Satisfying drive routes in Massachusetts?

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/country-roads-fall-ma/

Lots of nice roads, many in Western MA. As the silly leaf-peeper season gets into full swing, go on weekdays if you can, that's how I do it in NH...much less traffic.

 

Jon, A nice ride for you would be RT2 west out to North Adams. I live just north of that area and it does get a lot of attention during peeping season. The road gets twisty once you get west of greenfield, and makes a fun ride. (ask me how I know) And there are some nice places to get lunch/dinner too. From 495, it would take about 2 or 3 hours depending on traffic. Plus you will likely stop to take photos along the way. I try to get out during that time of year because the weather is cool and crisp.

 

great road. Mt. Greylock, North Adams is a must. Veterans War Memorial Tower at summit is a 'wow' along with the views. (avoid weekends in the fall, peepers) and stop in Shelburne Falls if time allows, but you might spend more time at summit of Greylock than you plan. Summit road closes Nov.1 There are 2 roads up. From Rt. 7, Lanesborough and Rt.2, North Adams (need gps first time, easy to miss)
Google 'Mt. Greylock' images
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Greylock

 

That is great advice, and here's a tip. Stop in Shelburne Falls and walk the Bridge of Flowers. Also walk around the town, see the "potholes" (not the ones you drive over, anyone in town can point you in the direction), if you need a quality kitchen knife go to the Lamson factory store, and to eat or have a drink with a view, go to the restaurant at the west end of the bridge (we've eaten there so many times and I'm blanking out on the name).

 

Same caveats as above - weekdays are best and leaf peeping season is very busy.

Quabbin Reservoir Loop in central MA

Route 9 west to Belchertown, route 202 to New Salem, route 122 to Petersham, route 32A through Hardwick to Gilbertville, route 32 back to route 9 in Ware.
Lots of ways to pick up the loop - route 2 coming from Leominster to rt. 202, or route 9 in the Brookfields, or 122A/122 from points north of Worcester.
Side trip into the Quabbin Reservoir will provide a nice opportunity to stretch the legs and sightsee - Enfield Overlook, Quabbin Observation Tower, and the Winsor Dam.
Nice old New England towns along the loop - New Salem, Petersham, Hardwick. Or wander off the loop over to Barre to the Stone Cow Brewery, or over to Leverett to visit the New England Peace Pagoda.

Enjoy the journey !!!

 

Thanks for posting. I'm heading out to upstate NY at the end of the month and I just decided to go via rt 2. Thanks!

 

Echo all of the above. Also, venturing out for an early morning drive around 5am Sat or Sun mornings is my personal preference. Routes are so much more enjoyable without other drivers to frustrate or otherwise dampen the experience. Then, stop by somewhere to pick up breakfast to-go for the wife and kids as they're waking up.

 

Wife is not a fan of the spirited ride through the mountains ☹. But still got in some fun when her eyes were closed. Image Unavailable, Please Login when Elk attack

 

First time I was on that road and saw a sign for 'Florida', I was like whaaaat???!!! where the hell am I?!!!

 

Staying over in Saratoga springs this evening. Dining at Salt and Char. Excellent experience.

 

That location is about 10 miles from my house. A spirited drive on VT rt 100 can be fun too.

 

Wish I was retired like some. In Lake Geoge for Hemmings car show and the Jazz Fest. Wouldn't be a stretch to go to the Glenn from here. There would be a mutiny at work.

 

For something closer to Boston, Route 117 between Route 128 and Leominster has some nice stretches. A stop at Nancy's Airfield Café in Stow is highly recommended. Still a couple of weeks left for apple picking at any of several orchards along the way. Enjoy!