A few minutes inside this 162-acre park surrounding Cambridge’s water supply and visitors feel like they’re in the countryside. It’s dense and verdant, and the leaves pretty much explode come October.

This 616-acre park cuts through the lower reaches of Boston into Dedham. A couple of minutes in, and woodlands surround and abound. Because of its size and infrastructure, Stony Brook might be a particularly good fit for leafers on bikes.

The 281-acre, Harvard-owned public oasis includes more than 4,000 species of trees, plants, and vines. It positively pops this time of year, and its wide bike and pedestrian paths offer a lot of views.

The city itself suggests that residents and visitors “perambulate” in this 485-acre expanse. Its dense woodlands make for some beautiful sights during the fall—never mind a bit of quiet respite—and there’s a 72-acre zoo within its boundaries.

The 3-mile park along the Boston side of the Charles River includes 64 lush, leafy acres. It’s also easy to slip over to the Cambridge side for more kaleidoscopic views.

The lusher, more curated neighbor of the Common dates from the early 19th century, and includes 24 acres of statuary, flowers, trees, and assorted other plantings as well as plenty of bench seating. It can be particularly gorgeous in late October and early November.

The 2.5-mile trail runs along the Neponset River, the river estuary, and the Neponset Marsh, with a further 1.8 miles in Milton and Hyde Park and another mile in Mattapan. It’s another urban redoubt that can very quickly feel rural.

Deer Island—which is actually a peninsula—includes not only 2.6 miles of shoreline but 5 miles of often tree-lined trails. Pro tip: While you’re there, why not check out the super-cool sewage treatment plant that turns the region’s wastewater nearly pristine?