As October approaches, the signature colors of New England fall are beginning to transform leaves throughout the state of Massachusetts.
With the official start to the autumn season now behind us, Massachusetts foliage will only continue to get more vibrant. But when exactly will the leaves change to orange and red, and where?
The state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) answers those questions with the 2025 Interactive Fall Foliage Map, showing when leaves will change throughout the season by using DCR parks across the state as checkpoints.
Here’s when the DCR predicts foliage will peak in Massachusetts this fall, as well as recommended spots across the state for leaf peeping.
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Sept. 22
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Sept. 22, 2025.
This week, most of Massachusetts’ leaves are just beginning to change, with some areas of western Massachusetts reaching their mid-point for fall colors.
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Sept. 29
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Sept. 29, 2025.
The following week, the Cape will continue its beginning phases of changing leaf colors, while the rest of the state will reach its mid-point. Areas of western Massachusetts will begin to approach their peak.
Fall foliage MA: Where is the best place to see fall foliage in Massachusetts? Vote in our poll
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Oct. 6
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Oct. 6, 2025.
During the week of Oct. 6, fall colors on Cape Cod will also reach their mid-point, covering the entire state with moderate leaf color.
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Oct. 13
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Oct. 13, 2025.
Western Massachusetts will reach peak fall leaf colors the following week, with central Massachusetts following closely behind.
Things to do this fall: Here are 10 fall festivals to have fun at this season in Massachusetts
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Oct. 20
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Oct. 20, 2025.
The entire state of Massachusetts will be near peak during the week of Oct. 20, with western Massachusetts still covered in peak autumn color.
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Oct. 27
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Oct. 27, 2025.
During the following week, peak fall color will cover all of Massachusetts, filling the state with autumn’s signature vibrant hues of red, yellow and orange.
Massachusetts fall foliage: Week of Nov. 3
This map shows a prediction of fall foliage colors in Massachusetts during the week of Nov. 3, 2025.
By the week of Nov. 3, foliage in Massachusetts will have passed its peak. When foliage passes its peak, leaves start to turn darker and duller, and often fall to the ground.
Now is the time for apple picking. Check out a Northborough orchard and others in MA
Where to see fall foliage in Massachusetts
The DCR’s Fall Foliage website recommends various spots in the state park system for foliage viewing, complete with hiking trails, picnic areas and scenic overlooks.
Here are the 18 spots the DCR recommends checking out foliage this fall:
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts fall foliage 2025: See week-by-week forecast maps from DCR