If you’re living in the Boston area this fall, you may have noticed the leaves changing colors over the past two months. Fall foliage has come a bit later this season compared to recent years, due to above average moisture and temperatures this summer, however, the colors are expected to be just as beautiful. To make sure you don’t miss out on seeing peak fall foliage this summer SmokyMountains.com released its annual interactive fall foliage forecast map, to forecast when and where leaves will turn their best colors.
What kinds of colors will I see?
According to experts, peak colors will arrive slightly later in 2018, due to “heavier precipitation and warmer temperature trends expected through September”. The weather in September will also impact the colors of foliage you see. September is a critical month as “crisp days combined with plenty of sunshine” throughout this month will produce the best colors. Aside from the weather, the colors you see are also dependent on the type of tree. Beech trees, hickories, tulip poplars, and birch trees have mainly yellow and orange leaves while sumacs, sweet gums, sourwoods, mountain ashes scarlet oaks, red maples, and some sugar maples have red leaves.
When will colors peak in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts specifically, foliage is expected to reach its peak around October 15th (next Monday!) and some areas of the state where the leaves peaked in the previous week are forecast to be “beyond peak”. Only small areas of Southern states will remain unchanged by this date.
Where can I go to see the best fall colors?
You don’t have to travel too far to see some quality fall foliage. While perhaps the most trees are located outside the city, several areas in the Boston area have colorful trees that are worth seeing. Here are a few spots to check out:
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge
Mount Auburn is one of the oldest landscaped cemeteries in the country and has a wide variety of different trees that are beautiful in fall. While you’re there you may like to take a guided foliage tour to explore all areas of the cemetery, such as the lookout tower, where you can have an amazing view of many Boston landmarks, such as the Zakim bridge and Harvard Stadium. Mount Auburn Cemetery is accessible by car or MBTA bus 71 and 3.
Arnold Arboretum, Boston
The Arnold Arboretum is located in the middle of Jamaica Plain and has 281 acres of different plants and foliage. Fun fact: The Arboretum was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, the same designer of New York City’s Central Park. With miles of bike trails and footpaths the Arboretum is also an ideal place for bike riding or running, especially on a warm fall day like the ones we have been experiencing.
Beacon Hill, Boston
Spending time in Boston’s smaller neighborhoods can be a good way to see some incredible fall colors. To explore Beacon Hill, start at Charles Street and make your way down the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, stopping in any little boutiques and shops along the way. You’ll be able to see autumn leaves as well as an area of the city you may have never visited before.
The Charles River Esplanade, Boston & Cambridge
The Esplanade has over three miles of walking paths along the Charles River, bordered by an array of fall trees. The Charles River is a relaxing place to go to enjoy autumn nature and see one of Boston’s famous waterfronts. To stroll the esplanade, start by the Museum of Science and walk in the direction of the Boston University Bridge where you can cross over to Cambridge. Alternatively, enter the Esplanade from the Boston-side of Massachusetts Avenue and take in the scenery from one of the nearby docks.
