About The Cascades
The Cascades is a named waterfall in Franklin County, Massachusetts, located about 1.2 miles northeast of Turners Falls. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Greenfield 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°37′13″ N, 72°32′43″ W (42.62036, -72.54537). Historical sources also record the name The Cascade. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Fall River Reservoir (historical) (reservoir, 0.3 mi), Fall Brook (stream, 0.5 mi), and Fall River (stream, 0.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Turners Falls, 0.7 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: On an unnamed tributary of the Fall River 0.6 mi N of Riverside; Town of Gill
More Photos
5 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at The Cascades
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at The Cascades
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of The Cascades. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
The Cascades holds a 2.8 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of The Cascades. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Fall River Reservoir (historical) — reservoir, 0.3 mi
- Fall Brook — stream, 0.5 mi
- Fall River — stream, 0.6 mi
- Connecticut River Reservoir — reservoir, 0.8 mi
- Canada Hill — summit, 1.0 mi
- Pisgah Mountain — summit, 1.2 mi
- The Narrows — gap, 1.6 mi
- Maynard Pond — reservoir, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 42.62036, -72.54537. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near The Cascades
- Twin Cascade, MA24 mi west
- Windsor Jambs, MA24 mi west
- Beaver Brook Falls, NH28 mi northeast
- South Hadley Falls, MA28 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cascades located?
The Cascades is in Franklin County, Massachusetts, about 1.2 miles northeast of Turners Falls. Its coordinates are 42.62036, -72.54537 (42°37′13″ N, 72°32′43″ W).
What town is closest to The Cascades?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Turners Falls, MA, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near The Cascades?
The closest is Turners Falls (0.7 mi southwest). Others within reach include Chapel Falls (15 mi), Royalston Falls (17 mi), and Doane Falls (18 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows The Cascades?
The Cascades appears on the USGS Greenfield 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.