5 Best Waterfall Hiking Locations in Massachusetts (2026 Updated)
These 5 Massachusetts waterfalls are reached on foot and rated highly by the people who hiked them, led by Doane Falls, Tannery Falls, and Lulu Cascade. The list spans the North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts and Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range.
How We Picked
We started with the 5 publicly accessible Massachusetts waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
-
1. Doane Falls
Royalston, MA · Worcester County · North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts
Why hike it
On the trail: "Cascading series of 5 waterfalls situated on 46 acres of a forested preserve with hiking trails." It is rated 4.8 stars by 191 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Spirit Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Chestnut Hill, a summit 0.8 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 9 named falls in the North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts region. The nearest town is Royalston, about 2.1 miles to the north.
-
2. Tannery Falls
Adams, MA · Berkshire County · Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range
Why hike it
On the trail: "Moderate hiking trail leading to an 80-ft. series of waterfalls in serene forest surrounds." It is rated 4.8 stars by 31 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Twin Cascade), so there is more to explore nearby. Lewis Hill, a summit 1.4 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 12 named falls in the Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range region. The nearest town is Adams, about 5.8 miles to the west.
-
3. Lulu Cascade
Lanesborough, MA · Berkshire County · Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range
Why hike it
On the trail: "Reached by a short, easy trail, this waterfall sits in a natural ravine surrounded by trees." It is rated 4.6 stars by 13 Google reviewers. Berry Mountain, a summit 1.0 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 12 named falls in the Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range region. The nearest town is Lanesborough, about 4.0 miles to the northeast.
-
4. Bash Bish Falls
Sheffield, MA · Berkshire County · Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range
Why hike it
On the trail: "Accessed by hiking trails, these celebrated mountainside waterfalls are almost 200 ft. in height." It is rated 4.6 stars by 551 Google reviewers. 2 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Race Brook Falls and Bear Rock Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Bash Bish Mountain, a summit 0.4 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 12 named falls in the Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range region. The nearest town is Sheffield, about 7.1 miles to the east.
-
5. Danforth Falls
Hudson, MA · Middlesex County · North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts
Why hike it
On the trail: "Small cascading waterfall located in quaint forest surrounds & near hiking trails." Reviewers describe the hike with words like "easy walk", so it suits most hikers. It is rated 4.1 stars by 38 Google reviewers. Phillips Hill, a summit 0.2 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 9 named falls in the North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts region. The nearest town is Hudson, about 1.2 miles to the southeast.
When to Visit Massachusetts's Waterfalls
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.
Before You Go
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.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. Hiking with children? Read waterfall hikes with kids.
Explore More Massachusetts Waterfalls
See all 27 waterfalls in the Massachusetts waterfall guide, or browse by town: Royalston, Adams, Lanesborough, Sheffield, Hudson.
More Massachusetts Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking waterfall in Massachusetts?
Doane Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 191 Google reviews. It is near Royalston in Worcester County.
How was this list made?
We started with the 5 publicly accessible Massachusetts waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager.
How many waterfalls are in Massachusetts?
Our directory lists 27 named waterfalls in Massachusetts. See them all, sorted by town, in the Massachusetts waterfall guide.
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.