Places to Explore

Explore these favorite trails to see the best of Massachusetts nature in the fall. 

When the heat of summer fades, the crispness of fall signals birders to get outdoors and search for fall migratory birds. Don’t know where to start? Check out our favorite fall birding hotspots at Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries. 

If you like these popular sanctuaries, you'll love these similar, lesser-known sites. 

The trees at our wildlife sanctuaries have experienced the different seasons for decades, centuries even. Each fall, they draw the gaze of visitors who marvel at the vibrant red, yellow, orange, and more subtle green hues in oak, maple, and beech forests. And while fall is no doubt glorious, our trees stand out throughout the year—some more than others thanks to their unique stories. 

Fall is here, and with it comes cooler temperatures and that nagging feeling to pick up that dreaded rake and garden clippers for the annual autumn cleanup. Well, we’ve got good news: you’re officially off the hook. 

Few places display the breathtaking splendor of fall like the Berkshires. Leaf peepers travel from across the globe to experience the reds, oranges, and yellows that can be found at these four wildlife sanctuaries. 

Here, we’ve gathered together 10 spectacular autumn hikes at wildlife sanctuaries across Massachusetts to inspire you to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the season.