As the leaves begin to blush in brilliant reds and glowing golds, fall in Central Massachusetts becomes the perfect backdrop for creating beautiful moments, especially for parents. Whether you’re carving out a few hours for yourself or planning a family outing, here are five fall activities in Central Mass to soak in the season’s best.
1. Chase Waterfalls at Doane’s Falls (Royalston, MA)
Nothing beats a waterfall hike in peak foliage season. Doane’s Falls, located in Royalston, MA, is a hidden gem that offers serenity, beauty, and just enough adventure. This relatively short hike follows Lawrence Brook, where you’ll find a series of dramatic, cascading waterfalls surrounded by woods that blaze with color in October.
Details:
- Location: 3 Doane Hill Road, Royalston, MA
- Best time to visit: Late September through mid-October for peak foliage.
- Parking: Free lot at the trailhead.
2. Pick the Perfect Apple at Red Apple Farm (Phillipston, MA)
No New England fall is complete without an afternoon spent surrounded by apple trees. Red Apple Farm in Phillipston is one of the highest-rated apple orchards in the region. It is a family-run farm that offers a charming, authentic experience that goes beyond just picking apples. Enjoy fresh cider donuts, hard cider tastings, and even live music on weekends. You can pick apples and pumpkins, and they even have craft beer!
Details:
- Location: 455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA
- Best time to visit: Mid-September through October
- Bonus: They offer hayrides on weekends, too!
3. Take a Classic Hayride at Davis Farmland (Sterling, MA)
If you’re looking for that old-fashioned New England fall feeling—hay bales, pumpkins, and wide-open skies—head to Davis Farmland in Sterling. Their fall weekend events include scenic hayrides through the farm, pumpkin patch adventures, and a massive corn maze that’ll challenge even the cleverest parents. The corn maze is really fun, and they have baby animals along the way!
Details:
- Location: 145 Redstone Hill Rd, Sterling, MA
- Fall events: Usually run from mid-September through Halloween
- Tip: Weekdays are quieter, and you can often find deals online.
4. Sip Wine with a View at Nashoba Valley Winery (Bolton, MA)
Let’s be honest, sometimes the best fall activity is one where you sit, sip, and savor the view. Located on a hilltop overlooking rolling orchards and changing trees, this is one of the best spots in Central Mass to enjoy a fall afternoon with a glass of locally-made wine or hard cider. Kid-friendly, picnic area, and a delicious restaurant.
Details:
- Location: 100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd, Bolton, MA
- Best time to visit: Late September to early November
- Tip: Reservations Recommended for tastings
5. Hike Mount Wachusett for Fall Foliage Views (Princeton, MA)
If you’re craving panoramic views of the Massachusetts landscape at its fall finest, Mount Wachusett is your go-to. The mountain offers a variety of hiking trails, but the summit trail (1.5 miles each way) is a favorite. The reward? A sweeping view of foliage-covered hills stretching into New Hampshire and Vermont! And you can even see the Boston skyline. The trail is not over-challenging. If the kids aren’t ready to hike, the summit can be reached by car, too.
Details:
- Location: 345 Mountain Rd, Princeton, MA
- Best time for foliage: First to third week of October
- Parking: Small fee at the base or summit lot
