Summary
Massachusetts boasts over 400 waterfalls, presenting a picturesque experience for residents and visitors alike.
These waterfalls cascade, meander around boulders, and flow in lengthy streams of water.
Numerous falls are located in Franklin and Berkshire Counties, offering accessible views due to the short distances required to hike to them.
There are various types of waterfalls, including fans, cascades, and plunging falls, with heights that vary significantly; some reach a remarkable 850 feet, while others measure merely 15 feet.
1. Bash Bish Falls
Bash Bish Falls, located within the state park of the same name, is situated near Mount Washington in Berkshire County.
The waterfall features an 80-foot plunge, flowing through rugged terrain from Bash Bish Brook.
The Massachusetts trailhead is accessible via a 0.4-mile one-way trek.
It is also reachable from New York, requiring a 0.75-mile hike from the New York trailhead.
The path is generally easier when approached from New York, though a moderate level is observed even when starting in Massachusetts.
Hikers will descend 300 feet from the Massachusetts side to reach the waterfall, whereas the New York trail involves an ascent of 125 feet before descending 50 feet to the base.
The ideal times for visitation are between April and November.
2. Doane’s Falls
Doane’s Falls, located in the Doane’s Falls Reservation near Royalston, Massachusetts, is situated in Worcester County.
This waterfall showcases various formations including plunges, cascades, and a block style as the waters descend from Lawrence Brook into the river below.
While there is approximately a total drop of 175 feet, some segments appear more gradual due to natural shelves formed by rock.
This moderately challenging path covers a distance of 0.3 miles one way to reach the lower section of the waterfall.
Visitors are permitted to bring pet dogs onto the trails from April to November.
3. March Cataract Falls
Located near Williamstown, Massachusetts, part of Berkshire County, March Cataract Falls nestles within Mt. Greylock State Reservation.
Although the waterfall only measures 30 feet in height—rendering it one of the shorter waterfalls in the state—it remarkably spreads out in a fan-like formation over the rocks rather than plunging from a great height.
Hikers must embark on a 1.4-mile trek one way to view March Cataract Falls or may opt to take an additional brief hike to Deer Hill Falls for a total distance of 3.8 miles.
The trail presents a moderate level of difficulty for both falls.
Dogs are allowed on this trail, provided they are on leashes.
The best visiting period is between late May and June, although the falls can be enjoyed throughout the summer.
4. Royalston Falls
Royalston Falls resides within the Royalston Falls Reservation in Royalston, Massachusetts, located in Worcester County.
The waterfall exhibits a straight plunge from the top, measuring 45 feet in height.
The water flows from Falls Brook.
The hiking path to the falls spans 0.8 miles in one direction, with a return trip of equal distance.
The average hiking time is approximately 30 minutes each way for experienced hikers on this moderate trail.
April to November is the recommended timeframe for visiting the falls.
While dogs are permitted along the trail, swimming activities are discouraged.
5. Twin Cascades
Twin Cascades waterfall is situated near Florida, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County.
This waterfall is located on private property and is not part of any public park.
The property owners permit access to visitors without any fee, encouraging respect for the environment.
Twin Cascades feature two significant drops of 80 feet and 60 feet, sourced from Cascade Brook.
Visitors must traverse a total distance of 0.6 miles on a moderately difficult trail.
The ascent leads directly to the waterfall.
The optimal visiting timeframe extends from late April through November.
Dogs are permitted on the trail as long as visitors are considerate of the property and clean up after their pets.
6. Bear’s Den Falls
Bear’s Den Falls are situated within Bear’s Den Reservation in New Salem, Massachusetts, located in Franklin County.
The waterfall measures 12 feet high, making it one of the smallest in the state.
It is fed by the middle branch of the Swift River.
Mainly, hikers will enjoy a gentle 0.4-mile round-trip journey.
The path is easy, featuring only a 50-foot elevation gain.
This reservation permits dogs.
April through November is recommended for optimal water flow and favorable weather conditions.
7. Chapel Brook Falls
If you intend to explore various waterfalls in Massachusetts, Franklin County is ideal.
This area features numerous waterfalls, including Chapel Brook Falls, located near Ashfield in the Chapel Brook Reservation.
These falls demonstrate sloping cascades and rocky formations which create distinct pockets of water that flow downward, rather than exhibiting a continuous drop.
Three separate heights define the falls, beginning at 20 feet, followed by a 15-foot drop, and culminating in a 10-foot descent.
To reach the lower falls, one must walk 0.2 miles on an easy walkway.
Swimming is permissible at the lower falls from April through summer but is not advisable beyond November.
8. Gunn Brook Falls
Gunn Brook Falls consists of two waterfalls situated along the same river, both approximately 15 feet tall.
Depending on seasonal variations and water flow, each spans approximately 6 to 8 feet in width.
The distance to the first waterfall and back is only 0.2 miles.
9. Umpachene Falls
Umpachene Falls, located in Umpachene Falls Park in New Marlborough, Berkshire County, features a height of 40 feet and is part of the Umpachene River.
The trail encompasses less than a 0.2-mile round-trip.
It is categorized as easy, particularly from May through October.
10. Slatestone Brook Falls
Slatestone Brook Falls, found in Sunderland, is part of the plethora of waterfalls within Franklin County.
Nevertheless, access to the falls is restricted as they are situated on private property; thus, hiking directly to them is not permitted.
The waterfall is observable from the nearby roadside, presenting a 40-foot descent which showcases the fan-shaped flow of water cascading down the rocky hillside.
The water volume peaks from April through June.
11. Wahconah Falls
Wahconah Falls is located near Dalton, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County.
Visitors can access Wahconah Falls State Park to experience the cascading waterfall, which drops 40 feet.
This waterfall is sourced by Wahconah Falls Brook.
The hiking distance to Wahconah Falls is a succinct 0.1 miles in one direction.
The ideal timeframe for visits is between April and November.
Swimming is not permitted owing to the hazards posed by the swift currents.
12. Tannery Falls
Tannery Falls, nestled in Berkshire County near Savoy, can be found in Savoy Mountain State Forest.
The falls exhibit diverse levels, characterized by cascading, plunging, and sliding water flowing down the mountain.
At various points, the height reaches 60 feet and transitions to an 80-foot fall, interspersed with shorter sections measuring between 5 to 20 feet.
For the entire volume of the falls, the total elevation gain is approximately 200 feet.
The trail spans 0.8 miles for a round trip, categorized as an easy to moderate hike.
The optimal visiting timeframe extends from May through October for the best weather conditions.
Dogs are allowed on the trails, provided they have vaccinations and are well controlled by their owners.
13. Race Brook Falls
Race Brook Falls, positioned in Sheffield, Massachusetts, features an impressive 300-foot drop, categorizing it among the tallest waterfalls in the state.
This remarkable cascade is located within Mt. Everett State Reservation in Berkshire County.
The distinctive cascading formations make this waterfall particularly appealing.
The trail extends 0.7 miles one way, leading hikers to the lower section of the waterfall.
Experienced hikers can pursue the more challenging route to the upper falls by traversing an additional mile.
There are five separate waterfalls in the Race Brook system, upon which the total hike can result in a 1.3-mile trek one way.
The lower fall area is classified as a moderate hike, with elevation gains of 500 to 850 feet depending on the chosen path.
The peak visiting time is from May to October due to potentially improved weather conditions and trail accessibility.
14. Goldmine Brook Falls
Within Chester-Blandford State Forest, visitors can discover Goldmine Brook Falls.
This state forest exists outside of Chester in Hampden County.
Goldmine Brook Falls reach a height of 45 feet, showcasing both horsetails and plunges sourced from Goldmine Brook.
The hiking path measures less than 0.1 miles one way, with a moderate to challenging level of difficulty due to the rocky terrain.
The journey to the falls typically takes around five minutes, accompanied by an elevation gain of 100 feet.
Dogs are welcome; however, swimming options may not be particularly enjoyable.
The best visiting timeframe is between April and November.
15. Campbell Falls
Campbell Falls, located in Campbell Falls State Park Reserve near New Marlborough, Massachusetts, measures 50 feet in height.
Berkshire County presents visitors with multiple waterfall options, including taller wins, yet the plunging and cascading water along the Whiting River is particularly magnificent.
Hikers can undertake a brisk 0.2-mile journey on a straightforward path to reach the lower falls, enjoying an elevation gain of 125 feet.
Due to regional winter conditions, the prime visiting months for Campbell Falls are April through November.
