rte. 140S and follow the signs. At this spot – the largest mountain in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River – the panorama stretches for miles around. Summit views include sights of Boston to the east (the “skyride” to the top is open during special events). Take the “skyride” (open only during special events) to the summit for spectacular views. The Indian Summer Trail is a photographer’s dream.

Watch the sun set from fiery Prospect Hill Road in Harvard, a vista that stretches as far as the eye can see. Take exit 38A off of Route 2, and follow the signs. Take Route 2 to Route 63N, and follow the signs for two miles.

For a more active take on the outdoor experience, try Northfield Mountain Environmental and Recreation Center (www.firstlightpower.com/northfield) in Northfield. Amid 25 miles of hiking trails, including an overlook at the 1,100-foot summit, you’ll find woods and fields, slopes and valleys, plus views and the chance to see local wildlife.
Viewing Tips from the Experts

1. Don’t worry about missing “peak.” The glorious scarlets and golds will still be there for much of Fall.
2. A single crimson maple in the foreground with a white church behind and a light blue sky will be far more effective than a panoramic distant view.
3. Bring lots of film.
4. Get off the beaten path. Seek out the back roads that meander through woodlands, farm country and small villages. Discover our stone walls, town commons and farmstands.
5. Colors are most vivid in early morning light. Get up early! And get out of your car! Our crisp and sunny days will welcome you outside.
6. Late-afternoon light provides contrast of color against darkness.
7. Rain brings out trees’ vivid colors, which run the rainbow.
8. Ask the experts for advice – local people, forest rangers whose job it is to report on foliage conditions in their area. Ask them, “Where would you go?”
9. Valleys and lowland areas are among the first to change color. Look for swamp maples in the marshes.
10. Weekday trips will have less traffic. But don’t worry if you come for the weekend. Our roads are much less congested than our neighbors to the North and West of us.
11. Book your hotel in advance.

And now enjoy your trip. Share your photos with us, and with your fellow travelers, on our Photo Gallery page.