You might not know this, but Massachusetts is actually filled with spectacular waterfalls just waiting to be discovered. Nestled into forests, gorges, and mountainsides, these gorgeous cataracts are the perfect hiking destinations. Here’s a collection of the best hikes in Massachusetts that lead to waterfalls. You absolutely have to put these on your bucket list.
- Doane’s Falls, Royalston
Google/Darin ten Bruggencate This gentle, half-mile hike is perfect for kids or casual hikers. Located in Royalston, Doane’s Falls is a stunning cascade that is a great destination for any time of the year. The path begins at Tully Lake Park and also features a 7.5-mile loop trail to tackle if you feel like being more adventurous. It’s one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts. (25 Doane Hill Rd., Royalston)
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Doane’s Falls. 25 Doane Hill Rd, Royalston, MA 01368, USA
- Sage’s Ravine, Mount Washington
Flickr/Charles Wohlers Sage’s Ravine is a magical valley filled with boulders, streams, and a beautiful waterfall. This cascade is only about 10 feet tall, but it looks like something from a storybook. You can also take a dip in the pool at its foot. The hike here is about 1.7 miles and can be a bit steep at times, so bring comfortable shoes. You can find parking information at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Northwest Cabin.
Visit AllTrails for hiking trail information. Sages Ravine Campsite, Appalachian Trail, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
- Wahconah Falls, Dalton
Flickr/Joe Pitha This waterfall is tiered like a wedding cake. Multiple smaller cascades combine to form a 40-foot waterfall that winds its way down into a deep pool at its base. The surrounding terrain is perfect for a picnic with a waterfall view. The trail leading to the waterfall winds through northern hardwood-conifer forest and is only about 0.5 miles long.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Wahconah Falls. Wahconah Falls Road, Wahconah Falls Rd, Dalton, MA, USA
- Tannery Falls, Savoy
Flickr/Doug Kerr This is a stunning waterfall that also offers the opportunity to wade into its waters. Tannery Falls has a series of 60-foot and 80-foot drops that are positively breathtaking after a rainstorm. The hike to these falls should take you about 20 minutes and is mostly downhill. Parking is only steps away from a cluster of smaller waterfalls. It’s one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Tannery Falls. Tannery Falls, Savoy, MA 01256, USA
- Peck Falls, Adams
Flickr/Eric Harrison Peck Falls is actually a cluster of two waterfalls between Gould Road and West Mountain Road in Adams. The first fall drops about 12 feet before plummeting further down a stony cliff. You can wade into the upper falls if you so choose. Hiking here is easy and will only take you about five minutes from Gould Road.
Visit The Berkshires website to learn more about Peck Falls and how to find it. Adams, MA, USA
- Bear’s Den Falls, New Salem
Flickr/RoBb Weir Do waterfalls get any prettier than this? Bear’s Den Falls in New Salem is a product of the Swift River and a beautiful cascade to visit in any season. The hike to the falls is only about 0.25 miles and will also take you near the ruins of an old forest mill. Just follow the stream to the left to find the mill and take in the sights along one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Bear’s Den Falls. Bear’s Den, 18 Neilson Rd, New Salem, MA 01355, USA
- The Cascades, North Adams
Tripadvisor/Katie R. There are a surprising number of waterfalls called The Cascades in Massachusetts, but this one in North Adams is one of the prettiest. Located along Notch Brook, seeing the 40-foot waterfall requires a bit of a hike. You’ll spend around 1.5 hours on the trail, but the view is worth it. Please note that there is only room for about two cars at the trail entrance.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to The Cascades. 22 Brickyard Ct, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
- Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
Flickr/Andy Arthur Massachusetts’ tallest waterfall is also one of its most accessible. Located right on the border with New York, Bash Bish offers a nearly 200-foot cascade with a sparkling pool at its base. The trail to reach the waterfall is about two miles, which is the perfect length for an afternoon of exploring the outdoors. It’s also one of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Bash Bish Falls. Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
- Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield
Flickr/ Doug Kerr Located in the Chapel Brook Reservation, this series of waterfalls have a total drop height of about 45 feet. You can swim in the pool at its base, though the water can get quite chilly, so you might want to save this waterfall swim for summer. Hiking to this waterfall will lead you over 0.2 miles of mostly downhill terrain. The cascade is right next to Pony Mountain, which offers plenty of other trails to explore.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Chapel Brook Falls. Chapel Brook, Massachusetts, USA
- Goldmine Brook Falls, Chester
Flickr/johnnycashsashes Located between Huntington and Chester, Goldmine Brook Falls only requires about a 0.1-mile hike to reach from a parking area. This is the perfect waterfall to visit at the changing of the season in fall and spring, as that’s when the flow is strongest. It’s not the biggest in the state, but it sure is beautiful. It’s also a place that’s great to take the family as this short trail is one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts.
Visit New England Waterfalls website for more information on Goldmine Brook Falls. Goldmine Brook Falls, US-20, Chester, MA 01011, USA
These waterfall hikes are a great way to spend a day outdoors. If you’re still in the mood for more waterfall chasing, definitely check out our ultimate Massachusetts waterfall road trip. What do you think are the best hikes in Massachusetts? Share and let us know in the comments!
Google/Darin ten Bruggencate
This gentle, half-mile hike is perfect for kids or casual hikers. Located in Royalston, Doane’s Falls is a stunning cascade that is a great destination for any time of the year. The path begins at Tully Lake Park and also features a 7.5-mile loop trail to tackle if you feel like being more adventurous. It’s one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts. (25 Doane Hill Rd., Royalston)
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Doane’s Falls.
25 Doane Hill Rd, Royalston, MA 01368, USA
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
Sage’s Ravine is a magical valley filled with boulders, streams, and a beautiful waterfall. This cascade is only about 10 feet tall, but it looks like something from a storybook. You can also take a dip in the pool at its foot. The hike here is about 1.7 miles and can be a bit steep at times, so bring comfortable shoes. You can find parking information at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Northwest Cabin.
Visit AllTrails for hiking trail information.
Sages Ravine Campsite, Appalachian Trail, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Flickr/Joe Pitha
This waterfall is tiered like a wedding cake. Multiple smaller cascades combine to form a 40-foot waterfall that winds its way down into a deep pool at its base. The surrounding terrain is perfect for a picnic with a waterfall view. The trail leading to the waterfall winds through northern hardwood-conifer forest and is only about 0.5 miles long.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Wahconah Falls.
Wahconah Falls Road, Wahconah Falls Rd, Dalton, MA, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This is a stunning waterfall that also offers the opportunity to wade into its waters. Tannery Falls has a series of 60-foot and 80-foot drops that are positively breathtaking after a rainstorm. The hike to these falls should take you about 20 minutes and is mostly downhill. Parking is only steps away from a cluster of smaller waterfalls. It’s one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Tannery Falls.
Tannery Falls, Savoy, MA 01256, USA
Flickr/Eric Harrison
Peck Falls is actually a cluster of two waterfalls between Gould Road and West Mountain Road in Adams. The first fall drops about 12 feet before plummeting further down a stony cliff. You can wade into the upper falls if you so choose. Hiking here is easy and will only take you about five minutes from Gould Road.
Visit The Berkshires website to learn more about Peck Falls and how to find it.
Adams, MA, USA
Flickr/RoBb Weir
Do waterfalls get any prettier than this? Bear’s Den Falls in New Salem is a product of the Swift River and a beautiful cascade to visit in any season. The hike to the falls is only about 0.25 miles and will also take you near the ruins of an old forest mill. Just follow the stream to the left to find the mill and take in the sights along one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Bear’s Den Falls.
Bear’s Den, 18 Neilson Rd, New Salem, MA 01355, USA
Tripadvisor/Katie R.
There are a surprising number of waterfalls called The Cascades in Massachusetts, but this one in North Adams is one of the prettiest. Located along Notch Brook, seeing the 40-foot waterfall requires a bit of a hike. You’ll spend around 1.5 hours on the trail, but the view is worth it. Please note that there is only room for about two cars at the trail entrance.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to The Cascades.
22 Brickyard Ct, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Flickr/Andy Arthur
Massachusetts’ tallest waterfall is also one of its most accessible. Located right on the border with New York, Bash Bish offers a nearly 200-foot cascade with a sparkling pool at its base. The trail to reach the waterfall is about two miles, which is the perfect length for an afternoon of exploring the outdoors. It’s also one of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Bash Bish Falls.
Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Flickr/ Doug Kerr
Located in the Chapel Brook Reservation, this series of waterfalls have a total drop height of about 45 feet. You can swim in the pool at its base, though the water can get quite chilly, so you might want to save this waterfall swim for summer. Hiking to this waterfall will lead you over 0.2 miles of mostly downhill terrain. The cascade is right next to Pony Mountain, which offers plenty of other trails to explore.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Chapel Brook Falls.
Chapel Brook, Massachusetts, USA
Flickr/johnnycashsashes
Located between Huntington and Chester, Goldmine Brook Falls only requires about a 0.1-mile hike to reach from a parking area. This is the perfect waterfall to visit at the changing of the season in fall and spring, as that’s when the flow is strongest. It’s not the biggest in the state, but it sure is beautiful. It’s also a place that’s great to take the family as this short trail is one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts.
Visit New England Waterfalls website for more information on Goldmine Brook Falls.
Goldmine Brook Falls, US-20, Chester, MA 01011, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Massachusetts March 11, 2022 Melissa M. What are some of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts? Sometimes you want to take the entire family on a hike but many trails can be a bit too long or difficult for the littles. However, we have put together a handy list of kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together! All of these trails are under one mile and lead through and to gorgeous scenery. You can read more in this post. What are some of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts? Aside from the waterfall hikes mentioned above, there are numerous hikes that lead to some stunning scenery and views around the state. In this article, you will learn about a hike through the gorgeous and historic Minute Man National Park in Concord, the Shining Sea Bikeway and Pathway in Falmouth, and many more! What are some of the easiest hikes in Massachusetts? Some of the easiest hikes around the state can also be the most kid-friendly, like the article mentioned above. However, you can also check out these short hikes under three miles that you may want to add to your bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Massachusetts
March 11, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts? Sometimes you want to take the entire family on a hike but many trails can be a bit too long or difficult for the littles. However, we have put together a handy list of kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together! All of these trails are under one mile and lead through and to gorgeous scenery. You can read more in this post. What are some of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts? Aside from the waterfall hikes mentioned above, there are numerous hikes that lead to some stunning scenery and views around the state. In this article, you will learn about a hike through the gorgeous and historic Minute Man National Park in Concord, the Shining Sea Bikeway and Pathway in Falmouth, and many more! What are some of the easiest hikes in Massachusetts? Some of the easiest hikes around the state can also be the most kid-friendly, like the article mentioned above. However, you can also check out these short hikes under three miles that you may want to add to your bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sometimes you want to take the entire family on a hike but many trails can be a bit too long or difficult for the littles. However, we have put together a handy list of kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together! All of these trails are under one mile and lead through and to gorgeous scenery. You can read more in this post.
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts?
Aside from the waterfall hikes mentioned above, there are numerous hikes that lead to some stunning scenery and views around the state. In this article, you will learn about a hike through the gorgeous and historic Minute Man National Park in Concord, the Shining Sea Bikeway and Pathway in Falmouth, and many more!
What are some of the easiest hikes in Massachusetts?
Some of the easiest hikes around the state can also be the most kid-friendly, like the article mentioned above. However, you can also check out these short hikes under three miles that you may want to add to your bucket list.
