Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn)
Scenic drive · Massachusetts
Route 2's 63-mile run through the Berkshires climbs to a 1,700-foot hairpin turn on the North Adams-Clarksburg line, opening onto a 90-mile view across the Hoosac Valley toward Mount Greylock. It's New England's oldest official scenic auto route, marked in 1914.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 7–October 11
Color builds from September 22 · mostly bare by October 30
Sampled at Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn)’s own coordinates and elevation (591 m) rather than a regional average.
This window comes from 4 weather points across Massachusetts, nudged 3 days later to match 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com and almanac.com. Massachusetts is running 3 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn)
You get about 26 days of color here, from the first turn through to roughly October 18. Against Massachusetts overall, that is 10 days earlier. Height explains the gap, since this sits at 1,939 ft. At 1,939 ft, it turns before the lower ground nearby.
It is roughly 68 mi out of Hartford.
Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn) on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Massachusetts, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in Massachusetts
Leaves & views
- Boston Public GardenGarden · Peak Oct 24
- Arnold ArboretumArboretum · Peak Oct 24
- Mount Auburn CemeteryGarden cemetery · Peak Oct 23
- Middlesex Fells ReservationState park · Peak Oct 23
- Walden Pond State ReservationState park · Peak Oct 21
- Mount Greylock State ReservationState park · Peak Oct 7
- Bash Bish Falls State ParkState park · Peak Oct 14
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn) peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 7–October 11 (best estimate October 9). Color starts around September 22 and is mostly bare by October 30.
- How do I get to Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn)?
- The closest city is Hartford, about 68 mi away. It's part of Massachusetts's fall lineup.
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