Assabet River Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. It usually peaks Oct 11–20.
Right now in Assabet River Refuge · September
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–20
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 97% chanceThis Afternoon, Tonight
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 1:54 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
First frost usually in ~1 weeks
Oct 6Average first fall frost
May 2Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Maynard 2 station (1.9 mi away, 205 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge through the year: Leaf color along the wetlands Oct; Wildlife watching on skis and snowshoes Dec–Feb.
Best spots around Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
- Winterberry Way Trail1.5 miles past wetlands good for spotting wildlife
- Taylor Way Trail1.8 miles, another of the refuge's best wetland walks
- Otter Alley TrailShort trail along wetlands
- Puffer PondAccessible fishing and wildlife-viewing pier
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across New England, red maple is ahead of a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
Assabet River Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge wildlife watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–20. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (usually Oct 11–20).
When do the leaves peak?
Usually mid-October, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, when some 220 bird species also pass through.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the trails hard?
No. The refuge has few hills, so all 15 miles of trail are easy walks with very little climbing.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bike or bring a dog?
Bikes are allowed on 7.5 of the 15 miles. Dogs are not: only certified service animals may use the trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What address do I use to find it?
Enter 680 Winterberry Way in navigation apps; 680 Hudson Road is only the mailing address. The refuge is open sunrise to sunset all year.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
Winterberry Way Trail: 1.5 miles past wetlands good for spotting wildlife; Taylor Way Trail: 1.8 miles, another of the refuge's best wetland walks; Otter Alley Trail: short trail along wetlands; Puffer Pond: accessible fishing and wildlife-viewing pier.
What is Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Leaf color along the wetlands (Oct) and Wildlife watching on skis and snowshoes (Dec–Feb).