With many amazing hiking trails in Massachusetts to choose from, the Race Brook Falls Trail is one hike you won’t want to miss. You might be thinking “Waterfalls near me? In Massachusetts?” but you’d be surprised. This trail doesn’t just have one, either! Climbing high through a series of stunning waterfalls, this beautiful trail takes you through some of the prettiest forests in our great state. Bring the whole family to enjoy this picturesque trail!

If you’re looking for a fun hike that brings you to five different waterfalls, the Race Brooks Falls Trail is a great spot to head to this summer.
Kelly Packard / AllTrails
All five waterfalls are stunning in their own right, but the upper falls have a special beauty. You’ll want to share this hike with the whole family! This can be a challenging hike - but it's worth the trek.
The trail is moderately rated, and fun to climb. It's an ideal hike for those with some experience with unpaved trails.
Kelly Packard / AllTrails
You’ll find stairs built into the sides of rocks, a packed path through the forest, and even some lower waterfalls to ford. You’ll want to bring good, durable hiking shoes to make it through this trail!
There’s also enchanting details like rustic log bridges that cross rushing streams.
Kelly Packard / AllTrails
This trail isn’t technically difficult, but can be slippery or muddy at times. The entire hike is 3.4 miles out and back from the waterfalls, and is a popular site for birding and sightseeing. Bring a camera!

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The lower waterfalls are the easiest to get to.
Kelly Packard / AllTrails
The upper falls are harder to reach, but well worth the push. The entire elevation gain of the hike is 1,174 feet if you go all the way to the end. It might be a little steep, but the views of the upper falls make every moment worth it! It's one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Massachusetts.
If you want to challenge yourself further, keep climbing all the way to the summit of Mt. Everest.
Tami Sunwall / AllTrails
The trail links up to the Appalachian Trail and offers a hike up to Mt. Everest. The views are lovely, but this portion of the trail is difficult, so hikers should be prepared.
Between the waterfalls and the unique topography of the trail, you’ll love challenging yourself on this rewarding hike.
Kayte Oliver / AllTrails
This trail is located inside of Mount Everest State Reservation. There’s good parking at the trailhead, and parking is free. You can keep apprised of trail and park conditions on Massachusetts’ government website.

Check out this awesome 4k drone footage of Race Brook Falls:

Have you ever hiked Race Brook Falls Trail? What did you think? Did you make it all the way up to the upper falls? Let us know in the comments below if it lived up to the hype as one of the best waterfall hikes in Massachusetts!

If you’re looking for more trails where the ending is spectacular, check out 14 Trails In Massachusetts With An Undeniably Amazing Final Destination.

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More to Explore

Waterfall Hikes In Massachusetts

Tori Jane | May 13, 2023
  1. Where is Race Brook Falls Trail?

Technically located in Connecticut, the Race Brook Falls Trail is off of Route 41 near Sheffield, Massachusetts. It’s got three tiers, so you’ll definitely want to get up close for a good look! Most folks accidentally overlook the layers. It’s just over six miles long, and it’s rated as challenging – so hikers will want to make sure they’re experienced enough to handle it. It’s worth the effort, though – it's easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in MA! Learn more about Race Brook Falls Trail.  

  1. What are some other awesome waterfall hikes in MA?

Interestingly, the hike to Race Brook Falls is not the only waterfall hike in Massachusetts – there are definitely more! Folks who love chasing waterfalls will greatly enjoy hikes like:  

  • Tannery Falls, Savoy – This gorgeous waterfall is nestled in the woods and can be accessed by hiking Tannery Falls Trail.  
  • Doane’s Falls, Royalston – Sure, you can swim, wade, or dive in this one, but you can dip your toes in and listen to its awe-inspiring roar.  
  • Bash Bish Falls, Mt. Washington – This is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts, and it’s outrageously beautiful.  

Learn more about each of these stunning Massachusetts waterfalls, and then some!   

  1. How many waterfalls in MA are there?

Though the exact number is tough to know, there are well over 400 amazing waterfalls in MA just waiting to be explored. Some of them have names, some have trails to access them, and some can only be accessed by trails, and the list goes on. Some of the most notable waterfalls in MA are:  

  • The Cascade at North Adams – Not to be mixed up with The Cascade in Melrose, this gorgeous Massachusetts waterfall is worthy of your admiration.  
  • Wahconah Falls, Dalton – This dramatic, roaring waterfall is a beloved staple among lovers of the outdoors. It’s truly breathtaking.  
  • Campbell Falls, New Marlborough – About 50 feet tall, this gorgeous Massachusetts waterfall is immensely photogenic. 

Check out all these awesome waterfalls in MA on our epic waterfalls road trip.   

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Race Brook Falls, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA