It goes without saying that autumn in Western Mass is one of the prettiest times of year, and although the Fall Equinox does not officially begin until September 13, who can wait. We highly encourage you to get a jump on the season with fall fun (and of course the yumminess of all things pumpkin). 

First up – nothing says fall in Western Mass more than The Big E. 

Experience the magic of autumn at The Big E 2024, running this year from September 13 to 29. This iconic New England fair is America’s premier exposition and world’s only multi-state fair, representing all six New England States. As such, this year’s theme – United We Fair – is perfection. 

With LITERALLY something for everyone, the beloved fair features thrilling rides, mouthwatering local and international cuisine, vibrant parades, unique exhibits, and a Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Opening Weekend. And of course, you cannot miss out the top-notch entertainment (with so many incredible shows this year we cannot possibly list them all, please head to the Entertainment Lineup on their website to explore).  

Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker, or just looking to celebrate New England’s charm and experience the best of regional traditions, community, and innovations – The Big E is the place to be!

And then, after you get your fill of the Avenue of the States, the butter sculpture, the giant slide, and a huge baked potato or cream puff, remember there’s LOTS of other great places to visit to fulFALL (okay, some would say, “fulfill” but we couldn’t help it) your passion for the season.  

For example… LEAF PEEPING. Yes, we recommend hoping in the car and driving some of the most scenic routes in the region (of course checking our website in advance for where you can stop for food, fun, or rest as you peep), but also don’t forget to check out some not-so-traditional leaf peeping opportunities.

The SkyScreamer at Six Flags  gives you a bird’s eye view of the colors of fall – literally from 400 feet in the air! 

The New England SkyScreamer is a true non-traditional leaf peeping option – starting with beautiful panoramic view of the entire park and surrounding areas, including the Connecticut River and New England horizon and then swinging you around at a thrilling 35 miles per hour until the breathtaking views become a blur of adrenaline.  

Breweries & wineries give you the chance to soak in the seasonal ambiance while enjoying some of the best beer and wine the area has to offer. 

Western Mass is New England’s premier destination for craft beer and The Beer Trail is your best way to find all that the region has to offer for beer lovers. Roll down the windows and take a slow ride through Western Mass picturesque autumn landscape. Find that perfect shade of orange, and even more important, discover your next new favorite beer. Please check each tasting room’s website for seasonal hours.

For the lover of foliage paired with a glass of fine vintage, we have an amazing variety of local wineries too. Explore Western Mass recommends you check out the Western Mass wineries section on our friends at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s (MOTT) website to find the perfect match for your fall excursions. 

Hiking is a fantastic, “close but not totally” traditional way to take in the changing fall colors. It may surprise you to learn that right here in our area we have hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for peeping, some trails take you along riverbanks, up mountains for sweeping views, and even through quaint towns on occasion. Here are a few suggestions to explore for more: 

• Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center 
• Robinson State Park 
• Mt. Tom State Reservation
• Our Western Mass 2023-2024 Visitors Guide list of State Forests 
• The Western Mass Scenic Byways website

Ziplining is a leaf viewing option you may never have considered, but think about it… what better way to see the leaves than to soar over them? A few options are: 

• Berkshire East Zipline Adventures features some of the longest and fastest zip lines on the East Coast with spectacular views of the Deerfield River Valley. And once you check out the leaves from above, you can also immerse yourself amongst them at the aerial adventure park or mountain coaster; plus there are many other unparalleled adventures awaiting (and you can even make it a multiple day peeping with their accommodation options). 
• Zoar Outdoor makes the planning easy with their one-of-a-kind zipline experience – it’s a 3-hour canopy tour consisting of 11 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, and 3 rappels that whisk you through a breathtaking landscape high above Deerfield River Valley. This is a perfect choice to connect with fall nature, they literally say their “zipline course is built directly into the trees so that you are genuinely connected to the canopy and the feeling of zipping from treetop to treetop.” And if you’re looking to add to the fun, you can pair a zip up with whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Silver Bell Farms in Monson, conveniently located close to Wilbraham, Palmer, and Springfield, is a family-owned-and-operated, seasonal farm. It is truly rural New England at its best. Don’t miss their Fall Harvest Weekends that offer a wholesome and fun atmosphere with lots to do* including: 

• Tractor-Pulled Wagon Rides – enjoy the scenic trails of the farm with the chance to stop and ring the famous silver bell on the hill.
• The Pumpkin Patch – locally grown pumpkins make the best jack-o-lanterns. Weather permitting, a pumpkin patch may be available for pick-your-own pumpkins.  
• Lots of outdoor activities – two outdoor play areas, swings, a sandbox, pedal tractors, a goat feeding and viewing area, Ball Toss and Duck Race games, hiking trails, and more!  Plus there are Barrel Train rides, a Corn Maze, Bounce House, plus you never know what creatures you’ll meet on the farm!  
• The Farm Store, Gift Shop & City Sidewalk Cafe – A wide selection of pumpkins, squash, and other seasonal produce is available plus seasonal décor galore including corn stalks, hay bales, mums, pumpkin carving kits, home decor items, and more. And you cannot visit without enjoying a yummy homemade cider donut.
• The SBF Ice Cream Truck – Craving something sweet? A cool treat or Silver Bell Slushie is your answer. And if you’re looking for something a bit more savory, enjoy a gourmet grilled cheese, hot dog, or their specialty mac & cheese at the Concessions Window.

* All activities are weather permitting; it’s suggested to call ahead for availability and pricing.

Mike’s Maze, known as more than a Corn Maze and rather a thematic immersive experience for all ages, provides entertainment for the whole family plus gorgeous views of the New England foliage. Each season they create a brand new maze, along with themed games that will challenge you to solve puzzles and problems and lead you on your exploration through the corn! Warning – be prepared to laugh and learn as you wander the 8-acre maze, encountering installations and trivia at every turn!

And if that’s not enough fun, you can also enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, firing the mighty potato cannons, picking out a Halloween pumpkin, and a larger-than-life playground featuring a giant double drain-tube slide, a jump pad, tractor tire jungle gym, and giant games! Older kids (and adults!) can enjoy a race around the track in our pedal carts at Dave’s Derby. And don’t forget to check out the view of the maze from the perspective of our giant walk-in camera obscura!

Whether it’s hiking, zipping, or another outside adventure, you can find it all in our Outdoor Adventure Activities & Events section of the website.

Curious about foliage season planning? Check out this interesting resource article in the Farmer’s Almanac, “2024 Fall Foliage Color Map: When is Peak Foliage?” for more. Fall in Western Mass is envied by many throughout the country, don’t let the season pass by without enjoy some (or lots) of what it has to offer. 

Explore Western Mass this winter!  Come with the family, friends or as a couple. Western Mass is waiting for you! For great rates on overnight accommodations, click here.  

Learn more about upcoming events and must-see attractions here:  Explore Western Mass website, Instagram or Facebook.