Massachusetts is popular for its American history, culture, and popular landscapes. But this state also offers some mountain ranges, popular waterfalls, and hidden waterfalls. Every year, many visitors visit the state’s iconic destinations, but most of them miss out on the hidden falls. These hidden waterfalls will be the best attractions for travellers who love hiking to waterfalls. So, we come with this guide on Hidden Waterfalls in Massachusetts “, where you will get full details and never miss this wonderful experience.
Note: Hidden waterfalls are the best locations for travel lovers. Planning a trip with a group of friends to these locations can be one of the best experiences. For hassle-free transportation, you can contact BUSXOXO for Massachusetts Charter Bus Rental and book a charter bus to easily reach your location.
Why to Explore the Massachusetts Waterfalls?
Massachusetts Hidden Waterfalls are the go-to locations for nature lovers, as it offers natural landscapes, wonderful hiking routes, etc. But these locations are usually overlooked by visitors for exploring the popular ones. The famous waterfalls are always much crowded, but the hidden waterfall stays less crowded. Spring is the best time to visit the hidden waterfalls because at this time, the water flows heavily due to seasonal rainfall.
Hidden waterfalls are free to visit, but some places may charge a parking fee and camping fees. Some waterfalls are easy to reach, while others require difficult hikes.
Top Hidden Waterfalls in Massachusetts
There are several waterfalls present in the state, but the hidden and less crowded ones are Glendale Falls, Tannery Falls, Doane’s Falls, Race Brook Falls, and Chapel Falls.
Glendale Falls
Glendale Waterfalls is almost 160 feet, as mentioned in Newenglandwaterfalls, and is located in Middlefield, Massachusetts. The surrounding area is covered with a hardwood forest and rocky stones.
- Ticket Price: The waterfall is free to visit.
- Parking: The parking area is located on Clark Wright Road in Middlefield. There is no parking fee, but it has a small space that can hold 7-10 vehicles.
- Best Time To Visit: The spring season is the best time to visit the waterfall.
- Tips: Carry a raincoat; haze can be expected near the waterfall area.
Tannery Falls
Tannery Falls is located in Savoy, Massachusetts. Here, the water streams in step by step form. According to Newenglandwaterfalls, the waterfall is about 60-80 feet, and is divided into the upper fall and the lower fall. The area is surrounded by a larger forest range with a rocky landscape, which makes it a little bit difficult for hiking.
- Entry Fee: The Tannery Falls is free to visit.
- Parking: The area has a large space that can hold 20-25 vehicles at a time and is located north of the falls. The parking fees and camping fees are totally free in this location.
- Best Time to Visit: The spring season and post-rainfall are the best times to visit this location.
Doane’s Falls
Doane’s Falls is located on Doane Hill Road in Royalston as one of the most beloved natural attractions, yet it hasn’t been explored by many visitors. The total drop of the waterfall is approximately 175 feet in height, as per Newenglandwaterfalls. The waterfall drops in three different tiers – upper falls, middle falls, and lower falls.
- Ticket: This location is free to visit.
- Parking Area: This area has 3 different parking areas that have limited parking spaces. The upper falls parking area is located on Athol Road and Doane’s Falls Road, that have a capacity of holding 3-5 cars. The second and third parking areas are located near the lower falls.
- Best Time to Visit: Visitors should visit the waterfall in spring, as the water flow is at its peak.
- Nearby Place to Visit: Visit the stone dam, which is present near the top of the waterfalls.
- Precautions: Swimming is not allowed due to the slippery rocks.
- Tips: Royalston is not a fully developed area, so don’t plan to stay near the waterfall area. So, it is better to visit in the early morning and return before evening.
Race Brook Falls
Race Brook Falls consists of 5 different waterfalls, and the total length of these waterfalls is almost 300 feet, as per the New England Waterfalls website. The first fall, considered the lower falls, is the top attraction and is about 80-100 feet in height. The second fall is about 20-30 feet, and the remaining ones fall gradually on the hemlocks.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer are the best times to visit this waterfall.
- Entry Fee: The waterfall is totally free to visit.
- Precautions: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water, as it takes 3-4 miles to reach the upper falls.
- Parking Area: The parking area is located at 716 S Undermountain Rd, Sheffield, MA 01257 (Route 41) and is completely free. It has a capacity of holding 10-15 cars at a time.
Chapel Brook Falls
Chapel Brook Fall will offer peace even on a busy weekend. The location holds an interesting fact about the natural rock formation known as “ Potholes”. These holes are circular depressions that are carved in the bedrock, which helped in the formation of bowl-shaped holes that look amazing and act as natural swimming pools. The area is covered with a forest that is a mix of hardwoods and hemlocks that offers cool shade and a cinematic view.
- Entry Fee: This waterfall is totally free and allows free hiking to the waterfall area.
- Best Time to Visit: The post-summer and October are the best times to visit this waterfall.
- Parking Area: This is located on Williamsburg Rd, Ashfield, MA, and has a capacity of holding 12 cars. The parking fee is totally free.
Hidden Waterfalls Near Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a busy and popular city in Massachusetts. People visit it for its cultural traditions and historic landmarks. But many missed out the other side of the area that is surrounded by natural beauty. There are so many hidden waterfalls located near Boston, some of them are Beaver Brook Falls, Purgatory Falls, and Trap Falls.
Beaver Brook Falls
Forest trails, a rocky path, and natural greenery surround this waterfall. It is located in Colebrook, New Hampshire, near Boston. The height of this waterfall is approximately 80 feet, as per the source of Newenglandwaterfalls. which offers a more pleasant view.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and the start of summer are the best times to visit this location.
- Entry Fee: The waterfall is free to visit.
- Parking Area: This is located at Route 145 in Colebrook, New Hampshire, and there is no parking fee.
Purgatory Falls
Purgatory Falls is located in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, which is near Boston. This waterfall streams for several miles and flows across Lyndeborough and Mont Vernon. The area is surrounded by woodland forests.
- Best Time to Visit: The spring and the start of summer are the best times to visit this waterfall.
- Entry Fee: This waterfall is completely free to visit.
- Precautions: Carry a sufficient amount of water and wear proper footwear as the path is full of tree roots.
- Parking Area: The area offers a small parking area that has a capacity of holding 3-7 vehicles at a time.
Trap Falls
Trap Falls is located in Willard Brook State Forest between the towns of Ashby and West Townsend, Massachusetts, and falls with multi-level tiers. Visitors should choose to visit the waterfall in spring because at that time the area becomes lush and green.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit this waterfall.
- Parking Area: This is located on the north side of Route 119 and charges a parking fee of $5 per vehicle for Massachusetts residents and $8 for non-residents during the spring season.
Important Tips for Visiting the Hidden Waterfalls
Most of the visitors love hiking to hidden waterfalls, but some forget to take precautions. So, here are some important tips that you should follow for safe hiking.
- Wear proper hiking shoes, as the waterfall paths are covered with muddy and rocky stones.
- Don’t try to climb to the waterfall; mishaps may happen due to slippery paths.
- Bring the map of the location, or take a snap of the location in your cell phone, for easy hiking. Because the internet can be limited in these areas, it may make it difficult to find directions.
- Try to visit these waterfalls after rainfall.
- Bring light foods and a sufficient amount of water, stay away from wild animals, and don’t harm any wildlife or plants.
- Make a proper plan to visit the waterfall, and always prepare for the weather. Pay attention to your body and make sure that you leave some energy to return to your starting point.
The hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts are the perfect treat for travellers who love nature. If you are visiting Massachusetts in spring or early summer, then don’t miss these falls. We hope this guide will help you find all the useful information to visit these waterfalls.