This Massachusetts Waterfall Turns Into a Serene Frozen Wonderland During Winter

Time seems to simply melt away when we’re doing something we enjoy, and that’s certainly true of hiking. Even on cold days when snow crunches beneath my feet as I navigate patches of ice, the hours just slip away. When we don’t have an entire day but desperately crave fresh air, a dose of the winter sun on our face, and a date with nature, we just need to bundle up and set off on a pretty path at this enchanting winter destination in Massachusetts. 

All you need is a few hours on a snowy winter day, after the temperatures have plunged the landscape into an icy paradise, for a journey along the 5.1-mile Tannery Falls Trail. The moderately challenging but breathtakingly beautiful path wanders through Savoy Mountain State Forest. If you don’t feel like hiking the entire out-and-back trail, you can stop at Tannery Falls, near the halfway point, and turn around.

Start your adventure by finding a space in the parking lot on Tannery Road and, from there, stroll to the trailhead. Be prepared for some challenges on this (leashed) dog-friendly trail, including a total elevation gain of nearly 700 feet and muddy terrain, especially after it rains. While the well-maintained trail can get incredibly busy during the warmer months, you’ll likely run into few, if any, other adventurers on a cold winter day.

Wear sturdy hiking boots you don’t mind getting wet as the path requires several water crossings, and you’ll have to go down a steep hill to get to Tannery Falls, a tranquil 80-foot waterfall that often freezes on the coldest days of winter. If it hasn’t yet frozen, take a moment to savor the sound of the water as it tumbles down.

While Tannery Falls is the masterpiece of the trail, it also boasts such natural beauty as streams that drop into tiny waterfalls, logs sprinkled with snow, and icicles drooping from frozen tree branches. The trail features a steep wooden staircase but, if you’re worried about slipping, grab onto the railing.

Find more information, including trail maps and activities, on Savoy Mountain State Forest on the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Explore more of Savoy Mountain State Forest on another of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts. AllTrails+ features a comprehensive list of trails, including current conditions and maps.

What is your favorite winter destination in Massachusetts? Nominate it, and we might highlight it in a future article. Or discover your new favorite spot using Only In Your State's new Travel Planner!