The Best Western Mass Foliage You Can See in a Day

Along the Connecticut River’s path lies a fantastic journey for day trippers and leaf peepers alike.

Hop in the car for a fun-filled day of exploring, starting on Route 47 in South Hadley and meandering along quiet roads to Route 63 in Northfield. From bakeries to bookstores to breathtaking views, this 60-mile journey provides all the best that the region has to offer. Load up on snacks and supplies at one (or more!) of South Hadley’s great shops and restaurants, and then hit the road! We’ll guide you along the way with the Western Massachusetts Foliage Drive. You’ll take in views at Skinner State Park as you drive to the summit of Mount Holyoke, where you’ll gaze on the Oxbow of the Connecticut River. Be sure to check out the Summit House and step into the grand old society days. Stop for some fresh fruit at one of the many farmstands you’ll see, and then pick up something you didn’t know you needed at the Olde Hadley Flea Market. After a view of Hadley Dike, get your maple gifts at the North Hadley Sugar Shack. Then, take in one magnificent view after another as you drive through Sunderland and to the top of Mount Sugarloaf.

If you’re interested in old cemeteries, Riverside Cemetery, a resting place since 1714, is a must-see. Some of its slate headstones feature soul effigies; so spooky-cool! Stretch your legs in Turners Falls, where you’ll find funky shops and street gardens. The Great Falls Discovery Center is a free, family-friendly learning opportunity. End the trip with an old-time favorite, a drive-in movie at the Northfield Drive-In, just over the border in Winchester, New Hampshire. If you have a day to spare and a full tank of gas, our Western Massachusetts Foliage Drive can’t be beat! You will find it in the Fall Destinations Special Collection. Get on the road for a spectacular 60-mile day trip to see gorgeous fall foliage and visit quintessential New England small-town favorites! Our guide, Western Massachusetts Foliage Drive—Along the Great River, points the way to the sights and stops along the way, drawing you through multiple layers of time. With your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership, you get the entire guide, including:

• Enjoy the storied beauty of Mount Holyoke College.
• Visit Longview Farm in Hadley, which has been run by the same family since 1806.
• Check out a unique historical museum, The Porter-Phelps-Huntington, where you can tour a well-preserved home.
• Take in the view atop Mount Sugarloaf.
• You’ll have to squint to read some of the inscriptions on the old, lichen-covered gravestones in North Cemetery.
• And so much more!

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