Here’s a comparatively quick, consummately convenient way to take in Massachusetts’ fall foliage – and see some history in the process. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism suggests a 47.9-mile drive along the Minute Man Trail, an area comprised of parts of greater Boston and the greater Merrimack Valley.
Along with the leaves see:
- Minute Man National Historical Park, where the opening shots of the American Revolution rang out. If you’ve ever wanted to stand at the epicenter of the place our nation was born a visit to this place is imperative. It doesn’t hurt that the season is autumn.
- Walden Pond State Reservation. No contest, it’s this reporter’s favorite retreat in the Boston area. Certainly Henry David Thoreau saw it that way. His two-year residence at the pond inspired the classic Walden, a reflection on life lived simply and fully. This is still a place to lose (and find) yourself, to get away from the madding world and put things into perspective. Walden Pond State Reservation is properly buffered from most of the hubbub, surrounded by 2,680 acres of largely undeveloped woods.
- Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is much as the name implies, a sanctuary for man and beast alike. It’s a great place to bring the family. Learn the lessons of the soil in Drumlin’s learning garden. Ride a hay wagon. The smell of the new-mown hay is especially keen this time of year. This is the sort of place you want to settle in with a picnic lunch and just take your time to enjoy.
- Great Brook Farm State Park is another autumn gem. It’s etched with more than 20 miles of trails for walker, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. After working up an appetite head for the ice cream stand. It’s open through October.
(Image: randomduck)
