These 18 Hidden Waterfalls In Massachusetts Will Take Your Breath Away
There are quite a few well-known waterfalls in Massachusetts, but there are also a lot of hidden gems. This list of incredible hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts includes some old favorites as well as some lesser-known spots just waiting to be explored. You’ll definitely want to consider adding them to your bucket list.
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Tucked in the six-acre Bear's Den nature reserve, Bear's Den Falls is picture-perfect any time of the year. You'll take just a short stroll to the waterfall that provides an idyllic backdrop for photographs. Head over to the official website of Bear's Den.
Follow the Tannery Falls Trail, clocking in at just under five miles, to reach the beautiful cascade.
Be prepared for some steep climbs, which garners the trail a moderate rating. Find a trail map of Tannery Falls Trail on All Trails.
You definitely don't want to forget your camera when you head over to Slatestone Brook Falls. The majestic waterfall tumbles 40 feet. While the waterfall is on private property, you can admire it from the side of the road without trespassing.
Doane's Fall is a breathtaking waterfall, flanked by 46 lush acres in Royalston. Visitors are welcome to snap photos of the waterfall or to sit nearby and admire it. However, wading, swimming, and diving are prohibited. Learn more on the official website of Doane's Falls.
Chapel Brook Falls is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. However, first you'll have to reach the 1,400+ foot summit of Pony Mountain. The waterfall is particularly breathtaking (and powerful) after a recent rainfall. Stop by the official website of Chapel Brook.
You'll definitely want to add Bash Bish Falls, the tallest single drop waterfall in Massachusetts, to your bucket list. Bring a picnic lunch along, which you can enjoy once you reach the beautiful cascade. Check out the official website of Bash Bish Falls State Park.
Glendale Falls is one of those must visit waterfalls. It's also as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Massachusetts. (Take note of how long it is, too.) Stop by the official website of Glendale Falls.
A multi-tiered waterfall, Wahconah Falls tumbles down 40 feet in its final drop. For really sensational views of the waterfall, make sure you visit during the spring. (That's when it's at its most powerful.) Learn more on the official website of Wahconah Falls State Park.
Nestled in Mount Greylock State Reservation, March Cataract Falls is found along the trail with the same name. The 2.2-mile trail is rated moderate but promises plenty of natural beauty.
Find a trail map and more information of March Cataract Falls Trail at All Trails.
Fair warning: The trail that leads to Race Brook Falls is recommended for experienced hikers only, due to its challenging terrain. However, if you're up for the challenge, the falls are definitely worth the effort. Check out the trail map to Race Brook Falls on All Trails.
Gunn Brook Falls can be found along an out and back trail that spans just .02 miles. It features both upper and lower falls with the upper falls dropping 15 feet. The lower falls cascade down another 12 feet.
17. The Cascade, North Adams (Not to be confused with The Cascade in Melrose)
Slip on your hiking shoes for the 2.2-mile trek to the Cascade in North Adams. The trail is easy, making it perfect for hikers of all ages and of all skill levels. Learn more about the Cascades Trail on All Trails.
A short stroll of just .1 mile will lead you straight to Goldmine Brook Falls. The waterfall tumbles down 45 feet and is at its prettiest from April through November.
Do you know of any other hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts? Share and let us know in the comments! If it’s been far too long since you’ve been on a road trip, follow this map to some of the best waterfalls in Massachusetts.
Address: Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Address: Umpachene Falls, New Marlborough, MA 01259, USA
Address: 599 Main St, West Townsend, MA 01474, USA
Address: Glendale Falls, Middlefield, MA 01011, USA
Address: North St, Dalton, MA 01226, USA
Address: Adams, MA, USA
Address: Williamstown, MA 01267, USA
Address: Race Brook Falls, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA
Address: Campbell Falls, New Marlborough, MA 01259, USA
Address: Gunn Brook, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA
Address: North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Address: US-20, Chester, MA 01011, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts
November 13, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best waterfall hikes in Massachusetts?
It doesn’t get much better than the many waterfalls hikes in Massachusetts. Doane’s Falls in Royalston is an easy trek at just a half of a mile, and it leads to a breathtaking waterfall. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, follow the 7.5-mile Tully Lake Park Loop Trail that also leads to Doane’s Falls. At just a half of a mile, the trail that leads to Wahconah Falls in Dalton is picture-perfect. The waterfall itself tumbles down 40 feet and is multi-tiered. Other top waterfall hikes in Massachusetts lead to Tannery Falls in Savoy, Peck Falls in Adams, and Goldmine Brook Falls in Chester.
Does Massachusetts have any natural wonders?
Yep, its waterfalls are some of the best natural wonders in the state. Fortunately, some of the best waterfalls in Massachusetts require little to no hiking. They are, unfortunately, hidden, so you really need to know where to look. Slatestone Brook Falls in Sunderland is picture-perfect all year around, although you really have to see it when the gold of the sun bounces off of the multi-tiered waterfall. Chapel Brook Falls in Ashford is simply breathtaking, especially when framed by the colors of fall. Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington might be the most well-known waterfall in Massachusetts, making it a must addition to your bucket list.
What are the most beautiful hikes in Massachusetts?
On the hunt for scenic hiking trails in Massachusetts? You certainly won’t have to look very far. Massachusetts is bursting with beautiful hiking trails. Some of those scenic hikes, in fact, lead to spectacular surprises. Stroll through lush green on a picturesque boardwalk at Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord, which leads to an historic bridge. It’s the perfect spot for snapping photographs. Manhan Rail Trail in Western Massachusetts, Shining Sea Bike and Walking Path in Falmouth, Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster, and Willard Brook State Forest in Townsend also feature simply breathtaking hikes.