5 Must-See Waterfalls in Massachusetts (2026)
If you only have time for five Massachusetts waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range, North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts, and Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Massachusetts waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Bash Bish Falls
Sheffield, MA · Berkshire County · Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range
Why it is a must-see
With 551 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Massachusetts, and it holds 4.6 stars. In short: "Accessed by hiking trails, these celebrated mountainside waterfalls are almost 200 ft. in height." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On Bash Bish Brook, 4.7 km (2.9 mi) W of Guilder Pond and 5.6 km (3.5 mi) SW of South Egremont; Town of Mount Washington (US-T121). 7 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Race Brook Falls and Bear Rock Falls. 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.
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2. Doane Falls
Royalston, MA · Worcester County · North Quabbin and Eastern Massachusetts
Why it is a must-see
With 191 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Massachusetts, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Cascading series of 5 waterfalls situated on 46 acres of a forested preserve with hiking trails." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: In the course of Lawrence Brook 2 mi SSW of Royalston; Town of Royalston. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Spirit Falls and Royalston Falls. 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.
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3. Chapel Falls
Ashfield, MA · Franklin County · Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 84 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Massachusetts, and it holds 4.7 stars. The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On Chapel Brook 2.1 mi SE of South Ashfield; Town of Ashfield. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Windsor Jambs and Turners Falls. It is one of 6 named falls in the Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley region. The nearest town is Ashfield, about 3.4 miles to the northwest.
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4. Glendale Falls
Becket, MA · Hampshire County · Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 56 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Massachusetts, and it holds 4.8 stars. The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On Glendale Brook 2.7 mi NW of North Chester; Town of Middlefield. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Windsor Jambs and Wahconah Falls. It is one of 6 named falls in the Hilltowns and Connecticut Valley region. The nearest town is Becket, about 6.1 miles to the west.
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5. Umpachene Falls
New Marlborough, MA · Berkshire County · Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range
Why it is a must-see
With 56 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Massachusetts, and it holds 4.6 stars. 6 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Campbell Falls and Race Brook Falls. It is one of 12 named falls in the Berkshire Hills and Taconic Range region. The nearest town is New Marlborough, about 3.0 miles to the northeast.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 80 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Doane Falls (start, near Royalston)
- Chapel Falls, about 31 mi west
- Glendale Falls, about 14 mi southwest
- Umpachene Falls, about 24 mi southwest
- Bash Bish Falls, about 12 mi west
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.
Explore More Massachusetts Waterfalls
See all 27 waterfalls in the Massachusetts waterfall guide, or browse by town: Sheffield, Royalston, Ashfield, Becket, New Marlborough.
More Massachusetts Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Massachusetts?
Bash Bish Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.6-star rating from 551 Google reviews. It is near Sheffield in Berkshire County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Massachusetts waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 80 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
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.