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These Massachusetts towns are the best places to visit if you're looking for calm and scenic fall foliage. From scenic dunes in Cape Cod to traditional hikes on the Appalachian Mountains, there are plenty of activities you can participate in to make the most out of your fall retreat. The fall vibes in these towns are not to be missed, with peak color happening from late September to early November.听

Shelburne Falls

is a 90-minute short drive from Boston and is within Franklin County. The small town is populated by almost 3,000 people and is a nice fall retreat from the bustling college towns in the area. If you want to get active, Shelburne Falls has scenic hiking trails to enjoy the vibrant fall colors. The Mahican Mohawk Trail is a great place to stroll by the Deerfield River and go fishing and camping. Despite the path being a bit rough, the view is very rewarding as the fall colors are very vibrant in that area. If you鈥檙e looking for a more laid-back retreat, you can visit The Wooded Loop Trail and its inviting resting area by the pond and stone walls. The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is between September and October, but the best time for great fall foliage is during October.听

Hamilton

Only 24 miles away from Cambridge, the crowded college town of is聽home to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hamilton鈥檚 proximity to these universities and its quiet atmosphere have made it a perfect destination for fall retreats. The best spot in town to see fall colors come to life is Dundas Peak, in the Hamilton Conservation Authority. You can enjoy the rewarding view of the hike after climbing the Tews Falls Side Trail. If you want more laid-back activities, stroll the scenic in the Chedoke Golf Course and its peculiar bridge! Make sure you visit during October to make the most out of your trip.听

Conway

With a community of around 2,000 people, the picturesque town is bordered by Shelburne in the western part of Massachusetts. The town is home to the , an聽ideal place to drive by or participate in the tubing service and activities offered.听If you鈥檙e looking for a different kind of foliage, you can hike in the Conway State Forest or enjoy the fall vibes and colors in the South River State Forest. Spooky season lovers can enjoy the festivities in the which is held in September. If you鈥檙e driving by, make sure you take the scenic Burkeville Covered Bridge, which connects Conway to nearby towns. Since areas with higher elevation change color earlier, the best time to visit is between mid-September to mid-October.听

Great Barrington

The mountainous town is a beauty all year long, but fall in is a refreshing and wonderful experience. Home to about 7,500 residents, the town is a 2-hour drive west of Boston. If you鈥檙e up for a foliage challenge, you can hike up the rigorous . The rewarding view at the peak overlooks the Housatonic River and the array of colors in the dense woods. The farmland in Great Barrington is a good spot to visit as well, with farms such as Taft Farms and Windy Hill Farm attracting tourists around this time. You can catch some of the fall festivities in the area at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, whose name is attributed to indigenous communities of the tribe of the Mohican people.听

Tyringham

In Berkshire County, the small town of Tyringham is home to roughly 700 people in the western part of Massachusetts. The town's landscapes and terrain have made it a perfect destination to enjoy the fall vibes and calm atmosphere. For a laid-back hike and panoramic scenes, you can visit . The unique terrain is formed from tectonic activity and rare composition. Also, the town has beautiful gardens and parks, such as the . There鈥檚 nothing better than enjoying the fall breeze in the elegant spaces and seating areas of this garden. You can also enjoy fall foliage in this town by participating in their fall festivals, such as the annual .听

Provincetown

, located in Barnstable County, is populated by approximately1,700 residents. Provincetown has many secluded spots to enjoy fall foliage, such as the sandy dunes in the Cape Cod Lands. The scenic landscapes are perfect for catching a sunset, running, or just lying around and enjoying the fall air. You can also take a look at the Race Point Lighthouse and enjoy the scenic shallow lakes in that area. The town is the perfect spot to embrace the fall since its terrain ranges from sandy beaches to thick forests, such as that in - a great spot to watch the fall colors during early September and October. 聽While you're in town, be sure to add the to your list. The museum showcases the history of the town's indigenous communities and Mayflower pilgrims. 聽

Becket

A two-hour drive from Boston, is a great place to enjoy the fall weather and activities. Although the small town is only populated by 1,800 residents, it sure has plenty of fall festivities you can attend. The town鈥檚 oldest fall entails hiking in the Appalachian Mountains and making apple cider in , a performing arts area surrounded by a beautiful forest. You can also visit and take a look at its historic monuments. This forest and rocky terrain are marvelous sights, and peak color happens during late October, making it a perfect place for a break. The town is also a good destination during November when the weather is chilly since you can check out sites such as the , which has Nordic food and festivities.听

Massachusetts' Autumn Hideaways

The state's views and trails are a wonderful view during this time of the year. Luckily, these towns are not crowded or very populated, meaning you can fully enjoy the fall festivities and calm vibes. These quiet towns are a nice break from the busy college towns nearby, with Boston University and Harvard University students escaping to these quiet towns during fall retreats. If you're in the state, make sure you stop by and enjoy the ambiance or drive by the scenic roads and trails in these towns.听