Last week a friend told me she and her husband went to New Hampshire for 3 days and spent $650 per night to get away and enjoy the foliage. It was so expensive due to a mixup by the rental company and they will get reimbursed for part of it - but that’s still a lot of money for some foliage access.

Don’t get me wrong, NH is stunning in peak foliage season, however we have so much amazing foliage right in our backyards of Western MA for free.

Ashley Reservoir is one of the most beautiful peak foliage spots in this area, in my opinion. At the time of this posting, it’s not quite peak but there are definitely some outstanding views of both trees and wildlife.

It’s a great place to walk, bike or jog and it has a safer feel to it for many women than some other places because it’s so open. The paths are well maintained and mostly flat and the water views and foliage are gorgeous.

If you haven’t been, it really is a must see place to go. The next couple of weeks should be spectacular.

This picture (above) is coming down the hill after parking at the Holyoke Elks Club. It’s a short section without water views but plenty of foliage.

There are almost always geese and ducks visible, and sometimes you’ll see heron and other wildlife.

The “big loop” around the water is about 3 miles and you can add another mile and a half by going around the smaller loop as well.

There is always plenty of parking at the Holyoke Elks Club and people are very friendly. Again, I highly recommend it.

Action Step:

Get outside this week for a walk, jog or a bike ride while you still can, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy going out in the colder weather.

It doesn’t matter where you go or who you go with. Just enjoy breathing the fall air and enjoying the amazing New England scenery!