Six Superb Autumn Walks in Southern New England's Scenic byways
The leaves are starting to fall in some regions of New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, but autumn leaf-peeping season is far from over! If you're still seeking breathtaking fall vistas, head on over to Southern New England: Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. They offer picture-perfect landscapes, dense forests, and later peaking foliage.
Here are some must-see trails to experience a crisp autumn morning, featuring trail descriptions handpicked from AMC's hiking guides. Get a sneak peek at the Best Day Hikes in Connecticut and Rhode Island and Best Day Hikes: Central Massachusetts, 2nd Edition, with both publications set to hit the shelves in Spring 2024.
Stony Ledge Via Haley Farm Trail (5.6-Mile Loop)
Williamstown, Massachusetts
This short yet challenging trail in Mount Greylock State Reservation headlines one of the most beautiful panoramas Massachusetts has to offer.
Start by walking past the barn and farm gate bordering two sides of a hayfield; keep going until you reach the trail intersection. Turn right onto the blue-blazed Haley Farm Trail, and venture through the forest. Watch out for the slow yet steep incline before making your way through a series of switchbacks that guide you uphill.
Keystone Arches Trail
Middlefield and Chester, Massachusetts
With a mix of history and backcountry beauty, this out-and-back trail includes the distinctive Keystone Arches bridges, views of the West Branch of the Westfield River, and tumbling streams.
Construction of the American mountain railway in the 1840s posed many engineering challenges due to the steep, rocky terrain. Despite this, the remote valley of the West Branch of the Westfield River proved to be the most feasible route across the Berkshire Hills. This trail, established by the Friends of the Keystone Arches, winds through the Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Area, offering seasonal attractions like cascading streams, wildflowers, and vibrant foliage.
Experience the best of Western Massachusetts at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester, Massachusetts
Established as a public reservation in 1894, Middlesex Fells features rugged low hills, mixed forests, ponds, brooks, reservoirs, and granite outcroppings. It is traversed by various footpaths, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors.
Find helpful resources, trail maps, and information from the Department of Conservation & Recreation's website and the Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation organization.
Talcott Mountain State Park (2.5-mile Loop)
Avon and Simsbury, Connecticut
This family-friendly loop trail boasts panoramic views from a medieval-looking stone tower perched on the summit. When weekends or peak times roll around, Tower Trail offers plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow hikers.
Start your journey by embarking on Tower Trail, located on the left side of the access road. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, opt for the unmarked trail farther uphill at the Life Star helicopter pad. The trail winds through a lush corridor of Rhododendron maximum (great laurel) before cresting the summit near the intersection of two unmarked paths.
Mount Tom State Park (1.25-mile Loop)
Washington, Connecticut
A perfect outing for families with children, this easy-to-reach summit trail includes a medieval-looking stone tower offering stunning views.
Start your hike from the gravel parking area, and follow the trail as it ascends gently and steeply in parts, leading to the summit and the stone observation tower, excellent for taking in the remarkable fall vistas.
Discover the best of New England and the Mid-Atlantic with AMC's Hiking Guides.
- For artful combinations of home-and-garden landscapes and crisp autumn days, consider hiking the Stony Ledge Via Haley Farm Trail in Western Massachusetts, featured in the upcoming AMC guide, Best Day Hikes in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
- If you're particularly keen on integrating travel experiences with lifestyle choices, exploring the Keystone Arches Trail in Middlefield and Chester, Massachusetts, boasting a mix of history, backcountry beauty, and vibrant fall foliage, will make an excellent choice.
