Road Trip Idea #15: Foliage for the ‘Gram

Are you searching for the perfect fall foliage spot for the ‘gram?  Even the most jaded social media user will be tempted to post pics of the beautiful vistas and jewel-toned leaves that are abundant in Western Mass at this time of year.  There are so many ways to see the foliage this region is famous for and we’ve curated some of our faves and even included pit stops for even more Instagram-worthy moments.

blog road trip 15 skinner summit house

Skinner Mountain: the best part about hiking this regional favorite is the Summit House which overlooks Western Mass, giving you a spectacular view of the foliage. Close by is route 91 which is one of the most convenient ways to access most of the breweries on our beer trail map. Cheers to fall with a spiked cider or a seasonal craft beer in-hand.

blog road trip 15 quabbin

The picturesque Quabbin Reservoir offers stunning scenery plus you can stop and take a hike or a short stroll to the Quabbin Observation Tower for a full view of the colors of fall.

Add a stop at Lupa Zoo because the only thing that gets more Instagram engagement than beautiful foliage is adorable animals.

blog road trip 15 mt.norwottuck

Mt. Norwottuck in Amherst boasts a 1,106-foot summit that is easy for most to hike.

In addition to beautiful fall foliage, you can stop in at the Atkins Farm Country Store just minutes from the trailhead for heavenly apple cider donuts because…..donuts!

blog road trip 15 mt.tom

Mt. Tom Reservation in Holyoke features a 2,106-foot summit alongside 22 miles of well-maintained trails ranging from easy to moderate. This prime leaf-peeping location is easy to find off Route 5.  Close to the base of Mt. Tom is The Delaney House.  Stop here for a perfect fall inspired cocktail and add the boomerang of your glasses clinking to your Insta feed.

blog road trip 15 pv riverfront club

You don’t have to dive in head first, but being out on the water can be a fun way to see the beautiful fall leaves. When the sun is in the right spot, you’ll see not only gorgeous foliage but also a dazzling reflection on the water’s glassy surface – the perfect ‘golden hour’ shot.  If you need to rent a kayak, Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club is your go-to rental spot.

blog road trip 15 biking

Grab your selfie stick and your bike for picture-perfect leaf peeping. Western Massachusetts boasts hundreds of miles of calm, quiet country roads to explore. If you prefer to avoid roads altogether, check out these two marked trails instead.  The Norwottuck Rail Trail is a beautiful, 11-mile pedestrian and bike path that connects the towns of Northampton, Hadley, Amherst and Belchertown.  The Manhan Rail Trail is a pedestrian and bike path in Easthampton that runs for six miles into the town of Northampton, where it connects with another gorgeous set of trails.

With so many ways to enjoy the fall foliage (and get that perfect image to prove you were there), you’ll want to get out soon and enjoy the beautiful colors this season. Your Instagram account will thank you!  Don’t forget to hashtag WesternMass and we just might thank you, too!

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