Hi,

I know many of you are quite familiar with Central Mass. We're thinking of heading out there this weekend for foliage, but I can't decide between these 3 areas (see below). Which ones do you think will have the best trees colors?

[I'm picking the following places which belong to the Trustees of Reservations.]

1) Royalston in Northern Central Mass . These include Doane's Falls, Jacobs Hill, and Royalston Falls

2) Peaked Mountain in Southern Central Mass at CT stateline

3) Brooks Woodland Preserve in Petersham

I'd very much appreciate any insights you can provide!

YK, the only one of those I've visited is the Doane's Falls, Jacobs Hill which I think you probably remember, from my pictures last year. It's a pretty area up there, but I dound the foliage on the way there was prettier than the actual foliage viewed at Jacobs Hill.

I think peak foliage has not quite moved south yet. So I'd lean towards trying Brooks Woodland preserve. I think that would be a very pretty area this weekend. But I don't know the reserve itself, to know how the trails are, how scenic it is.

Make sure to pack a picnic lunch. There are very few places to eat out there, not even fast food. We got stuck when we went to Royalston, and never got any lunch. Should have packed!

One other place you might consider, if you want a slightly shorter drive. I really like the Wachusett Meadow Audubon preserve in Princeton. There are 2 trails from there, one that leads through the swamp (over boardwalks) into the woods, although its been a few years since I was there, and it may be flooded due to beaver damns. The other leads up a short, somewhat steep trail to the top of Brown Hill, with views of Mount Wachusett (this trails is quite short, I think it takes around 1/2 hour to walk up). It's really pretty out there, and much closer than any of your other options.

C_C, thanks for your thoughtful responses. Of course, now the forecast is cloudy for this weekend. So we'll see what the weather is like, and your second post with places closer will be a better choice.

My mom is coming to visit this weekend, and wants to go shopping. Otherwise I'd likely be out looking for foliage too! I may try to squeeze in a visit to Tower Hill in Boylston, I got such great foliage photos there last year, and its much closer to home.