Where to See Fall Foliage in Lexington, Massachusetts

There’s nothing quite like fall in New England! As the leaves begin to change, Lexington’s historic landscapes, conservation areas, and scenic trails are transformed with shades of red, orange, and gold.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk through the woods, a bike ride surrounded by fall color, or a picture-perfect backdrop for exploring Lexington’s Revolutionary history, there are plenty of places around town to enjoy the season. With more than 1,400 acres of conservation land and over 50 miles of trails, you don’t have to travel far to experience beautiful fall foliage in Lexington.

Minuteman Bikeway

Walk, jog, or bike your way through fall on the Minuteman Bikeway. The 10-mile paved rail trail travels from Cambridge through Arlington and Lexington before continuing into Bedford, making it an easy way to take in the scenery while exploring more of the area.

The trail passes directly through Lexington Center, so you can start at the Lexington Visitors Center before heading out on your fall adventure. Along the way, the bikeway also provides access to parks, conservation areas, historic sites, and Arlington’s Great Meadows.

Willard’s Woods

For a classic walk through the New England woods, head to Willard’s Woods. This Lexington conservation area features trails through a mix of open meadows, pine groves, forest, and wetlands, giving you plenty of different scenery to take in along the way.

The network includes three miles of trails, making it easy to choose a shorter stroll or spend more time exploring. In the fall, the combination of wooded paths and open spaces makes Willard’s Woods an especially scenic place to experience the changing season.

Whipple Hill

If you’re looking for a little more of a hike, explore Whipple Hill. One of Lexington’s larger conservation areas, Whipple Hill offers miles of wooded trails and a landscape filled with trees, rocky outcroppings, wetlands, and other natural features.

The varied terrain makes this a great choice for hikers looking for a crisp fall morning or afternoon immersed in nature. Follow the trails beneath the changing canopy and enjoy some exercise, all while taking in some of Lexington’s most beautiful foliage.

Be sure to wear comfortable footwear, particularly after rainy weather, when unpaved trails around Whipple Hill may be muddy.

Battle Road Trail

Combine fall foliage with Revolutionary history along the Battle Road Trail at Minute Man National Historical Park.

The approximately five-mile trail follows part of the route traveled by British Regulars and colonial militia on April 19, 1775, connecting historic homes, fields, wooded areas, and landmarks throughout Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord.

Walk a portion of the trail or plan a longer outing to experience one of the area’s most significant historic landscapes while enjoying a beautiful fall day.

Arlington’s Great Meadows

Despite its name, Arlington’s Great Meadows is actually located in East Lexington! The 183-acre natural area features wetlands, meadows, wooded edges, and trails that provide a different perspective on Lexington’s fall scenery.

It’s also a wonderful destination for birdwatching and nature photography. The open landscape creates opportunities to take in the season beyond the densely wooded trails found in some of Lexington’s other conservation areas.

Arlington’s Great Meadows can be accessed directly from the Minuteman Bikeway, making it easy to combine both destinations into one fall walk or bike ride.

More Trails to Explore in Lexington

These are only a few of the places to experience fall foliage around Lexington. The town is home to 26 conservation areas with more than 50 miles of trails, including Hayden Woods, Parker Meadow, Upper and Lower Vine Brook, and many more.

You can also explore the ACROSS Lexington trail system, a network of marked walking and biking routes that connects conservation lands, neighborhoods, historic sites, and other points of interest throughout town.

When you arrive in town, head to the Lexington Visitors Center to pick up maps, get recommendations, and learn more about what’s happening during your trip. Then grab your walking shoes or your bike and head out to experience fall foliage in Lexington for yourself!