October Mountain State Forest
Forest · Massachusetts
Massachusetts' largest state forest spreads across 16,500 acres of the Berkshires above Lee and Washington, its name reportedly coined by Herman Melville for the mountain's autumn color; old woods roads and trails wind through miles of turning hardwood.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 8–October 12
Color builds from September 24 · mostly bare by October 31
Sampled at October Mountain State Forest’s own coordinates and elevation (610 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 October Mountain State Forest
Good color holds through about October 19, giving you roughly 25 days from the first turn to past peak. Against Massachusetts overall, that is 9 days earlier. The elevation is 2,001 ft, which pulls the turn earlier.
From Hartford it is about 50 mi, close enough for a morning drive.
October Mountain State Forest 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
- Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn)Scenic drive · Peak Oct 9
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does October Mountain State Forest peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 8–October 12 (best estimate October 10). Color starts around September 24 and is mostly bare by October 31.
- How do I get to October Mountain State Forest?
- The closest city is Hartford, about 50 mi away. It's part of Massachusetts's fall lineup.
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