State guide

Waterfalls in Massachusetts

27 waterfalls across 7 counties, ranked 25th nationally. The main waterfall regions are Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range, Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley, and North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts.

Source: USGS Geographic Names Information System, with visitor ratings from Google Maps listings.

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Photo of Bash Bish Falls in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Pictured: Bash Bish Falls, MA

Towns

Why Massachusetts Has So Many Waterfalls

Massachusetts owes its waterfalls largely to the western third of the state. The Berkshire Hills and the Taconic Range along the New York border are made of hard, ancient metamorphic rock such as schist, gneiss and quartzite, and during the last Ice Age, glaciers scraped these uplands and left streams perched above steepened valleys. As brooks drop off the edges of these highlands toward the Housatonic, Hoosic, Westfield and Deerfield rivers, they form cascades and plunges in narrow ravines. Our directory lists 27 named falls in the state, ranking it 25th nationally, and Berkshire County alone accounts for 12 of them.

East of the Berkshires, the land gradually lowers toward the coast, and waterfalls become sparser. The hill towns of Franklin and Hampshire counties still have steep, rocky brooks, while the North Quabbin area of Worcester County holds a cluster of falls around Royalston. Farther east, many falls sit on rivers that powered the mills of the Industrial Revolution, and towns such as Turners Falls and Holyoke grew up around them. Abundant precipitation spread through the year keeps most streams flowing, while spring snowmelt from the higher hills produces the biggest flows. The coastal plain of Cape Cod and the southeast, built of glacial sand, has essentially none.

Massachusetts Waterfall Regions

Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range

12 waterfalls · Berkshire County

The Berkshires hold the state's most dramatic falls. Bash Bish Falls, in the southwest corner near the New York line, drops through a rugged gorge in two streams around a central boulder and is often described as the most impressive waterfall in Massachusetts. Nearby on the slopes of the Taconics, Race Brook Falls tumbles in several tiers, and Campbell Falls and Umpachene Falls lie in the quiet hills of New Marlborough. To the north, Money Brook Falls drops in a deep ravine on Mount Greylock, the state's highest peak. Tannery Falls and Wahconah Falls add forested cascades in state forest and park land.

Start with: Bash Bish Falls, Umpachene Falls, Campbell Falls, Tannery Falls, Race Brook Falls

Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley

6 waterfalls · Franklin County, Hampshire County, and Hampden County

Between the Berkshires and the Connecticut River, the hilltowns are a rolling plateau cut by steep brooks. Chapel Falls in Ashfield is a series of drops on Chapel Brook in a shaded, rocky ravine, and Glendale Falls in Middlefield is a long cascade over bedrock ledges that runs strongest in spring. Along the Connecticut River itself, the village of Turners Falls and the city of Holyoke grew around falls that once powered industry and are now largely controlled by dams. This region mixes natural ravine falls with historic river falls, offering both woodland walks and glimpses of New England's industrial past.

Start with: Chapel Falls, Glendale Falls, The Cascades, Wallamanumps Falls, South Hadley Falls

North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts

9 waterfalls · Worcester County, Middlesex County, and Essex County

In northern Worcester County, the town of Royalston has two of the best-known falls outside the Berkshires. Doane Falls is a series of cascades on Lawrence Brook through a forested preserve, and Royalston Falls drops into a deep, narrow gorge on Falls Brook. Both are in quiet, wooded country with few crowds. Farther east, in Middlesex and Essex counties, falls are smaller and often tucked into town conservation land or along mill rivers. Danforth Falls in Hudson is a small cascade near local trails. These eastern falls are easy to reach from the Boston area and suit short outings.

Start with: Doane Falls, Royalston Falls, Danforth Falls, Pawtucket Falls, Spirit Falls

25 Featured Waterfalls in Massachusetts

Ordered by Google rating and review volume, then by documented USGS history.

  1. Bash Bish Falls

    Sheffield, MA · Berkshire County
    4.6 (551 reviews)

    Accessed by hiking trails, these celebrated mountainside waterfalls are almost 200 ft. in height.

    Rating
    4.6 (551 Google reviews)
    Address
    Mt Washington, MA 01258
    Nearest town
    Sheffield, MA (7.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Bash Bish Falls quad
    View details Directions

  2. Doane Falls

    Royalston, MA · Worcester County
    4.8 (191 reviews)

    Cascading series of 5 waterfalls situated on 46 acres of a forested preserve with hiking trails.

    Rating
    4.8 (191 Google reviews)
    Address
    Royalston, MA 01331
    Nearest town
    Royalston, MA (2.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Royalston quad
    View details Directions

  3. Chapel Falls

    Ashfield, MA · Franklin County
    4.7 (84 reviews)

    Chapel Falls is a waterfall in Franklin County, Massachusetts, about 3.4 miles southeast of Ashfield. USGS notes: On Chapel Brook 2.1 mi SE of South Ashfield; Town of Ashfield.

    Rating
    4.7 (84 Google reviews)
    Address
    Ashfield, MA 01341
    Nearest town
    Ashfield, MA (3.4 mi)
    USGS topo
    Goshen quad
    View details Directions

  4. Glendale Falls

    Becket, MA · Hampshire County
    4.8 (56 reviews)

    Glendale Falls is a waterfall in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, about 6.1 miles east of Becket. USGS notes: On Glendale Brook 2.7 mi NW of North Chester; Town of Middlefield.

    Rating
    4.8 (56 Google reviews)
    Address
    Middlefield, MA 01011
    Nearest town
    Becket, MA (6.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Chester quad
    View details Directions

  5. Royalston Falls

    Royalston, MA · Worcester County
    4.5 (60 reviews)

    Royalston Falls is a waterfall in Worcester County, Massachusetts, about 3.9 miles northwest of Royalston. USGS notes: Located on Falls Brook, 3.6 mi NW of Royalston

    Rating
    4.5 (60 Google reviews)
    Address
    Royalston, MA 01368
    Nearest town
    Royalston, MA (3.9 mi)
    USGS topo
    Royalston quad
    View details Directions

  6. Campbell Falls

    New Marlborough, MA · Berkshire County
    4.8 (38 reviews)

    Campbell Falls is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 5.3 miles south of New Marlborough. USGS notes: Near the MA-CT boundary on the Whiting River, 3.5 mi S of Southfield; Town of New Marlborough.

    Rating
    4.8 (38 Google reviews)
    Address
    New Marlborough, MA 01259
    Nearest town
    New Marlborough, MA (5.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    South Sandisfield quad
    View details Directions

  7. Tannery Falls

    Adams, MA · Berkshire County
    4.8 (31 reviews)

    Moderate hiking trail leading to an 80-ft. series of waterfalls in serene forest surrounds.

    Rating
    4.8 (31 Google reviews)
    Address
    Savoy, MA 01256
    Nearest town
    Adams, MA (5.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Windsor quad
    View details Directions

  8. Race Brook Falls

    Sheffield, MA · Berkshire County
    4.6 (30 reviews)

    Race Brook Falls is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 3.7 miles southwest of Sheffield. USGS notes: In course of Race Brook, 3.7 mi SW of Sheffield; Town of Sheffield.

    Rating
    4.6 (30 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sheffield, MA 01257
    Nearest town
    Sheffield, MA (3.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Bash Bish Falls quad
    View details Directions

  9. Umpachene Falls

    New Marlborough, MA · Berkshire County
    4.6 (56 reviews)

    Umpachene Falls is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 3.0 miles southwest of New Marlborough. It appears on the USGS Ashley Falls topographic map.

    Rating
    4.6 (56 Google reviews)
    Address
    New Marlborough, MA 01259
    Nearest town
    New Marlborough, MA (3.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Ashley Falls quad
    View details Directions

  10. Danforth Falls

    Hudson, MA · Middlesex County
    4.1 (38 reviews)

    Small cascading waterfall located in quaint forest surrounds & near hiking trails.

    Rating
    4.1 (38 Google reviews)
    Address
    Hudson, MA 01749
    Known for
    easy walk, serene, peaceful, hike, waterfall
    Nearest town
    Hudson, MA (1.2 mi)
    USGS topo
    Hudson quad
    View details Directions

  11. Wahconah Falls

    Dalton, MA · Berkshire County
    5.0 (19 reviews)

    Wahconah Falls is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 2.8 miles east of Dalton. USGS notes: On Wahconah Falls Brook, 3.5 mi NNE of Hinsdale; Town of Windsor.

    Rating
    5.0 (19 Google reviews)
    Address
    Windsor, MA 01270
    Nearest town
    Dalton, MA (2.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Peru quad
    View details Directions

  12. Pawtucket Falls

    Lowell, MA · Middlesex County
    4.8 (17 reviews)

    Merrimack River waterfall & an important Pennacook Indian fishing ground in the pre-colonial period.

    Rating
    4.8 (17 Google reviews)
    Address
    Lowell, MA 01854
    Known for
    memories
    Nearest town
    Lowell, MA (1.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    Lowell quad
    View details Directions

  13. Twin Cascade

    North Adams, MA · Berkshire County
    4.1 (19 reviews)

    Twin Cascade is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 5.7 miles east of North Adams. USGS notes: In the course of Cascade Brook in the Berkshire Hills, 0.5 mi NW of Hoosac Tunnel; Town of Florida.

    Rating
    4.1 (19 Google reviews)
    Address
    Florida, MA 01247
    Nearest town
    North Adams, MA (5.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    North Adams quad
    View details Directions

  14. Lulu Cascade

    Lanesborough, MA · Berkshire County
    4.6 (13 reviews)

    Reached by a short, easy trail, this waterfall sits in a natural ravine surrounded by trees.

    Rating
    4.6 (13 Google reviews)
    Address
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Nearest town
    Lanesborough, MA (4.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Pittsfield West quad
    View details Directions

  15. Spirit Falls

    Royalston, MA · Worcester County
    4.5 (13 reviews)

    Spirit Falls is a waterfall in Worcester County, Massachusetts, about 1.1 miles southwest of Royalston. USGS notes: On the W slope of Jacob Hill in the course of the stream draining Little Pond 0.9 mi SW of Royalston; Town of Royalston.

    Rating
    4.5 (13 Google reviews)
    Address
    Royalston, MA 01368
    Nearest town
    Royalston, MA (1.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Royalston quad
    View details Directions

  16. The Cascade

    Worcester, MA · Worcester County
    4.4 (12 reviews)

    The Cascade is a waterfall in Worcester County, Massachusetts, about 3.5 miles northwest of Worcester. USGS notes: On an unnamed stream 0.2 mi W of Cook Pond and 0.6 mi NE of West Tatnuck; City of Worcester.

    Rating
    4.4 (12 Google reviews)
    Address
    Worcester, MA 01602
    Nearest town
    Worcester, MA (3.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Worcester North quad
    View details Directions

  17. Money Brook Falls

    Adams, MA · Berkshire County
    4.7 (20 reviews)

    Money Brook Falls is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 3.7 miles northwest of Adams. It appears on the USGS Williamstown topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (20 Google reviews)
    Address
    Williamstown, MA 01267
    Nearest town
    Adams, MA (3.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Williamstown quad
    View details Directions

  18. Windsor Jambs

    Hinsdale, MA · Berkshire County
    4.4 (8 reviews)

    Windsor Jambs is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 8.9 miles northeast of Hinsdale. USGS notes: Along course of Windsor Jambs Brook, 3.8 mi WNW of Plainfield; Town of Windsor.

    Rating
    4.4 (8 Google reviews)
    Address
    Windsor, MA 01270
    Nearest town
    Hinsdale, MA (8.9 mi)
    USGS topo
    Plainfield quad
    View details Directions

  19. Sutton Falls

    Sutton, MA · Worcester County
    4.0 (8 reviews)

    Sutton Falls is a waterfall in Worcester County, Massachusetts, about 3.0 miles south of Sutton. USGS notes: Just SE of an unnamed lake 1 mi SE of West Sutton; Town of Sutton.

    Rating
    4.0 (8 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sutton, MA 01590
    Nearest town
    Sutton, MA (3.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Oxford quad
    View details Directions

  20. Wallamanumps Falls

    Ludlow, MA · Hampden County
    4.0 (4 reviews)

    Wallamanumps Falls is a waterfall in Hampden County, Massachusetts, in Ludlow. USGS notes: On the Chicopee River just S of Ludlow; Towns of Ludlow and Wilbraham.

    Rating
    4.0 (4 Google reviews)
    Address
    Ludlow, MA 01095
    Nearest town
    Ludlow, MA (0.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Ludlow quad
    View details Directions

  21. The Cascades

    Turners Falls, MA · Franklin County
    2.8 (5 reviews)

    The Cascades is a waterfall in Franklin County, Massachusetts, about 1.2 miles northeast of Turners Falls. USGS notes: On an unnamed tributary of the Fall River 0.6 mi N of Riverside; Town of Gill

    Rating
    2.8 (5 Google reviews)
    Address
    Gill, MA 01354
    Nearest town
    Turners Falls, MA (1.2 mi)
    USGS topo
    Greenfield quad
    View details Directions

  22. South Hadley Falls

    Holyoke, MA · Hampden County
    5.0 (2 reviews)

    South Hadley Falls is a waterfall in Hampden County, Massachusetts, about 0.9 miles northeast of Holyoke. USGS notes: On the Connecticut River between South Hadley Falls and Holyoke; Town of South Hadley and City of Holyoke.

    Rating
    5.0 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Holyoke, MA 01040
    Nearest town
    Holyoke, MA (0.9 mi)
    USGS topo
    Springfield North quad
    View details Directions

  23. Otis Falls

    Otis, MA · Berkshire County
    4.5 (2 reviews)

    Otis Falls is a waterfall in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, about 2.8 miles southeast of Otis. USGS notes: On Fall River at its head in Southwest Bay of Otis Reservoir; Town of Otis.

    Rating
    4.5 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Otis, MA 01029
    Nearest town
    Otis, MA (2.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Otis quad
    View details Directions

  24. Turners Falls

    Turners Falls, MA · Franklin County
    3.0 (2 reviews)

    Turners Falls is a waterfall in Franklin County, Massachusetts, about 0.5 miles north of Turners Falls. USGS notes: On the Connecticut River at Turners Falls; Towns of Gill and Montague.

    Rating
    3.0 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Montague, MA 01376
    Nearest town
    Turners Falls, MA (0.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Greenfield quad
    View details Directions

  25. Wicassic Falls

    Tyngsboro, MA · Middlesex County
    2.5 (2 reviews)

    Although only dropping a short distance, this wide waterfall is famous in the area.

    Rating
    2.5 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Tyngsborough, MA 01879
    Nearest town
    Tyngsboro, MA (2.6 mi)
    USGS topo
    Nashua South quad
    View details Directions

Highest Rated in Massachusetts

  1. Doane Falls 4.8 from 191 reviews · Royalston
  2. Glendale Falls 4.8 from 56 reviews · Becket
  3. Campbell Falls 4.8 from 38 reviews · New Marlborough
  4. Tannery Falls 4.8 from 31 reviews · Adams
  5. Chapel Falls 4.7 from 84 reviews · Ashfield

Waterfalls with at least 25 Google reviews.

What Visitors Mention

  • Reviews of 1 Massachusetts waterfall mention easy access, including Danforth Falls.

Massachusetts Waterfalls by the Compass

The farthest-apart named falls in Massachusetts are about 129 miles apart.

Names and History

6 waterfalls have alternate historical names on record, such as Bash Bish Falls (also Bashapish) and Doane Falls (also Doanes Falls).

From the USGS record for Bash Bish Falls: "By an Act of the Massachusetts Legislature, approved March 28, 1924, the spelling form Bash Bish was adopted in connection with the establishment of Bash Bish Falls State Forest."

Best Time to See Waterfalls in Massachusetts

Spring is the prime waterfall season in Massachusetts. Snowmelt and rain typically push flows highest from late March through May, with the Berkshires and hilltowns melting out a bit later than the lowlands. Summer usually brings lower water, and by August many smaller brooks, including some ravine falls, can thin to a trickle in dry years, though thunderstorms can temporarily revive them. Fall foliage, usually peaking in the Berkshires in early to mid October, draws heavy weekend traffic, especially around Bash Bish Falls and Mount Greylock. Autumn rains sometimes restore good flows by late October or November. Winter brings ice formations, but trails into ravines can be icy and some access roads are not plowed.

Planning a Waterfall Trip in Massachusetts

Most Massachusetts waterfalls are on state land managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, including state parks and forests in the Berkshires, or on reservations owned by the Trustees, a statewide land conservation nonprofit that protects several falls in Royalston, Ashfield and Middlefield. Others sit on town conservation land or private property open to the public. Parking areas are often small and fill quickly on fall weekends; arriving early helps. Hazards include steep, wet rock on gorge rims, slippery stairs and roots, and sudden drop-offs at the top of falls. Swimming and climbing around falls have caused serious injuries, so follow posted rules. Ticks are common in warm months, and some trailheads in the hill towns have no cell coverage.

More: waterfall safety · packing list

Find Waterfalls Near a Massachusetts Town

Waterfalls by County

CountyWaterfallsShareMost visited
Berkshire1244%Bash Bish Falls
Worcester519%Doane Falls
Franklin311%Chapel Falls
Middlesex311%Danforth Falls
Hampden27%Wallamanumps Falls
Essex14%Mitchels Falls
Hampshire14%Glendale Falls

All Massachusetts Waterfalls A to Z

Massachusetts Waterfalls: FAQs

How many waterfalls are in Massachusetts?

Our directory lists 27 waterfalls in Massachusetts (26 officially named in the USGS Geographic Names Information System and 1 added from Google Maps listings), 25th among the 50 jurisdictions in our directory and 1.0% of the national total. 74% of them are in just three counties: Berkshire, Worcester, and Franklin.

What is the most visited waterfall in Massachusetts?

By Google review count, Bash Bish Falls in Berkshire County leads with 551 reviews and a 4.6 rating. Doane Falls is next.

Where are the most waterfalls in Massachusetts?

Berkshire County in the far west holds 12 of the 27 falls in our directory. The steep slopes of the Taconic Range and Berkshire Hills create far more drops than the gentler terrain to the east.

Is Bash Bish Falls in Massachusetts or New York?

The falls themselves are in the town of Mount Washington, Massachusetts, very close to the New York state line. They can be approached from trailheads in either state.

Which Massachusetts town has the most waterfalls nearby?

Becket has 17 named waterfalls within 30 miles, the most of any town in our Massachusetts directory.