We all love a good scenic drive every now and then. And living in the Bay State gives us plenty of opportunities to enjoy its resplendent beauty. If you’re in the mood to take several scenic drives in Massachusetts in the coming year, this list is for you!
- Battle Road Scenic Byway
Peter Lee/Flickr Take a step back in time to the year 1775 as you drive along the Battle Road Scenic Byway. The route is nearly 14 miles long through Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, and Arlington, and there are plenty of historical sites dating back to the Revolutionary War along the way. Battle Road Trail, Battle Rd Trail, Concord, MA, USA
- Chickatawbut Road
Jameslwoodward/Wikimedia Commons Through the Blue Hills in Quincy, take a scenic drive along the 3.75-mile Chickatawbut Road. This short but sweet road is as scenic as it comes as it meanders through Blue Hills Reservation. Chickatawbut Road, Chickatawbut Rd, Quincy, MA, USA
- Lost Villages Scenic Byway (Route 122)
Lost Villages Scenic Byway/Facebook Due to a shrinking water supply in Boston in the 1930s, the need for a large reservoir grew. And so, Quabbin Reservoir was created. Most interesting of all is that it was constructed over several abandoned towns. Did you know there are a few underwater ghost towns in the Quabbin Reservoir? Take a scenic drive on Route 122 around this beautiful body of water and be sure to stop occasionally to take in all the scenery. Massachusetts 122, MA-122, Paxton, MA, USA
- Route 112 Scenic Byway
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Covering 51 miles through mountainous Western Mass is the Route 112 Scenic Byway. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, farmland, and small towns. It’s such a relaxing scenic drive! Massachusetts 112, MA-112, Colrain, MA, USA
- Route 6A (Old King’s Highway)
Doug Kerr/Flickr Before the summer crowds get here, take a drive along Route 6A, otherwise known as Old King’s Highway. This historic route has no shortage of historic sites, cranberry bogs, small towns, and charm. Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District Commission, 209 MA-6A, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
- Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr As the highest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock is a sight to see. Take a paved road for a scenic drive to the summit where you can take in the views! Mount Greylock, Adams, MA 01220, USA
- Route 116 Scenic Byway
Morrowlong/Wikimedia Commons At just over 68 miles, the Route 116 Scenic Byway is a scenic byway that travels through historic towns and rural landscape. And there are plenty of places to turn off the road and enjoy the natural beauty. Massachusetts 116, MA-116, Sunderland, MA, USA
- Mount Wachusett State Reservation
Riya Dahal/Google Local From Memorial Day weekend until the last weekend of October, Mount Wachusett’s summit road is open. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to the top and be sure to get out of your car and have a look at the gorgeous scenery! Visit Mass.gov to learn more. Mount Wachusett, Princeton, MA 01541, USA
- Connecticut River Scenic Byway
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr In all, the Connecticut River Scenic Byway is 274 miles long between several states. However, only 39 miles go through Western Mass. Enjoy a leisurely drive along the way and see farms, historic villages, and historic sites. Connecticut River, United States
- Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
Kimon Berlin/Flickr Following a historic Native American trade route, the Mohawk Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in Massachusetts. The most exciting part is the infamous hairpin turn where you will find the Golden Eagle Restaurant. Stopping here for a bite to eat and the views is a must! Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway picnic area, 1947-1997 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
- Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway
Doug Farrell Godard/Google Local Small towns, rock ledges, forests, a river, and fields all await you along Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway. You’ll see some of the most extraordinary scenery in Massachusetts. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway and Appalachian Trail Parking Area, Lee, MA 01238, USA
- Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway/Facebook Good any time of year, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is situated on Massachusetts’ North Shore. From Lynn to Salisbury, you’ll drive through 14 communities and see plenty of coastline views along the way. Gloucester, MA, USA
Highways and byways provide some spectacular scenic drives in Massachusetts. Which ones are your favorites? Tell us in the comments!
Peter Lee/Flickr
Take a step back in time to the year 1775 as you drive along the Battle Road Scenic Byway. The route is nearly 14 miles long through Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, and Arlington, and there are plenty of historical sites dating back to the Revolutionary War along the way.
Battle Road Trail, Battle Rd Trail, Concord, MA, USA
Jameslwoodward/Wikimedia Commons
Through the Blue Hills in Quincy, take a scenic drive along the 3.75-mile Chickatawbut Road. This short but sweet road is as scenic as it comes as it meanders through Blue Hills Reservation.
Chickatawbut Road, Chickatawbut Rd, Quincy, MA, USA
Lost Villages Scenic Byway/Facebook
Due to a shrinking water supply in Boston in the 1930s, the need for a large reservoir grew. And so, Quabbin Reservoir was created. Most interesting of all is that it was constructed over several abandoned towns. Did you know there are a few underwater ghost towns in the Quabbin Reservoir? Take a scenic drive on Route 122 around this beautiful body of water and be sure to stop occasionally to take in all the scenery.
Massachusetts 122, MA-122, Paxton, MA, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Covering 51 miles through mountainous Western Mass is the Route 112 Scenic Byway. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, farmland, and small towns. It’s such a relaxing scenic drive!
Massachusetts 112, MA-112, Colrain, MA, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Before the summer crowds get here, take a drive along Route 6A, otherwise known as Old King’s Highway. This historic route has no shortage of historic sites, cranberry bogs, small towns, and charm.
Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District Commission, 209 MA-6A, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
As the highest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock is a sight to see. Take a paved road for a scenic drive to the summit where you can take in the views!
Mount Greylock, Adams, MA 01220, USA
Morrowlong/Wikimedia Commons
At just over 68 miles, the Route 116 Scenic Byway is a scenic byway that travels through historic towns and rural landscape. And there are plenty of places to turn off the road and enjoy the natural beauty.
Massachusetts 116, MA-116, Sunderland, MA, USA
Riya Dahal/Google Local
From Memorial Day weekend until the last weekend of October, Mount Wachusett’s summit road is open. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to the top and be sure to get out of your car and have a look at the gorgeous scenery! Visit Mass.gov to learn more.
Mount Wachusett, Princeton, MA 01541, USA
In all, the Connecticut River Scenic Byway is 274 miles long between several states. However, only 39 miles go through Western Mass. Enjoy a leisurely drive along the way and see farms, historic villages, and historic sites.
Connecticut River, United States
Kimon Berlin/Flickr
Following a historic Native American trade route, the Mohawk Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in Massachusetts. The most exciting part is the infamous hairpin turn where you will find the Golden Eagle Restaurant. Stopping here for a bite to eat and the views is a must!
Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway picnic area, 1947-1997 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
Doug Farrell Godard/Google Local
Small towns, rock ledges, forests, a river, and fields all await you along Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway. You’ll see some of the most extraordinary scenery in Massachusetts.
Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway and Appalachian Trail Parking Area, Lee, MA 01238, USA
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway/Facebook
Good any time of year, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is situated on Massachusetts’ North Shore. From Lynn to Salisbury, you’ll drive through 14 communities and see plenty of coastline views along the way.
Gloucester, MA, USA
If you love scenic drives, you’ll probably also love taking one of these best day trips in Massachusetts. Get ready for adventure!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
