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Nature|Waterfalls

A Trip To This Secluded Waterfall Beach In Massachusetts Is Positively Amazing

Puffers Pond in Amherst, Massachusetts, offers a secluded beach with a stunning waterfall and surrounding trails.

Published May 17, 2018

Written by 

Sophia

It’s no secret that Massachusetts beaches can get ridiculously crowded in the summer. With tourists flocking to places like Cape Cod and the coast, it can feel like every square inch of sand is spoken for. Luckily, this secluded pond in Amherst offers a lovely little beach with an added bonus: a stunning waterfall.

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Google/Shannon Sarkisian

Puffers Pond in Amherst is a gorgeous waterfall swimming spot with a sandy beach and plenty of privacy. Compared to most popular Bay State beaches, this place feels like a private natural hideaway.

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Google/Shannon Sarkisian

Fed by the Mill River, this spot offers a small swimming hole nestled in a lovely forest. It offers swathes of sand shaded by beautiful old trees. While locals are definitely in on the secret of Puffers Pond, it’s virtually unknown to tourists or out-of-towners.

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Google/Daniel Sam

Of course, the really distinctive thing abut Puffers Pond is its stunning waterfall. The Mill River spills over a dam at the end of the pond and creates a perfectly picturesque scene for photos or a few minutes of peaceful contemplation. Please be aware that you can’t swim directly under the waterfall for safety reasons.

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Google/Sourabh Kulkarni

Unlike many local ponds, it receives regular care and maintenance. In fact, more than $37,000 has recently been spent in updating the parking and fencing, as well as cleaning the swimming areas. As a result, the water is clear, sparkling, and fresh-smelling. Though there is no life guard on duty, the lack of waves and shallow waters will give parents some peace of mind.

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Google/John Jackson

It truly is the perfect destination for a summer day, and you'll want to add it to your bucket list immediately.

Puffers Pond is also surrounded by a network of trails that profile a shady respite from the sun. Many people like to visit the pond in the autumn to take in the beauty of the foliage in the area, though summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the cool, clear waters and stunning waterfall.

You can find Puffers Pond on Mill Street in Amherst, Mass. Click here for directions. For another underrated swimming spot in Massachusetts, check out this hidden turquoise pond.

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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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Robert deNormand/AllTrails

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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Will Spellman/AllTrails

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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Paul Loiselle/AllTrails

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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barry fanion/AllTrails

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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