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Nature|Waterfalls

The Beautiful Cascades Trail Is An Easy 2-Mile Hike In Massachusetts That’s Great For Beginners And Kids

Discover the family-friendly Cascades Trail in North Adams, Massachusetts, perfect for beginners and offering beautiful scenery year-round.

Published Oct 28, 2019

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

When it comes to hiking trails, Massachusetts takes the lead. With our various terrain and rugged landscape, you can pretty much pick your ideal landscape and sure enough, there’s a trail for that. This particular trail is less than two miles, making it ideal for beginners and anyone looking to explore the great outdoors with the kids. Lace-up your boots and gas up the car, because today we’re headed to North Adams to check out this hidden gem of a trail that’s so easy practically anyone can do it.

Tucked away in the middle of the Berkshires, the Cascades Trail is a hidden trail that locals have known about for years.

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boylessix/Google

The trailhead is located within a residential area, so you’ll want to make sure you're mindful of that. Park at the nearby YMCA and walk to the trailhead.

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The out-and-back trail is just shy of two miles, and will take you on quite the adventure.

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Robbie Shade/Google

The trail is beautiful year round, even when it’s blanketed in snow.

The trail follows Notch Brook and leads you through a forest of towering trees and some truly beautiful scenery.

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Jackie Ann/Flickr

Depending on the time of day you go, you might just have the trail to yourself!

The entire hike will take about an hour, but you’ll want to stop off along the way to enjoy the views.

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Brett Moen/All Trails

The trail is flat enough that even the most inexperienced of hikers and kids will be able to enjoy the hike with little to no problems.

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When you start to get close to the waterfall, that’s when things get tricky.

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Jackie Ann/Flickr

This part of the trail gets a little rocky, and to get closer to the waterfall you’ll need to traverse a fairly steep hill. But don’t worry, you can still see the waterfall in its entirety without the climb.

Try to time your hike after a rainfall, so you can see the waterfall in all its glory.

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Jackie Ann/Flickr

The powerful cascade adds a symphony of sounds that’ll make you never want to leave.

Depending on the amount of rainfall, you may be able to get close to the waterfall.

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Jackie Ann/Flickr

Keep that in mind for the summer. It's a great place to cool down after a long hike!

Have you ever hiked the Cascades Trail? What's your favorite short and sweet hike in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall in Massachusetts Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Hike to Spirit Falls, a hidden gem in Massachusetts. This beautiful waterfall offers cascading waters, lush forests, and diverse trails.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

Tucked away in the small town of Royalston, Massachusetts, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: Spirit Falls. This captivating waterfall, nestled within the Jacobs Hill preserve, invites you to unplug, explore the trails, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the magic of this natural treasure.

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Spirit Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, but it's certainly a beautiful one. Water flows from Little Pond and drops 150 feet down a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque cascade. The falls are especially impressive in the spring (April-June) when the water flow is high.

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Reaching Spirit Falls requires a bit of an adventure. The Spirit Falls Trail is 1.5 miles long and considered moderately challenging. It's marked with white circles, but some hikers have mentioned on AllTrails that parts of the trail can be hard to follow. You'll hike through lush forests, with glimpses of diverse flora and fauna along the way. Be prepared for some uphill sections (you'll gain about 465 feet in elevation) and rocky terrain, especially as you get closer to the falls.

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For a longer hike, consider taking a loop trail by connecting with the Tully Trail. This 22-mile long-distance trail, maintained by The Trustees of Reservations, offers a different perspective of the falls.

While Spirit Falls is undoubtedly the highlight, the Jacobs Hill preserve offers more to explore. Hike to "The Ledges" for breathtaking panoramic views of Tully Mountain, Mount Grace, and the Berkshire Hills. You can also check out Doane's Falls and Royalston Falls, two other stunning waterfalls within the preserve.

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Jacobs Hill is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. Find directions and more information on the website of The Trustees of Reservations. The preserve is located at Route 68, Royalston, MA, 01331. Important to note: the parking area isn't plowed in winter, and don't forget to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be present, especially during the warmer months.

Leave the everyday behind and awaken your senses at Spirit Falls. With its cascading waters, lush forests, and diverse trails, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and serenity in Massachusetts. So, grab your camera and get ready to discover the magic of Spirit Falls!

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Have you experienced the beauty of Spirit Falls or discovered other underrated spots in the area? Share your travels with us and nominate your favorite local waterfalls. Are you still looking for more hiking inspiration? Download the AllTrails+ app to find trails near you, or check out these 17 hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts that will take your breath away.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Magnificent Scenic Wonder in Massachusetts That’s Located Only .25 Miles From the Parking Lot

Looking for an accessible activity to add to your fall bucket list? Check out the magnificent bridge and waterfall at Moore State Park in Paxton, Massachusetts!

Published Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

Fall is in the air in Massachusetts. Soon we will be hitting the annual autumn fairs, picking pecks of apples, and searching for that perfect pumpkin to carve into a scary Halloween jack-o-lantern. Autumn in New England is also a wonderful time of year to get out and spend some time in the woods. One of the prettiest places in the state to visit is a little state park in the central Massachusetts town of Paxton. I’m putting Moore State Park on my fall bucket list and highly recommend that you do so as well.

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Barry McLean/Alltrails

A trip to Moore State Park is great for families. The walk is easy and great views are accessible via stroller and wheelchair. You can even bring your leashed dog along with you. The park is a beautiful spot to snap some great fall photos. 

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Sai Abhilash G/Alltrails

Parking is free in the state park’s lot on Sawmill Road. From here, you will find a paved path that leads you on a quarter-mile walk to a gravel trail. Although you haven’t traveled far, you will be rewarded when you set eyes on the gorgeous Enchanta Bridge set atop a beautiful cascading waterfall. With the stunning foliage framing the bridge in red, orange, and yellow hues, you will definitely feel the quintessential New England fall vibes.

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steve hearn/Alltrails

Step inside the restored bridge and marvel at the wooden architecture. From the scenic overlook, you can catch some great glimpses of pretty Eames Pond. The overlook is covered and has chairs where you can sit and take in the views.

Moore State Park is made up of 400 acres of land. The area was once bustling with sawmills and gristmills. If you choose to continue your hike, you will come upon a mill that has been preserved and restored. Other highlights of the park include an ancient mill foundation and even more waterfalls. There are also more trails to explore. Most are considered to be relatively easy hikes. Detailed maps of these routes can be found on the AllTrails app. If you enjoy your autumn visit, be sure to come back again in the springtime when the landscape is blanketed in colorful azaleas, mountain laurels, and rhododendrons.

Have you taken a fall trip to Moore State Park? Please tell us all about your experience. More information about visiting this small but beautiful state park can be found on the Massachusetts Moore State Park website. Find more great local autumn hikes at 9 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In Massachusetts.

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