Massachusetts may be small on the map, but it’s immense in story, scenery, and soul. From Revolutionary War battlefields to salt-sprayed coasts, the Commonwealth’s scenic byways offer travelers curated slices of New England at its most picturesque. Whether you’re chasing autumnal foliage, coastal breezes, or colonial charm, these routes are more than just roads—they’re immersive road trip experiences.
Here’s a breakdown of the most captivating scenic byways in Massachusetts.
Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
Route: Route 2 from North Adams to Millers Falls
Distance: ~63 miles
Best for: Fall foliage, mountain vistas, historic Native American trade routes
The Mohawk Trail is Massachusetts’ crown jewel of scenic drives. Originally a footpath used by the Indigenous People of the area, this winding route now guides you through the northern Berkshire Mountains, threading together art towns, sweeping lookouts, and dense forests that turn to fire in the fall. Highlights include the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Mount Greylock—the state’s highest peak—and Mass MoCA in North Adams. An area with rich history, the Mohawk Trail is a great drive any time of year and features some of the best scenery in the state. Whether you’re looking for mountains, fall foliage, world-class museums, picturesque New England towns, or some great food, you’ll find it along the Mohawk Trail.
Head out to Orange and simply follow Route 2 all the way to Williamstown. Along the way, be sure to stop by Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, Charlemont, and North Adams. For information about things to see and do along the way, check out visitors information for the Mohawk Trail.
Don’t Miss: The Hairpin Turn just outside North Adams offers a panoramic view across the Hoosac Range.
Connecticut River Byway
Route: Along Route 47, 116, and 10 in the Pioneer Valley
Distance: ~40 miles in MA (part of a multi-state byway)
Best for: River valley charm, colonial history, farmland vistas
Winding through the fertile Connecticut River Valley, this byway is a rural symphony of red barns, tobacco sheds, and tranquil meadows. Travel back in time one mile at a time along a clean natural landscape and explore farmlands, pastures, and idyllic colonial villages, all while overlooking New England’s longest river. Through 39 miles, you’ll encounter hundreds of historic sites that preserve American history and offer a great way to escape the hustles and bustles of the big city.
You’ll pass through Amherst and Northampton—two of New England’s most distinct and cultured small towns, brimming with bookstores, museums, and cafes. The Connecticut River Byway is one of the best places in Massachusetts to get fresh farm-to-table food – some of the farms along the route have been operating for over a century.
You can start at either end of the byway in Northfield or Holyoke and follow Routes 63 and 47 through the Franklin and Hampshire counties of Western Massachusetts.
Don’t Miss: The Norwottuck Rail Trail, ideal for biking through farmland and old railroad bridges.
Old King’s Highway (Route 6A)
Route: 6A from Bourne to Provincetown
Distance: ~62 miles
Best for: Cape Cod charm, sea captains’ homes, art galleries
The Cape’s best drive is one of only four national scenic byways in the state and one of the largest historic districts in the country. Often called “Cape Cod’s Main Street,” Route 6A hugs the northern edge of the Cape and serves up pure New England seaside nostalgia. Historic homes with weathered shingles, antique shops, salt marshes, and seafood shacks set the scene. You’ll pass quaint Cape towns like Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Dennis, as well as many popular beaches. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, be sure to save some time for the Cape’s best antique shops and galleries along the way.
This route can help you avoid some traffic while traversing the Cape during its busy seasons, saving you some time and giving you a better idea of what the area can be like away from some of the most tourist-oriented areas. Compared to the busier Route 6, it’s a more peaceful and scenic detour. Drive down to Bourne and take Route 6A all the way up to Orleans.
Don’t Miss: Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town, and Provincetown, a bohemian enclave with stunning dunes.
Battle Road Scenic Byway
Route: Along Route 2A between Lexington and Concord
Distance: ~15 miles
Best for: American Revolution history, pastoral landscapes
Follow in the footsteps of Paul Revere and the Minutemen along this short but significant byway. The route roughly follows the path British regulars took along the way to the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. It’s a must for history lovers, but it is also a great destination for those who seek idyllic New England living, lined with colonial-era homes, stone walls, and preserved farmland.
You can start in Arlington and take Route 2A all the way up to Lexington and finally Concord, passing right through Minute Man National Historical Park in between. Stop there for reenactments and walking trails.
Don’t Miss: The Old North Bridge, site of “the shot heard ’round the world” that started the American Revolution.
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
Route: Route 7 to Mount Greylock summit via Notch and Rockwell Roads
Distance: ~16 miles (summit road only open May–Oct)
Best for: Mountain driving, hiking, alpine views
Climb above the Berkshires on this byway to the summit of Mount Greylock, which inspired writers like Hawthorne and Melville. On clear days, you can see up to 70 miles of panoramic views through five states from the top. It’s the highest paved road in Massachusetts—over 3,000 feet—and among the most dramatic. Atop Mount Greylock, you’ll find the granite Veterans War Memorial tower, which is 93 feet tall and was dedicated in 1933. Along the way there are plenty of areas to stop for a hike, or to just pull over and take in the forest and mountain views.
Start in Lanesborough and follow Greylock Road and Rockwell Road all the way up to the Mountain’s summit. The byway is open May through October.
Don’t Miss: A hike on the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the summit.
Route 122 Scenic Byway
Route: Between Orange and Paxton
Distance: ~40 miles
Best for: Waterfalls, quiet towns, Quabbin Reservoir access
This underrated route glides through central Massachusetts and skirts the vast, still waters of the Quabbin Reservoir. It’s perfect for a peaceful drive, especially in spring or fall. Visit hidden gems like Doane’s Falls, see perfectly preserved 19th– and 20th-century homes, farms, and mills, or take a contemplative stroll in one of the area’s many state forests. For those looking for some peace and quiet, this area offers some of the best camping in the state, as well as opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Don’t Miss: Barre Falls Dam, a quiet area for a picnic and easy walking trails.
The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Route: Routes 1A, 127, and 133 between Lynn and Salisbury
Distance: ~90 miles
Best for: Beaches, coastal views, lighthouses
The sound of gentle waves, the smell of salt water, and rich coastal history dominate this scenic route. Just north of Boston, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway winds through 14 communities along Massachusetts’ North Shore. The route is peppered with beaches, trails for hiking & biking, conservation areas, and working harbors, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the road. If you love seafood, there’s no better place to grab some lobster, cod, or the region’s world-famous fried clams.
Starting in Lynn, follow the coast up Routes 1A, 127, and 133. You’ll pass through Marblehead, Salem, and Beverly, before entering Cape Ann, made up of the coastal communities of Essex, Manchester by the Sea, Gloucester, and Rockport.
Don’t Miss: The seafood along the Essex Coastal Byway is some of the best in the world.
Hit the Road
Massachusetts’ scenic byways invite you to slow down and savor the landscape, a welcome counterpoint to the East Coast’s usual pace. Whether you’re in a convertible with the top down or on a crisp autumn hike, these roads whisper stories of revolution, renewal, and natural beauty. All you have to do is look, listen, and drive.
