Found the Best New England Fall Foliage in my Own Backyard Pt 3

I have one last leg on this journey around my “backyard”. First, I’m not saying literally in your backyard, and if you feel lost and that you came in during the middle or end of the story, it’s because you did. Click here for part 1 and read about Forrest Street. Then in part 2, I explored the Saugus Ironworks (a National Historical Park) and just down the road from it, the Birch Pond in Lynn Massachusetts. After you get caught, up come back here and we’ll finish with…

Exploring what is around you

I don’t know about all of you, but I don’t feel I explore what is right around me as thoroughly as I should. Many New England towns have town commons and tons of parks, ponds, and conservation areas. With this COVID keeping us either indoors, or at the very least socially distancing ourselves, it’s a perfect time to explore those areas that involve walking or hiking distanced from other people.

So whether you do a “staycation” and explore your own backyard or you roam a little farther afield, this summer and the fast-approaching fall can be very relaxing by exploring nearer to home. You don’t have to worry about reservations because you are in your own comfy bed each night (but you may miss the turn-down service and the chocolate on your pillow) 🙂

Salem, Massachusetts – Salem Common

My first stop is only a few miles from my house in downtown Salem. The town itself is visually interesting with all the shops, which may or may not be “Witch” themed. If you explore the downtown from the 15th of October to the 31st, you will find lots of crowds, but if you wait one more day you may find yourself alone.

On 1 November, Salem becomes a bit of a ghost town and all that is left is for the streets department to clean up from Halloween. The shot below was taken on 12 November while I was walking across the Salem Common to the Visitors Center.

Salem Common with fall colors in Novemeber — Take a walk on Salem Common in Autumn, a foggy morning that can be seen in my online gallery.

If the hurricane season doesn’t hurt us too badly, between October to November, you will find a lot of wonderful scenes of historic buildings with a backdrop of the late autumn colors. History hits you from all sides, from the 17th – 18th century period homes to the maritime history down on Salem Harbor.

High Tide at Derby Wharf in front of the Salem Massachusetts Custom, Hawkes, and Pedrick houses — A High Tide at Derby Wharf also known as a King tide is when a super full moon occurs giving us an extremely high tide and it usually floods Derby Wharf and the surrounding areas. This area of Derby Wharf is a part of Salem Maritime National Historic Site. This is the first National Historic site in the Nation (1938). View in my gallery.

For many who visit Salem, the requirement is a visit to one or more of the many Witch Trial-related attractions. Some of them have actual historical ties, like the Witch House (seen below), the home of Jonathan Corwin, a magistrate during the trials.

The "Witch house" of Salem Massachusetts — The Witch House (also called the Jonathan Corwin House), was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and is the only structure still standing in Salem, Massachusetts with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.

Danvers, Massachusetts – Exploring Fall Color

Over in Danvers (one town over), you can find places like the Rebecca Nurse Homestead. In 1692, Danvers was known as Salem Village. This is where the troubles began with the accusations of witchcraft. You can still find memorials to the accused witches mixed with the fall colors in late October through early November.

A farm road with rustic wood fences in autumn — Farm in Danvers, Massachusetts was taken from the road.

The Rebecca Nurse Homestead can be found in Danvers, Massachusetts and this is a mid-October image. As you can see, the fall colors were running late in 2010 but you can definitely find places to explore while waiting for the fall colors to arrive. This was the 20th, but in nearby Saugus, on the 26th the colors were at peak fall color. So just like I tell you to do in Vermont, just travel little ways and you are liable to find much better color.

Middleton, Massachusetts – Harold Parker State Forest

Just 8 miles up Route 114 from Salem is Middleton (pass through Peabody and Danvers first). Drive through Middleton center, and about 3.4 miles further you will find Harold Parker State Forest. Hiking trails, fishing, biking, and wildlife are all available.

I drove in and pulled over between two ponds and I quickly found that on weekday mornings this road that connects Middleton Rd with Route 114 is a commuter thoroughfare. But even with the cars zooming by, it didn’t seem to bother this Blue Heron too much. He stood there waiting for breakfast to present itself.

These are some of the places within 10 or so miles of Salem and my backyard. Did I find Peak color? What do you think of the Saugus Iron Works? Have you ever visited other places like Sturbridge Village or the Plimoth Plantation? All these places and more are just a short drive from Salem.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.