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Hairpin Turn on the Mohawk Trail: You Could be Here This Fall

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Hairpin Turn, Berkshires of Western Massachusetts
Scenic fall foliage views from the Hairpin Turn on the Mohawk Trail in Clarksburg MA (photo by Eric)

Let’s face it, you don’t want any trial and error when searching for the sweetest Massachusetts fall foliage spots. That would be a waste of your time and money.

Ideally, you want panoramic mountain views with lots of colors. With that in mind, the 63-mile Mohawk Trail — one of the oldest, most beloved scenic highways in the United States — affords many spectacular mountain views with the famous Hairpin Turn at the Clarksburg, North Adams line on Route 2 peaking as one of the most impressive scenic New England fall destinations. Want proof? Just look at the photo above! Generally, the best time to see these views is around Columbus Day Weekend.



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With fall colors often best in mid-October, the enhanced views of the Berkshire mountains and hills and the pleasingly rural Hoosac Valley from the observation point at 1,700 feet above sea level truly make for a memorable destination. Some of those scenic perspectives of northwestern Massachusetts and southern Vermont include Mount Greylock, Mount Prospect and Mount Williams.

If all those scenic views build up your appetite, the Golden Eagle Restaurant is located at the turn and offers lunch, dinner and, of course, amazing scenic views!

The scenery never goes away at the Hairpin Turn, but always check the latest weather forecast before visiting this area as inclement weather can result in potentially treacherous driving.

Here are a few more photos along the Mohawk Trail to further inspire a fall visit…

A welcoming stretch of road along the Mohawk Trail in western Massachusetts during the October fall foliage season
A welcoming stretch of road along the Mohawk Trail in western Massachusetts during the October foliage season (photo by Eric)

Beautiful streams often hug the Mohawk Trail in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts (photo by Eric)
Streams often hug the Mohawk Trail in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts (photo by Eric)
Just up the road from the Hairpin Turn is this beautiful mountain view on the Mohawk Trail in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
Just up the road from the Hairpin Turn is this beautiful mountain view on the Mohawk Trail (photo by Eric)
Another great stretch of road along the Mohawk Trail in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts during the fall foliage season .
Another great stretch of road along the Mohawk Trail in the Berkshires of Massachusetts during the fall foliage season (photo by Eric)

Hotels in North Adams near the Hairpin Turn

Some great towns to visit just off the Mohawk Trail? For starters, try the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Williamstown and Greenfield.

For more information on the Mohawk Trail, log onto the Mohawk Trail web site.

Related article:
50 budget-friendly fall travel ideas in New England

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