Best Waterfalls in Massachusetts: 14 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

The Bay State is home to many natural wonders plus pristine beaches along the Atlantic and its bays. Then, of course, there are the mountains, numerous hiking trails, and overlooks to view our stunning landscapes. While I grew up next door in Rhode Island, I consider Massachusetts my second home, and I love exploring this beautiful state. There's so much to see here, and that includes waterfalls! While cascades aren't the first natural attractions to cross one's mind at the mere mention of Massachusetts, there are quite a few lovely waterfalls within the state's borders. If you're someone who enjoys chasing waterfalls, here are some of the best waterfalls in Massachusetts.

Tallest Waterfalls In Massachusetts

The tallest waterfall in Massachusetts is a mere 60 feet in a single drop. While that's impressive to us Bay Staters, it may not be to someone from, say, Hawaii or California. But our tallest cascade, along with a few other falls, are still stunning sights to see. Ready to chase the tallest waterfalls in the state? Let's go!

1. Bash Bish Falls

• Location: Mount Washington, Massachusetts
• Popularity: One of the most popular waterfalls in Massachusetts
• Need to Know: Hiking is required to visit the waterfall, and swimming in its pool is not allowed. Check Mass.gov for updates.

Make your way to Bash Bish Falls State Park in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts where you'll find the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts that's a single drop. Welcome to the magical Bash Bish Falls! The twin cascades that make up this waterfall are approximately 60 feet tall at its final drop. The water flows around a large rock that gives the waterfall its double cascade. As it's located near the Massachusetts/New York border, it can be accessed from either state.

2. Race Brook Falls

• Location: Sheffield, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: Hikers have reported unmarked areas of the trail. Download AllTrails+ so you can find your way easily.

To get to the cascade that is Race Brook Falls, you must take a hiking trail that can be rather rocky in areas and slippery after it rains. It's imperative you wear hiking boots! That being said, it'll be well worth your effort to see this waterfall that has an overall height of 67 feet and a 30-foot drop at its tallest point. For trail information, visit AllTrails.

3. Tannery Falls

• Location: Savoy, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: Located within Savoy Mountain State Forest

The 80-foot Tannery Falls may be one of the most gorgeous hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts. Located in the remote Savoy Mountain State Forest, a hike, of course, is the way to find it. Take the 5.1-mile moderate Tannery Falls Trail, which may be muddy in the spring or after it rains. Plan accordingly! Enjoy the trek to Tannery Falls, as it's quite scenic. And there's a bonus waterfall (Parker Brook Falls) you'll get to see as well.

4. Campbell Falls

• Location: New Marlborough, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular on weekends
• Need to Know: The waterfall is located in Campbell Falls State Park

Campbell Falls is a 50-foot cascade found on the Massachusetts side of Campbell Falls State Park on the Massachusetts/Connecticut border. This is a lovely waterfall that flows through a gorge before falling into a small pool below.

Best Waterfall Hikes In Massachusetts

If you enjoy a good hike with a waterfall as the ultimate destination, the following trails are for you. So, don your hiking boots, pack a pair of water shoes (just in case), and head out on. one of the best waterfall hikes in Massachusetts.

5. Wahconah Falls

• Location: Windsor, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: Located within Wahconah Falls State Park.

Located in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, Wahconah Falls is one of the most beguiling Massachusetts waterfalls. You'll want to spend as much time taking it all in. A short hike of less than a mile will get you to the 40-foot Wahconah Falls, and I am confident you'll be mesmerized by the blue pool of water the falls cascade into.

6. Royalston Falls

• Location: Royalston, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: This waterfall is located on a Trustees of Reservations property.

The 45-foot Royalston Falls can be accessed via a short hike along Falls Brook and a deep gorge. Hikers say the trail can be quite muddy, so make sure you're wearing the appropriate footwear. Needless to say, it can be a challenge to reach Royalston Falls, but it's so worth it!

7. Doane's Falls

• Location: Royalston, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: Located within the Tully Lake Recreation Area by the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border. No swimming is allowed.

Another Royalston cascade, Doane's Falls, is one of the best-known New England waterfalls. To see Doane's Falls, you will have to take a short trail that runs alongside Lawrence Brook. You'll probably hear the falls before you see them! As picturesque as can be, Doane's Falls starts beneath a stone bridge and cascades into the waters below that eventually empty into Tully Lake. You'll want to have your cell phone fully charged in order to fill your camera roll with photos and videos here.

8. Goldmine Brook Falls

• Location: Goldmine Brook, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: Find this waterfall just off of 20A in the Chester-Blandford State Forest.

The enchanting Goldmine Brook Falls looks more like it belongs in a fairytale than something you see in real life. But it exists, and for that, we are happy. Yet, not many people know about this incredible waterfall with a 45-foot drop. A short and sweet hike of 0.1 miles will get you down to this waterfall, where you can marvel at it.

9. Umpachene Falls

• Location: New Marlborough, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: This waterfall is located within Umpachene Falls Park. You must be a resident of a guest of a resident to visit this waterfall.

At just 0.3 miles, the Umpachene Falls Trail is an easy hike—easy enough to bring kids! Located in a town park where the Umpachene River meets and flows into the Konkapot River, it's worthwhile to see the scenery here.

Accessible Waterfalls In Massachusetts (No Hiking Required)

Sometimes, we just want to see a waterfall and not necessarily hike to one. And for those who have mobility issues, there are a few accessible waterfalls in the state. These next few waterfalls won't require a strenuous hike to view them.

10. Pawtucket Falls

• Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: Take the Merrimack Canal Walk to see the falls.

Located along the Merrimack River, Pawtucket Falls has a drop that measures 32 feet. It was created by the historic Pawtucket Dam between 1847 and 1875. If you want to see this impressive waterfall, it requires no hiking!

11. Slatestone Brook Falls

• Location: Sunderland, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: This waterfall is in someone's backyard, along the side of a road. Please respect the privacy of the homehowners.

Slatestone Brook Falls is the ultimate roadside attraction. Set on private property, you can view it from the road -- no need to trespass! This waterfall cascades an impressive 40 feet, and believe me, you'll want to take plenty of pictures!

12. Moody Street Dam

• Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: This is a popular area for kayaking and canoeing.

While Moody Street Dam on the Charles River is man-made, it's still quite beautiful. You can see the waterfall from the Moody Street Bridge from the surrounding areas.

Best Waterfalls near Boston

Let's face it -- Boston is an awesome city! I still love visiting the city after all these years. But for those of you who live in and around Boston, you may want to escape it and go chase down a waterfall located not too far away. Here are some of the best waterfalls near Boston:

13. Beaver Brook Falls

• Location: Belmont, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: This waterfall is located in Beaver Brook Reservation, right on the Belmont/Waltham town line.

Beaver Brook Falls is quite easy to access and it yet it seems to be hiding in plain site. You'll discover this gorgeous waterfall in the 59-acre Beaver Brook Reservation. While there are plenty of ways to enjoy the park like fishing, hiking, and biking, viewing this waterfall should be at the top of your list when you come here!

14. Trap Falls

• Location: West Townsend, Massachusetts
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: Located 54 miles outside of Boston

Located just over an hour northwest of Boston in the town of West Townsend, close to the New Hampshire border, Trap Falls is a scenic escape from the city. It's also not too far away from the road in Willard Brook State Forest if you're looking for a short but sweet hike. You'll be absolutely smitten by Trap Falls and its beauty.

Are you ready to chase some of the best waterfalls in Massachusetts? Before you hit the road in search of cascades around the state, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List as well as our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for all you need in the car and on a waterfall hike!