From clam chowdah to baked beans and with plenty of American history you can’t find anywhere else, there are lots of reasons people visit Massachusetts. But even those who regularly make their way to the state’s seaboard may not realize how many stunning Massachusetts waterfalls they’re missing out on!
The dense forests of western Massachusetts offer a multiplicity of breathtaking cascades. Here are the ten you absolutely can’t miss on your next visit.
Top 10 Waterfalls in Massachusetts
Visiting Waterfalls in Massachusetts
Bash Bish Falls
Tucked in the extreme western reaches of the state, right near the New York state border, Bash Bish Falls stands nearly 200 feet tall. It cascades down in two stately plumes from the rocks beyond and behind them.
The most direct way to these falls is along Bash Bish Trail, which runs some two miles round-trip and sees about 500 feet of elevation change. Translation: you’ll definitely work up a sweat, but if you’re in decent shape, you’ll probably find it doable. Besides, the falls at the end make the whole thing totally worth your while!
Dogs are also welcome on this hiking trail, but must be well-behaved and leashed.
Things to do near Bash Bish Falls
As we’ll see as we move along this list, this part of Massachusetts actually boasts a number of beautiful waterfalls, and if you’re a strong hiker you may even be able to visit several in the same day! If you follow Bash Bish Brook long enough you’ll end up in New York’s Taconic State Park, and on the Massachusetts side there’s the Mount Washington State Forest nearby to explore and discover.
Umpachene Falls
A short ways east of Bish Bash Falls, in the gorgeous forests of New Marlborough, Umpachene Falls waits tumbling along the Umpachene River, contained and preserved by Umpachene Falls Park. Although a shorter waterfall, this cascade is no less breathtaking than Bish Bash, running noisily over the many-layered rock formation behind it in several tiers.
Additionally, the waters at the bottom of this gentle, 40-foot waterfall are some of the most popular for those looking for a summer swimming hole. Brace yourself though, because the water’s almost always chilly!
Things to do near Umpachene Falls
The town of New Marlborough is a small one, but a beautiful one, filled with quaint countryside attractions like Gedney Farm and The Southfield Store. Of course, even just the simple act of driving around can be an incredibly good time.
Campbell Falls
While Campbell Falls themselves are within Massachusetts proper, the state park that preserves and protects them straddles the line between this state and its neighbor Connecticut. This means you’ll start hiking in Campbell Falls State Park in Connecticut and end up in Massachusetts.
These falls tumble about 50 feet in total, swirling in a series of small pools at the bottom. The surrounding woods are beautiful and worth visiting in their own right, particularly in autumn when the leaves are changing.
Things to do near Campbell Falls
So here’s the real kicker: Massachusetts actually has its own state park named after this cascade, though it’s called Campbells Falls State Park, with an S. Either way, if you visit, you’ll be able to see the source of this waterfall in action: the Whiting River. If you’re after even more adventure, nearby Cookson State Forest has you covered.
Goldmine Brook Falls
At just over 2,700 acres, the Chester-Blandford State Forest isn’t the largest natural preserve in the U.S. by a long shot. Still, it’s earned some bragging rights as the home of Goldmine Brook Falls, a lovely multi-tiered 45-foot cascade that’s well worth seeking out.
Although it’s one of the more remote falls on our list, Goldmine Brook actually doesn’t require a whole day of hiking to get to. In fact, it’s just a short walk into the woods from the parking area, once you find the right spot along U.S. 20. Although the waterways are chilly, many visitors brave them and hop right in, though your mileage may vary.
Things to do near Goldmine Brook Falls
The Chester-Blandford State Forest is shot through with plenty of hiking trails to meander, along with several additional watercourses. Additionally, other area preserves like the Becket State Forest and Becket Quarry offer both natural and historical intrigue.
Wahconah Falls
A cascade so well-loved it’s warranted its very own state park, Wahconah Falls is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the state. Standing about 40 feet tall the waterfall is fed by the Wahconah Falls Brook, which streams from the Windsor Reservoir.
It is located close enough to the parking lot to hold a kid’s attention span, and is also a popular spot for people hoping to go fishing. Picnic tables and restrooms make it easy to pass a whole afternoon in comfort here, and given how beautiful the view is, you’re not likely to want to go anywhere.
Things to do near Wahconah Falls
The nearby mid-sized city of Pittsfield offers a wide range of resources to ensure you enjoy a comfortable vacation, and other natural wilderness areas, like Ashmere Lake State Park and the Pittsfield State Forest, aren’t too far away.
Tannery Falls
Tannery falls is one of the primary draws to northwestern Massachusetts’s Savoy Mountain State Forest. These falls are not actually one cascade, but a whole series, dropping a combined total of 80 feet along a delicately carved rock wall from their powerful source above.
The hike in to see the falls is a moderate trail that wends about five miles altogether, seeing almost 700 feet of elevation gain along the way. While it’s not the steepest trail in the nation, it’s certainly one that will raise your heart rate.
Although the trail is easiest to complete during the warm months, it’s accessible year-round, and indeed, many people make their way in to see the falls when it’s all covered over in winter wonder. You may need to bring some snowshoes for the job, though — and if you’re bringing your canine friend, make sure he’s on a sturdy leash!
Things to do near Tannery Falls
The Savoy Mountain State Forest is a large and diverse one, with many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, fishing — and, of course, camping.
Royalston Falls
If you go about as far north as you can in central Massachusetts, before you pass over the border into New Hampshire, you’ll find Royalston Falls. Falling in one free drop, this 45-foot waterfall is located just north of the Royalston State Forest outside of the small Massachusetts town of — you guessed it — Royalston.
Hikers can access Royalston Falls along the Tully Trail, which runs just shy of three miles altogether and sees a little more than 500 feet in elevation change. There’s even a small, primitive backwoods shelter not far from the falls — though there are certainly options in the area if you’d rather travel by camper.
Things to do near Royalston Falls
North-central Massachusetts is awash in outdoor recreation opportunities, from the aforementioned Royalston State Forest to the Millers River Wildlife Management Area, the Lawrence Brook Wildlife Management Area, and more.
Doane’s Falls
Only a few miles south of Royalston Falls, just off Tully Lake along the Lawrence Brook it feeds, Doane’s Falls make for another pristine stop in the north-central Massachusetts area.
While the falls are visible from the roadway, there’s a network of foot trails that give you the opportunity to get multiple up-close vantages of this cascade as well. Even though it’s a well-developed hiking area, it’s recommended that you wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing. After all, where there are waterfalls, there’s likely to be some slick trail and rocky slope settings!
Things to do near Doane’s Falls
These waterfalls are nearly immediately adjacent to the Millers River Wildlife Management Area, which preserves and protects a wide range of Massachusetts wildlife including moose, deer, coyote, raccoons, snowshoe hares, grouse, and turkey. It also boasts an excellent network of hiking trails, just in case you have more adventure left in you after you’re done with the falls.
The Bear’s Den
Small, relatively easy to access, and absolutely worthwhile, the waterfall known as The Bear’s Den stands only 12 feet tall. That said, its magnificent spread tumbles scenically down along the Swift River through the dense vegetation and forestry behind it.
Because of its relatively short walk and stunning scenery, this waterfall is a popular one for those looking for a quick place to have a picnic, and many hikers also bring their dog to the falls. It all makes for an excellent photo opp!
Things to do near The Bear’s Den
Located a few miles north of New Salem, The Bear’s Den is fairly far off the beaten path — which is exactly what makes it such an attractive destination. Nearby preserves like Wendell State Forest and Lake Wyola State Park make it easy to want to stay and explore this area for a good, long while, which is why an RV rental is a must.
The Best Maine Waterfalls for RVers
Trap Falls
Standing a mere 12 feet tall, Trap Falls is one of the shortest waterfalls in the state, but also one of the most scenic. The falls are technically situated within the Willard Brook State Forest, though nearby Pearl Hill State Park is directly adjacent and chock full of worthy reasons to visit. It offers some of the best scenery around and great proximity to the falls
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
The adjacent state park offers an excellent on-site campground. It doesn’t have hookups, but the sites are large and beautiful and the nightly rates are incredibly affordable.
Things to do near Trap Falls
The nearby town of Townsend is a great place to stop for vacation necessities, and Townsend State Forest offers lots more outdoor recreation opportunities for those still eager to find more to do. Meanwhile, Boston and Cambridge are just about an hour away (pending traffic, of course).
Planning an RV Trip to Massachusetts
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or drawn by one of its many other attractions, Massachusetts is an ideal state to visit by RV — that way, you have the ability to take to the road at your own pace and stay long enough to see it all. Grab one of the best peer-to-peer rental rigs in Massachusetts, and check out the state’s best state parks and campgrounds, not to mention its major metros.
So what are you waiting for? Time to hit the road!
