Hikers at Hoyt-Hall Preserve in Marshfield
By Mya Cusson, Communications Coordinator
While we may be biased, we believe that New England, and more specifically Massachusetts, is the best place to enjoy the fall season. From apple and pumpkin picking to trips to Salem and other spooky sites, there is so much to love about a Massachusetts autumn. At Wildlands, getting outside and appreciating nature in this time of transition is our favorite part of the season. In celebration of the changing leaves that will soon reach peak color, we wanted to give you a leaf peeper's guide to Southeastern Massachusetts.
First, a bit of biology: why do the leaves change color in the fall? Leaves get their green hue from chlorophyll, a molecule that allows plants to complete photosynthesis; turning sunlight into food. Chlorophyll is depleted consistently throughout the growing season, and in the fall, before a tree drops its leaves, almost all of its chlorophyll will be gone. When the green pigment from chlorophyll fades, other pigments in the leaf become visible, including carotenoid (yellow) and anthocyanin (red). The result of this chemical process? Forests full of vibrant, warm colors that draw visitors from all over the country. [1]
According to predictive maps, Southeastern Massachusetts will see its peak foliage colors between late October and early November, with inland towns reaching their peak before coastal areas. This means there's still ample time to plan and execute the perfect leaf peeping excursion at your local Wildlands preserve. [2]
To help you get started, here are some of our favorite spots to take in the foliage:
With an assortment of deciduous trees and a scenic loop around Long Tom Pond with plenty of lookout spots, Hoyt-Hall Preserve is the perfect place for a leaf peeping hike. While enjoying the fall colors, appreciate the history of the preserve as you walk a section of the original Pilgrim Trail.
While Halfway Pond serves as a perfect outdoor haven year-round, it shines in the fall. Its beautiful oak and beech trees are already beginning to turn color, so now is the perfect time to visit. Keep an eye out for bald eagles during your hike, as they can often be spotted from the shores of the pond.
Great River Preserve’s variety of habitats make it a great destination for viewing nature at every scale and in every season. In the fall, its river access and sweeping fields allow for picturesque views of fall colors. Because hunting is permitted at Great River Preserve, visitors should stay safe by wearing bright orange or red and follow MassWildlife guidelines.
[1] The Science of Leaf Color Change - Harvard Forest
[2] Plymouth County, MA Fall Foliage Forecast 2026 | Peak Color Dates