5 places to spot foliage in the Berkshires
The Berkshires is a unique area in Massachusetts, unlike most other regions in the state. The scenery makes the area come to life. It's great for catching some beautiful fall foliage, but it can be hard to know where to go. Of course, we all want the perfect photo, but it's almost impossible if we don't know where to start. So, my list will help you find the best spots around for spotting foliage in the Berkshires and how you can capture that perfect shot!
In the fall, the Berkshires turn from green to orange, yellow, and red carpet. From early October until the end of November, thousands of people flock to the Berkshires to enjoy the fall foliage. But where do they go? Here are ten spots to check out the leaves.
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Monument Mountain Reservation
Take a drive up Ice Glen Road or walk along Monument Mountain to view a variety of mountain peaks and a 360-degree view of Berkshire County. Driving up to Monument Mountain will give you some gorgeous views over the Valley with lots of teal and gold colors with white birch trees. Many hiking paths around this area will allow you to explore even more colors.
Mt. Greylock State Reservation
Take Route 7 west from North Adams to Pittsfield, then Route 8 west towards Lanesborough. Before arriving in Lanesborough, look to your left for a sign for Mt. Greylock State Reservation Road. This road will take you up to the summit of Mt. Greylock (also known as Mt. Greylock State Reservation). From there, you'll see much of the Berkshires all around you.
The road has some very steep sections, so low gears, and patience may be needed to reach the summit, but it's worth it! You can drive up to the top of Mt Greylock from Route 7—the road from Williamstown to Adams—and park in a large parking lot with a beautiful view of three towns in the Berkshires: Williamstown, Adams, and North Adams..
Cheshire Lake
If you want to see the best foliage in the Berkshires, go to Cheshire Lake. It's a short drive from Pittsfield and Dalton. The vivid reds and yellows of the trees pop out among the deep greens of the forests and water, offering a scene that is pleasing to look at and a little surreal. This spot is an excellent place for a picnic or to walk around and take it all in.
Stockbridge Bowl
A spot for views and family fun – take a hike or ride your bike around this beautiful lake, which is a short drive from downtown Stockbridge. The park is filled with short trails encircling a large grassy area where you can picnic or lounge on blankets during warmer days.
Olivia's Overlook
located off Route 183 in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is popular to watch the colors change in autumn. It's also a great spot to have a picnic or enjoy the view. To learn more, check out the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.
One nice thing about visiting the Berkshires in the fall is that many places have great fall colors, so it's easy to find a region section that is not too crowded with visitors.
When should you visit the Berkshires to view foliage?
The Berkshires are beautiful year-round, but the foliage season is especially beautiful. When should you come to the Berkshires to see the foliage? That depends.
It depends on what you want. If you want to be surrounded by other leaf-peepers, the peak of the season is Columbus Day weekend (the last full weekend in October), with an average of 14 inch-fall at that time. If you want to be able to drive to great views, leaf color peaks around mid-October; the roads will be less crowded then. Come in early September or late November to see fewer tourists and more fall colors. And if you like snow, winter in the Berkshires is wonderful!
How can I find out when the foliage is at peak?
It depends on when the leaves start changing in your area. But that's still too general. Your best bet is to find a local web cams and see what it looks like in person.
The Fall foliage season usually lasts from the second week in September till the first week in November. However, there can be a difference of up to two weeks between different areas in Massachusetts.
The best time to view the leaves is not really predictable years in advance. But you can expect the colors to be at their peak somewhere between 10/15 and 11/15. The colors can last for weeks though, so you can go anytime during the season (typically late September through mid-November). That's why it is important to know where you will be around that time frame.
The most popular time for leaf peepers is Columbus Day Weekend, which falls on the second Monday in October this year. It's also a great time to visit because many tourist attractions have special activities on that weekend, such as hayrides, corn maze mazes, pumpkin patches, etc. So when exactly to visit depends on what your interests are!
Why Visit the Berkshires to view fall foliage?
The Berkshires are particularly good for fall foliage. Most of the leaves are green in summer, so when they change in fall, there are more colors to see. Also, the mountains are higher than the ones in Vermont or New Hampshire, so there is more air to filter out the pollution that gives New England its hazy look.
The Berkshires are also great for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. But in fall, they have something extra-something you can't get in Vermont or New Hampshire.