Massachusetts

10 Tallest Waterfalls In Massachusetts

Written by:
Tom Riley
Date Published:
June 4, 2023

Massachusetts is home to some of the greatest waterfalls in the Northeast. In this blog post we will cover the 10 tallest waterfalls in Massachusetts. The waterfalls can be found all throughout the state, with the majority of them being located in the western section. Although the tallest waterfalls consist of a series of plunges, the tallest single-drop waterfall is Bash Bish Falls. If you’re looking for more tall waterfalls in New England, we previously covered the tallest waterfalls in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut.

Continue reading to learn more about the tallest waterfalls in Massachusetts:

#1 Race Brook Falls

300 feet over a series of drops

Address: South Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Race Brook Falls is technically the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts as it drops about 300 feet over several different drops. Race Brook is not the tallest single drop, that would be Bash Bish. The 300-foot Race Brook Falls sits in Mount Everett State Reservation in Sheffield, Massachusetts. The tallest section of Race Brook Falls is the Lower Falls which drop about 80 feet. The drop consists of plunges and horsetails. To reach the Lower Falls, visitors must hike a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail which is rated as moderate. The trailhead is marked at the parking lot and reads “Lower Falls Trail.” You can learn more about the hike HERE.

#2 Doane’s Falls

175 feet over a series of plunges

Address:  Doane Hill Road, Royalston, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Doane’s Falls is a stunning waterfall on Lawrence Brook in Royalston, Massachusetts. The falls are located on the southern boundary of Royalston in the Doane’s Falls Reservation. The falls drop approximately 175-feet. It features many short and wide cascades along with plunges. A beautiful photo of the waterfall can be taken from the base with a lovely stone bridge in sight. The trail to the waterfall is short and is well-maintained, thanks to the property being managed by The Trustees of Reservations.

#3 Bash Bish Falls

80 feet

Address: Falls Road, Mt Washington, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Bash Bish Falls features the tallest waterfall plunge in Massachusetts and it has become the most iconic waterfall in the state. It is popular due to its massive 80-foot height and also because it is relatively easy to access via short hiking trails. There are parking lots in both Massachusetts and New York. Both trails to the waterfall are short, well-maintained, and feature little elevational gain. If you are visiting Western Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington is a must-visit location!

#4 Tannery Falls

80 foot series of plunges and horsetails

Address: Tannery Road, Savoy, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Tannery Falls in Savoy, Massachusetts is a lovely 80-foot cascade featuring a number of plunges and horsetails. Tannery Falls is the crown jewel of Savoy Mountain State Forest and it can be accessed via a short hike on a half-mile loop trail. The base of the waterfall is easy to navigate around, which makes the view for visitors excellent! Although the waterfall is a popular spot to visit during the summer months, the swimming at the falls is rated as poor.

#5 Twin Cascades

75 feet

Address: River Road, Florida, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Twin Cascades is one of the tallest waterfalls in Western Massachusetts. It is located only a few hundred steps from the East Portal of the Hoosac Tunnel. The waterfall technically sits on private property, but visitors have always been allowed. Please be sure to be respectful.

The waterfall consists of two sections, one drops 80 feet and the other drops 60 feet. The height of the Twin Cascades and there unique Y-shape has drawn many visitors to the waterfall each year. Be sure to visit during the spring to see the strongest flow!

#6 Campbell Falls

50 feet

Photo by @periece.monique_photography on Instagram

Address: Campbell Falls Road, New Marlborough, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Campell Falls is a wonderful 50-foot waterfall located right on the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Although the waterfall itself is in Massachusetts, there are parking areas in both states. The source of Campell Falls is the Whiting River which flows the strongest in the spring. The waterfall sits only a few feet from Campbell Falls Road, making it extremely easy to access.

#7 Royalston Falls

45 feet

Address: Athol-Richmond Rd, Royalston, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Royalston Falls is a spectacular 45-foot waterfall that consists of an amazing plunge. The breathtaking plunge waterfall sits within the Royalston Falls Reservation in Royalston, Massachusetts. To access the waterfall, visitors must hike about a half-mile from the Royalston Falls trailhead located along Athol-Richmond Road. The hike is relatively flat and well-marked. Don’t miss out on this Worcester County waterfall gem!

#8 Goldmine Brook Falls

45 feet

Address: US-20, Chester, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Goldmine Brook Falls in the Chester-Blandford State Forest is one of the most beautiful sights in Western Massachusetts. The 45-foot waterfall consists of stunning plunges and horsetails. It is best to visit the waterfall in the spring to witness Goldmine Brook flowing at full force. The waterfall is also a popular spot during the fall when the foliage is peaking. Accessing the waterfall is relatively easy as it is located just a few hundred feet off US-20.

#9 Umpachene Falls

40 feet

Photo by @periece.monique_photography on Instagram

Address: Umpachene Falls Road, Southfield, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Umpachene Falls in New Marlborough is one of the most popular waterfalls in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The waterfall is conveniently located just a short 0.1-mile walk from the trailhead off Umpachene Falls Road. Umpachene Falls drops about 40 feet and consists of lovely cascades and slides. Due to its smooth surface and small pools, the waterfall has become a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists alike during the summer months. Aside from summer, it is great to visit during the spring to see the strong snowmelt flow and during the fall when foliage is peaking.

#10 Wahconah Falls

40 feet

Address: North Street, Dalton, MA
Location Directions: HERE

Wahconah Falls is a beautiful 40-foot waterfall located in Dalton, Massachusetts within Berkshire County. The waterfall is made up of a number of cascades and it is fueled by the Wahconah Falls Brook. Accessing the waterfall is super simple and easy. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead located off Back Dalton Road. The falls are just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. Don’t miss out on this amazing Western Massachusetts waterfall!

Written By

Tom Riley

Tom was born and raised in New England and loves exploring all around the Northeast. From the mountains of New Hampshire to the waterfalls of Vermont, rugged coast of Maine, and white sand beaches of Cape Cod - Tom loves seeing what each state around him has to offer. Tom's favorite quote is by Seneca and it reads, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it." He believes everyday should be spent living life to the fullest!

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