Maybe it's the apple cider and pumpkins, kids back in school or the first sweater of the season, but as soon as the crisp autumn air hits us, we turn into leaf-peepers. October is perfect for meandering through New England's small towns and back roads on a leaf hunt.
Remember to bring plenty of snacks and a camera. Since rest stops can be few and far between on these roads, be good to yourself and your travel buddies: Even if you don't have to go, at least try.
 Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images Winchendon, Mass. |
Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
This is a curvy and mountainous route, and near the beginning of the trip, you'll be negotiating the Hairpin Turn, by far as bad as it sounds. There are plenty of parking spots where you can pull over and enjoy the first scenic vista -- a view of Mount Greylock, the Green Mountains and Hoosac Valley.
Continuing on the Mohawk Trail, be sure to stop to check out the views from the Western Summit, then through the town of Florida to the Whitcomb Summit. Another must-see is the Hail to the Sunrise statue, a Mohawk Indian looking to the east with arms uplifted to the Great Spirit.
Finally, don't miss the town of Shelburne Falls for its quaint main street, famous Bridge of Flowers and glacial potholes at Salmon Falls.
Find your way: Pick up Route 2 in North Adams and continue on it until Greenfield (although Route 2 will take you all the way to Boston if you're so inclined).
 Darren McCollester/Newsmakers/Getty Images Minuteman National Park, Concord, Mass. |
Old King's Highway, Massachusetts
The Old King's Highway is flush with historical sites, antique stores and art galleries. It's a narrow road that wraps you up in its foliage and historical homes -- don't miss Edward Gorey's preserved home on Strawberry Lane -- together with a view of the Cape Cod bay. Depending on the weather and the season, you may catch the cranberry harvest. You can't go wrong with the seafood, either, but beware that many restaurants (and some shops) close after the summer tourist season ends around Labor Day.
Find your way: Old King's Highway is Route 6a on Cape Cod. It winds from the Sagamore Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal and through the towns of Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth Port, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans.
