Massachusettsfall foliage
When does fall color peak in Massachusetts?
Fall color usually peaks from mid-October to mid-October across the 3 Massachusetts places we track. Assabet River Refuge usually Oct 11–20, per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairsted (Olmsted NHS) usually Oct 11–20, per National Park Service and Fort River Division usually Oct 11–20, per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The next season starts in 13 days.
Updated Sep 28. Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted NHS park data ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Places in Massachusetts
- Assabet River Refuge
Usually Oct 11–20 · starts in 13 days
- Fairsted (Olmsted NHS)
Usually Oct 11–20 · starts in 13 days
- Fort River Division
Usually Oct 11–20 · starts in 13 days
- Usual window (from each place's own source)
Places by state
Massachusetts
- Assabet River RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Fairsted (Olmsted NHS)Starts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Fort River DivisionStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Parker River RefugeStarts in 13 days
Local timing: Oct 11–31
Massachusetts in pictures
Official reports
- Sep 28Park ServiceUsual peak by refuge: early October at Aroostook, Nulhegan Basin and Missisquoi; mid-October at Moosehorn, Rachel Carson and Great Bay (marsh)Source (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceTrail names and lengths, few hills, service animals onlySource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge trails in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceWetland trails for wildlife, winter skis and snowshoes, biking miles, navigation address, hoursSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us in a new tab)
Show all 11
- Sep 28Park ServiceAccessible pier on Puffer PondSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge wildlife watching in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServicePeak fall foliage in mid-October; visitor center locationSource (opens National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted NHS park data in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServicePeak bloom mid-May to mid-June; no fee; grounds dawn to duskSource (opens National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted NHS FAQs in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceThe Hollow, the Rock Garden and the South LawnSource (opens National Park Service, a getaway to Fairsted in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceFort River Division: accessible mile-long trail, overlooks, parking, Bay Road access, hoursSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceNulhegan winter grooming; snowmobile season Dec 16–Apr 15; gates locked until Memorial Day weekendSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Silvio O. Conte NFWR, Trails in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceBest times to visit by season, entry fee, summer capacity closures, plover beach closures, accessible spots, no petsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceTrail names and lengthsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge trails in a new tab)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Massachusetts in 2026?
It depends on the place. In a typical year: Assabet River Refuge, Oct 11–20, Fairsted (Olmsted NHS), Oct 11–20 and Fort River Division, Oct 11–20. Each place page has its own dates.
Where can I see fall foliage in Massachusetts?
We track 4 places: Assabet River Refuge (usually Oct 11–20), Fairsted (Olmsted NHS) (usually Oct 11–20), Fort River Division (usually Oct 11–20) and Parker River Refuge.
How long does the fall foliage season last in Massachusetts?
Across the places we track, from about Oct 11 (Assabet River Refuge) to Oct 20 (Fort River Division). Each place's own window is shorter.
Why does color come earlier in some places?
Higher ground turns first. In the Great Smoky Mountains, color can start as early as mid-September at the highest elevations, develops above 4,000 feet from early to mid-October, and reaches the lower and middle slopes between mid-October and early November.Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains fall color ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do you track fall foliage?
Each place moves through 6 stages: Still green, First color, Moderate, High color, Peak and Past peak. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.