Berkshires, convince me

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

I was thinking of running US209 and I-87 north from Allentown to Hudson Falls. That's along the east edge of the Catskills. I have a good idea the leaf colors will be gone up that valley and mountain sides by the 17th.

Then we would cut across on south side of White Mountains toward Acadia NP.

We have done plenty of mountain drives, as we like them.

Why should we do the Berkshires instead? What is so great and different? The towns? The eateries? Views?
Someone mentioned Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield, Adams, etc. Which is better to choose, Hwy 7 or 6?

Robert

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I would definately choose the opposite side of the Hudson and take the Taconic Parkway north to the Berks. For most of it's length the highway is 2 lanes in each direction and will give you beautiful views, particularly if there are any leaf peaking to be had on the way.

The NY Thruway (I-87) is an ugly interstate. You don't really go thru the catskills but run parallel to the Hudson and to the east of the mountains until well past Albany when you start hitting the Adirondaks.

Our leaves in the lower Hudson Valley have not begun to turn.

Are you planning on staying at any timeshares along the trip Robert? I'm seeing nice availability for nominal TPU and most are also available as extra vacations.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Oak n Spruce would be a great base to see the area. It is in South Lee. Agree with Lawren that the Taconic StAte Parkway is a beautiful route to take.

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

Oak and Spruce was a really nice base for seeing the area, which is beautiful.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

You can take 87 to route 84 east and then (about 30 miles ?) pick up the Taconic Parkway north. Very scenic, as Lawren said, but keep an eye well open for deer- particularly at dusk and dawn. If you prefer slower roads, you could stay on 84 and get off at route 7 north in Danbury and take that as far north as you want to go. I just looked out the window and the colors are muted in the southern Berkshires, tho we are not yet at peak.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

I was on the road on rt. 44 southeast of the Berkshires and saw some great color for about a mile between Norfolk and Winsted, CT. Other than that, just spots of decent color here and there.

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

the colors aren't as deep in the midwest this year either.

If in the Berkshires, I recommend the tour of Naumkeag, the house and the gardens.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

the colors aren't as deep in the midwest this year either.

If in the Berkshires, I recommend the tour of Naumkeag, the house and the gardens.

This was well worth the visit - I was there in June one year, it must be spectacular in the fall.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Leaving Friday, 14 Oct

It would seem Allentown, PA requires a lot of miles of Eastward travel to run the Taconic State Parkway. But we do appreciate the assistance,

How does this sound? Get on I-287 and follow it northward and across the river at TappawZee Bridge. Get on Taconic State Parkway at that point?

Are the Berkshires greater (then west of the river) from that point or should we go on up I-87 and cross on I-84? The Topal Views show the forest to be much thicker, east of the river.

Any chance of meeting up with some of you on our way through? Email about any hopefuls.

I'm pretty much going to take my chances on lodging as we go. I have no idea how long we will take to get along. We tend to stop often. No big rush.
The only push is to peek at color all the way up. We know Mother Nature won't wait for us. If we take three days instead of two, we may luck out or be too late. Depends on where we are.

The reports of slight turning sounds good. We should be in the Berkshires 7-days from now. We will make the choice of route depending on the color reports. I think we will be late for the White Mountains, but might luck out along the coastline.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Tappan Zee Bridge is a good way to access the Taconic.
A few years ago, someone had posted a leaf peeping site that was very good - will look for it now.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Massachusetts Fall Foliage | Fall Foliage Massachusetts | Fall Foliage 2011

The Foliage Forecaster @Vermont's Fall Foliage Central - Vermont Vacation.com |



Http://www.independenttraveler.com/r...08&category=22

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

I was on the road on rt. 44 southeast of the Berkshires and saw some great color for about a mile between Norfolk and Winsted, CT. Other than that, just spots of decent color here and there.

I sure appreciate all the input, especially this report of where color was seen.
Of course all will change each day.

Others posters... chime in please.

Most likely we'll go up though the Berkshires and over toward Concord and up the coast.

3 more nights and a gitty-up.


Robert

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

while we where there, we got a local library card and got day passes to the various museums and houses. no charge except an extra two dollars each for the guided tour of The mount.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

October 15th/16th is the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY - it's on the Taconic south of the Berkshires. Really cute town and the festival sounds great, even for non-knitters:

Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Festival - Rhinebeck, New York

I-87 is NOT a fun road to drive. Too many big trucks to see anything even if it's out there somewhere.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

I would definately choose the opposite side of the Hudson and take the Taconic Parkway north to the Berks. ...
The NY Thruway (I-87) is an ugly interstate. You don't really go thru the catskills but run parallel to the Hudson and to the east of the mountains until well past Albany when you start hitting the Adirondaks.

Our leaves in the lower Hudson Valley have not begun to turn.
....

Should we run the whole Taconic Pkwy or is the southern part (below I-84) not all that great? We do have time on our side. I need to be home before 7 Nov. But we do hope there's color when we tour along Maine's coastline.