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Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

As foliage conditions peak and the weather crisps, mid-to-late October in Massachusetts is the perfect time of year for some fresh air, autumn colors, and outdoor adventures.
So, with all these fall-themed attributes, where can you start your own Massachusetts adventure? Well, first things first, you’ll need to choose an area of interest, and from there, you’ll need a few fun stops along the way, as well as a little insight on what to expect.
We’d suggest starting with our Fall Foliage Fun Planner, where you can choose a date of interest, and in just a click, find a number of local fall-themed activities and events.
You’ll also find nine fantastic foliage driving routes scattered across our interactive foliage map from the Berkshires to Cape Cod.

For those liken to a fall adventure that combines breathtaking foliage with rich, historical significance, look to the Greater Boston area’s Minuteman Trail.
Stretching close to 50-miles long from Boston through Lexington and Concord to Sudbury and Wayland, the Minuteman Trail provides a number of fun stops along the way!
Passing through the grounds where the American Revolution began in April 1775, The Minuteman Bikeway is one of the most popular rail-trails in the U.S. The trail runs 11-miles from Alewife Station in Cambridge to Bedford, and is open 5 AM – 9 PM, year round. For a detailed map of the bikeway, click here.

Photo: Minuteman Bikeway, credit: dsearls
Continuing on the trail, in Lexington, a stop off at the National Heritage Museum, an American history museum that features a number of exhibits and tours, is certainly a must. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM, with free admission and parking, the museum is currently featuring a breathtaking new exhibit titled, “Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography.”

Photo: National Heritage Museum, credit: Facebook
Further along the trail, commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolution, Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln, serves as a must-see for all history buffs. With a number of things to do — many for kids — Minute Man National Historical Park is also home to Old North Bridge, Battle Road Trail, and The Wayside. For information on the parks operating hours and seasonal events, click here.

Photo: Minute Man National Historical Park, Old North Bridge, credit: Tim Grafft/MOTT
Folks will also want to check out the Walden Pond State Reservation, which features over 335 acres of protected open space, providing a rich experience into the surrounds that were oh-so-familiar to the famous author, Henry David Thoreau, who lived along the pond from July 1845 to September 1847. Thoreau’s legacy has designated Walden Pond as a National Historic Landmark. For trail maps and brochures, click here.

Photo: Walden Pond State Reservation, credit: jthetzel
Shifting from National history to local farm and wildlife, Drumlin Farm in Lincoln provides a great change of pace with their insight into life on a working farm, and wildlife sanctuary. With a number of daily activities, from hayrides and hiking trails to ongoing educational programs, Drumlin Farm certainly provides a day full of fun. For more information on hours of service and directions, click here.

Photo: Drumlin Farm, credit: Facebook
As fall adventures go, it’s tough to beat the mix of historical and outdoor fun that the Minuteman Trail provides, but for a glance at other areas across the state, and to create your own fall adventure, click here.
For more on the Greater Merrimack Valley’s activities, attractions and accommodations, head to the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau online.
Happy fall travels!

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