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 hiking trails in Massachusetts with waterfalls. You absolutely have to put these on your bucket list.

1. Doane’s Falls, Royalston
Doane's Falls, 25 Doane Hill Rd, Royalston, MA 01368, USA
dtb/Google Reviews
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)

If you are looking for hiking trails near you with waterfalls let's take a hike to see Doane’s Falls with The Northern Return:
2. Sages Ravine, Mount Washington
Sages Ravine Campsite, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Wayne McCarthy/AllTrails
Sages 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 Sages Ravine Loop Trail is about 3.8 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.
3. Wahconah Falls, Dalton
Wahconah Falls Road, Wahconah Falls Rd, Dalton, MA, USA
jpitha/Flickr
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 Wahconah Falls winds through northern hardwood-conifer forest and is only about 0.5 miles long.
4. Tannery Falls, Savoy
Tannery Falls, Savoy, MA 01256, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
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.
5. Peck Falls, Adams
Adams, MA, USA
Eric Harrison/Flickr
Peck Falls is actually a cluster of two waterfalls between Gould Road and West Mountain Road in Adams, MA. 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.

If you live near Adams, MA take one of our favorite waterfall hikes near you to Peck Falls:

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6. Bear's Den Falls, New Salem
Bear's Den, 18 Neilson Rd, New Salem, MA 01355, USA
RoBb Weir/Flickr
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.
7. The Cascades, North Adams
22 Brickyard Ct, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Katie R./Tripadvisor
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.
8. Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Andy Arthur/Flickr
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.
9. Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield
Chapel Brook, Massachusetts, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
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 Chapel Brook Falls 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.
10. Goldmine Brook Falls, Chester
Goldmine Brook Falls, US-20, Chester, MA 01011, USA
johnnycashsashes/Flickr
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.

Take a quick look at a view of Goldmine Brook Falls in Chester, MA in this video from ReWildYourSoul:

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. Be sure to check out AllTrails+ for all the information you need for your hike.

What do you think are the best hiking trails in Massachusetts with waterfalls? Share your favorite with a comment!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Massachusetts

Melissa M. | March 11, 2022

What are some of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts?

Some of the most kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts include:

  • Pine Hills, Plymouth, MA
  • Fort Hill Trail, Eastham, MA
  • Fern Trail, Easthampton, MA

 

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.

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts?

Some of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts include:

 

Aside from the waterfall hikes mentioned above, there are numerous hikes that lead to some stunning scenery and views around the state. For example, take 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 in Massachusetts include:

 

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.

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