The 15 Best Fall Foliage Runs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a treat for running in the fall. Those who love autumn running can follow the foliage peak map from mid-October in the Berkshires to early November in southern Massachusetts. Our guide to fall foliage runs in Massachusetts highlights some of the state’s most iconic routes. It includes leafy routes in the City of Boston, northern & western suburbs, the North & South Shore, the Worcester area, and the Berkshires.

Peak foliage is earliest in the western part of the state, usually mid-October. Then, it’s about 1 week later in Boston’s western suburbs, late October/early November in metro Boston, and as late as Nov. 10-15 in the southern part of the state, especially near the ocean. This map allows you to enter a date and location to track peak foliage!

How Do We Choose The Best Foliage Runs in Massachusetts?

During the summer, some of the best places to run in Boston are routes along the Charles River and the burgeoning waterfront. In autumn, particularly as the colors change, we prefer running in parks or in leafy residential areas, in order to enjoy the colorful canopy.

Central Boston

Emerald Necklace. Olmsted-designed linear park runs from the State House to Franklin Park. The prettiest section in fall is the area between Park Drive and Jamaica Pond, and the Arboretum.

Back Bay Tour. Enjoy the leafy canopy of the Commonwealth Ave. Mall and the Public Garden. It’s also part of the Emerald Necklace.

Western Suburbs

Battle Road Trail. History and scenery combine for fantastic running in historic Concord. Run the 4.6 mile Battle Road Trail between Lexington and Concord, beautifully restored by the National Park Service. Our Author’s Ridge & Old North Bridge tour is another great optikon.

Wellesley College Campus. Located 10 miles west of Boston, the Olmsted-designed Wellesley College campus is also an Arboretum. Run the 2.75 mile path around Lake Waban, plus adjacent residential streets and the Crosstown Path. 

Orchards and Cranberry Bogs. In Carlisle, there’s scenic running on rural back roads and past the Cranberry Bog — an authentic New England experience! Further west, our Apple Orchards route explores lovely roads in Harvard, Stow, and Bolton.

Boston North Shore

Lynn Woods. The second municipal park in the United States offers a great opportunity to enjoy leafy fall running, with 10 miles of wooded fire roads and 30 miles of trails and bridle paths.

Salem ‘Runseeing’ Tour. A happening place in fall! This historic coastal town is famous as a seaport and for the 1692 Witch Trials. Our 5-mile route is a modified version of the red-lined Heritage Trail, passing Salem’s major sites, historic downtown, and the waterfront. Beat or join the crowds!

Boston South Shore

Blue Hills Reservation, Canton. Only 10 miles south of Boston, there are 7,000 acres of preserved land, incorporating 5 towns. There’s something for everyone on the 125 miles of trails. For a real challenge, 1-mile Summit Rd. leading to the top of Bklue Hill, is closed to cars and has 350 feet of elevation gain averaging 10% grade.

World’s End, Hingham. Olmsted-designed gem offers several miles of rolling hill roads and trails, flanked by specimen trees, with great views to the water and the Boston skyline. Located in Hingham, 10 miles south of Boston.

Plymouth ‘Runseeing’ Tour. Another fall history run! This is a 3.2 mile ‘Runseeing’ Tour of one of the country’s first settlements, landing site of the Mayflower, and location of the First Thanksgiving.

Worcester Area

Sibley Farm & Burncoat Pond. Easy to moderate trail running in these scenic parcels located 11 miles west of Worcester. There 8 miles of trails through fields, meadows, forests, ponds, and wetlands.

Amherst/Northampton Area

Rail Trails: The Norwottuck, Manhan, & Northampton rail trails are three interconnected paved trails that make for some scenic, leafy running. See our description for the best section.

Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. Options for easy or moderate trail running in the woods.

Berkshires

Lenox & Tanglewood Loop. A run combining the fabulous grounds at Tanglewood with the trails of Kennedy Memorial Park, and scenic connector roads. A great mix for fall. Hilly!

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail: Paved Rail Trail spans 13.6 miles between Adams and Lanesborough. Great views of the Hoosac Mountains, Hoosic River, Cheshire Reservoir, and the wetlands which wind between them. 

Lanesborough Loop. A hilly but quiet and low traffic route through Lanesborough, mostly on dirt roads, with some lovely foliage views.