Mohawk Trail

I bookmarked a website that shows when foliage will be at it's peak in New England and Western Mass would be at peak by about October 14th.  We decided to take a loooong drive out to the Berkshires on the Mohawk Trail (aka Rte. 2).  Our first stop was at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Information Center in Leominster cause I had to use the washroom, and I discovered a small gift shop inside so I had to get a fridge magnet!

Once we got west of all the cities, the highway went down to 2 lanes and winds it's way through tiny quintessentially New England towns, and alongside rivers every now and then.

Loved this bridge

Naturally we stopped at this Trading Post for souvenirs and photos.

Before anyone freaks out about how un-PC this is, the trading post is Native American owned.

This is a second trading post but I didn't go in to shop, just stopped for pics.

It was definitely a pretty drive, but I didn't find the foliage all that impressive.  It was just too hot, too late to force the leaves into changing.

This was a pretty vista point. 

Nothing would have induced me to climb down there like those people did!!

This was the first place where there was a sweeping view.

I really hate to be a 'west coast snob' and all, but as compared with the Cascades, Olympics and Sierras, the Berkshires are scenic hills at best.  

My goal was to get as far as the famous 'hairpin turn' in North Adams, which is in the northwestern corner of the state.

This pic was taken from Wigwam Summit.  That's the Hoosac Range in the Berkshires and extends north into the Green Mountains of Vermont.

The town of North Adams.

Not much in the way of colour but it was a beautiful day and view.

Heading downhill to the famous turn. 

I admit that I was surprised the turn was on the back side of the mountain.  When I pictured it in my head, I thought it was at the summit.  

View from in front of the Golden Eagle Restaurant.  The place was packed and there wasn't even room to park.  Russell double parked while I jumped out to get a few snaps. 

Taken on the way home at another spot on Rte 2.

We left the house at about 9AM and we rolled in the driveway about 4:30, also stopping for lunch at 99 on the way home.