Massachusetts

Berkshire County

Bash Bish Falls

Falls Rd. Mount Washington, MA 01258

Our rating:

*5 out of 5 Stars* This waterfall is one of the most beautiful in Massachusetts and will truly take your breath away. If you’re a big waterfall lover like me, this is a must see!

About the place:

Bash Bish falls, with an 80 foot drop is known as Massachusetts tallest waterfall. This has been an extremely popular tourist site since the 1800’s because of it’s pure beauty. There are two main parking lots to see Bash Bish, one located in New York with a longer hike and another located in MA that’s much shorter but not as gradual. Both of these entrances are located on Falls Road about a mile apart. If you decide to go via the MA trail, this is a steep 0.6 mile round trip hike. There are a lot of stairs and it tends to be a little slippery, so wear good shoes. The hike from NY, located in Taconic State Park is a 3.6 mile round trip hike. This route is much more gradual and not as difficult of a hike although it is quite a bit longer.

How to get there:

The two main access points are fairly easy to find as they’re only about a mile apart. These are both located on Falls Road, if you use google maps it will take you right to the Massachusetts entrance, the address for the New York entrance is 396 NY-344, Copake, NY 12517.

 

Things near by:

  • Race Brook Falls 13 miles away (22 mins)

  • Campbell Falls 24.4 miles away (40 mins)

Bissell Covered Bridge

39 N Heath Rd. Charlemont, MA 01339

Franklin County

Our Rating:

*3 out of 5 stars* This is a beautiful view with easy access to walk right up to the top of the falls. It's a very short stop so this is good if you're in the area!

About the place:

This is one of New England’s many historic covered bridges. This bridge was built in 1951, which happens to be the very first covered bridge ever built in Massachusetts during the 20th century. This bridge actually was built to replace an older bridge that was built in 1881. This is a very well-kept bridge and worth a stop if you’re in the area. It’s good to note that this is a very short stop so you may not want to necessarily go out of your way for it.

How to get there:

This bridge is super easy to find. There’s a small pull off, just big enough for 1 or 2 cars right before/after the bridge on Heath Road depending on which direction you’re coming from.

 

Things near by:

  • Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster 1.6 miles away (5 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Potholes 8.5 miles away (13 mins)

  • Twin Cascade 10.2 miles away (18 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 10.3 miles away (19 mins)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 18.9 miles away (28 min)

  • Cascade Falls 20.6 miles away (32 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 26.5 miles (32 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 30.4 miles away (38 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 30.1 miles away (38 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 43 miles away (48 mins)

  • Mount Greylock 29.5 miles away (52 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 47.3 miles away (1 hour)

Berkshires County

Cascade Falls

22 Brickyard Ct. North Adams, MA

Our Rating:

*5 out of 5 stars* - This is one of our favorite spots that we’ve found in Massachusetts. It’s certainly a must see, the trail is fairly busy but not many people know of this place due to it being a little difficult to find . If you are in the area I wouldn't miss it! It is truly breathtaking.

About the place:

The cascade falls trail is an easy & beautiful 2.6 mile round trip hike that leads you right along the side of Notch Brook up to a stunning 45-foot waterfall. This hike takes about an hour depending on how long you spend at the falls, and dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. If you’re in the area this is definitely a must see! I have heard great things about going in the summer and cooling off in the brook & beautiful falls on hot days but I happened to have only been to this trail during the colder months. The falls are an absolute incredible site and has to be one of the best waterfalls in the area. The best time to visit this site would be really anytime before the snow hits but if you are in the area during the winter don't let that discourage you! My first time coming here was in February so it was covered in snow & we were able to walk on the frozen water right up to the base of the falls and got some of the best views of giant frozen icicles and the falls completely frozen over but yet water still flowing under neath. It was certainly a site to see but makes you want to come back and get the full experience without the snow!

How to get there:

Unfortunately there is not a parking area at the trailhead but you can park close by at the Brayton Elementary School. The walk from the school to the trailhead is about .3 miles and from the trailhead to the falls is another mile, its a rather short and easy hike. After parking, head towards the front of the school. To the left of the entrance is a small red shed, follow the stairs that descend down to a small bridge and follow that path to the road. Once at the edge of the path follow the crosswalk straight across the road, the trail has great signage so it is pretty hard to get lost. Follow to the end of that road and take a right onto the dead end road, at the very end of this road will be the trail entrance. This is a pretty busy trail so the path is easy to follow from here but do note that the trail does come to a point where it looks like it ends. To keep going, follow the narrow trail up to the right. It will be a tight walk for a few feet but then the trail widens back up. Just keep following along the trail and you will come to a breathtaking view of the falls.

 

Things near by:

  • Natural Bridge State Park 3 miles away (8 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 16.7 miles away (30 mins)

  • Mount Greylock summit drive 9 miles away (23 mins)

  • Twin Cascade Falls 10.1 miles away (19 mins)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 20.6 miles away (32 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Potholes 28.6 miles away (43 mins)

  • Magic Wings Conservatory 46.6 miles away (1 hour)

Hampden County

Dinosaur Footprints

1099 US-5, Holyoke, MA 01040

Our Rating:

*4 out of 5 stars* This place really is unlike anything I’ve every seen. It’s a crazy feeling touching these foot prints that were left approximately 190 million years ago. These are truly mind blowing to see and incredible that they are still so easily visible. The majority of the prints aren’t in the most beautiful location since it’s right next to the road but if you follow the path down to the river bed there is a beautiful view.

About the place:

This little 0.2 mile area is filled with hundreds of 190 million year old dinosaur foot prints. This location is free to visit but the parking lot is only open between April 1st and November 31st, sunrise to sunset. It’s important to note that there have been many car break-ins at this location, so be sure to lock your vehicle. According to the signage at the site, there have been 3 different types of dinosaur foot prints identified in the early 1970’s by Professor Jon Ostrom at Yale University. The 11-13” long prints are believed to be Eubrontes Giganteus, this is a 15’ tall dinosaur with a 6 foot stride. The 6-8 inch prints are suspected to be Anchisauripus Sillimani, these dinosaurs walked on 2 legs and were about the size of a lion. The 3-5 inch prints, which are the smallest prints, are assumed to be Grallator Cuneatus. These are 3-toed dinosaurs that were only 4-8 inches long. All of these prints were formed because this Connecticut River bank was once a muddy subtropical terrain with lakes and swamps. These muddy foot prints were repeatedly soaked and then dried up. Eventually sediment slowly covered this area which protected them from being worn away by weather and other geological changes. Over a very long period of time, this hardened into rock and was buried underground until the early 1900’s. As construction workers were building route 5 in 1920, they dug into the ground until they discovered these incredible footprints. Since then these fossils have been visited and studied by people from all over. If you visit this stop, feel free to bring your furry friends! Dogs are welcome as long as leashed and it can be a great place for them to go swimming right in the Connecticut River.

How to get there:

The Dinosaur footprints are very easy to find. There’s a small pull-off that you can park in, right off of Route 5 (Northampton Street). Follow the path down the hill, not far in the trail will split, you can either take a right down to the water where there aren’t as many prints or you can walk straight where the majority of the prints are. There are a bunch of little paths so you can explore around to find all different tracks.

 

Things near by:

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 20.2 miles away (22 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 21.8 miles away (25 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 22.5 miles (26 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 32 miles away (58 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Potholes 34.7 miles away (38 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 42.6 miles away (1 hour)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 42.8 miles away (47 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 52.6 miles away (1 hour)

Worcester County

Doane’s Falls

Royalston, MA

Our Rating:

*3 out of 5 stars* - This stop was super easy to find. It offers multiple heavily flowing waterfalls but it is difficult to get a clear view of them due to branches and such in the way. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to go to this stop but if you are in the area it is definitely worth it!

About the place:

This adventure is a short 1/2 mile roundtrip hike that takes you right along the Lawrence Brook with views of 3 or 4 different waterfalls. This is a short easy stop that offers some beautiful views and is worth it if you are in the area! Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed!

How to get there:

This trail is fairly easy to find. The GPS will take you a little before/after the parking lot (depending which way you come from). If you actually have your GPS take you to "Doanes Falls Reservation" then it will take you right to the trailhead parking which is right at the start of Doane Hill Rd in the small intersection. If this parking lot is full as that tends to happen here, continue a short ways down Doane Hill Rd and there will be another trailhead parking on the left.

 


Things near by:

  • Royalston Falls 6.7 miles away (15 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 23.4 miles away (47 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 28.3 miles away (40 mins)

  • Trap Falls 28.5 miles away (43 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 29 miles away (41 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 35.6 miles away (52 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Potholes 40.8 miles away (54 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 43 miles away (1 hour)

  • Bissel Covered Bridge 51.1 miles away (1 hour)

Franklin County

Gunn Brook Falls

Gunn Cross Rd. Sunderland, MA

Our Rating:

*5 out of 5 stars* This is a beautiful hidden gem in Sunderland, MA and one of my favorite places to visit! Not many people know about this stop because it’s not the easiest to find, but it’s soo worth it!

About the place:

This very short, 0.2 mile walk offers 2 incredibly beautiful waterfalls. It amazes me that this place isn’t more popular, I can only assume it’s due to how difficult it can be to find. The 1st waterfall offers a small beach-like area that I am sure would be great during the warm summer months to relax and cool off in the falls. If you continue up stream a short distance there’s another, even more beautiful waterfall. Dogs are welcome!

How to get there:

If you follow your GPS it will actually take you to the driveway of some ones house that does seem to lead back to the falls but is definitely private property and much too bumpy for the average car. In order to avoid this, you will need to drive down Falls Road. About 1 mile down that road there’s a right turn onto Gunn Cross Road which is an unsigned dirt road. About 0.2 miles down Gunn Cross Road is a very small parking lot on the right, just large enough for 2 cars. If you make the journey to this place I would definitely also take a drive by Slatestone Brook Falls.

Slatestone Brook Falls:

If you end up traveling to these waterfalls you might as well stop by Slatestone Brook Falls which is only 1 mile down the road. This is unfortunately private property so there is no pull off or area to stop and take pictures but it is a pretty view. You can find this by traveling about 1.4 miles down Falls Road and you will see the falls on the right side of the road as you go over a small bridge. Be sure to drive slow so you don’t miss it!

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 30 miles away (38 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 36 miles away (54 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 39.8 miles away (54 mins)

  • Twin Cascade 40.1 miles away (55 mins)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 48.4 miles away (1 hour)

Things Near by:

  • Sunderland Caves 0.7 miles away (1mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 7.3 miles away (12 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 21 miles away (45 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 22.1 miles away (26 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Potholes 22 miles away (30 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 29.4 miles away (41 mins)

 

Essex County

Halibut Point State Park

Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966

Our Rating:

*4 out of 5 Stars* This beautiful stop is so fun to explore and offers some incredible views of both an old quarry and the ocean.

About the place:

Halibut Point is a beautiful state park that’s located right on the ocean. This park hosts an old granite quarry that was in operation in the very early 20th century. You’re able to visit this quarry and oceanside any time between 8am and 9pm. There’s many trails to explore but one of the most popular is the Halibut Point Trail, this is a 1.6 mile loop with incredible views. This is also a great place to just wonder around and take in the scenery, there’s so much beauty in this park.

How to get there:

This state park is easy to find, the parking lot is located on Gott Avenue. Just before the road ends, the parking lot will be on your right and the entrance to the park will be just across the street.

 

Things near by:

Map of Halibut Point State Park

Franklin County

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

 281 Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA

Our Rating:

*5 out of 5 stars* - This has turned out to be one of our favorite stops. We didn't expect much since we’ve been to other Butterfly Conservatories in the past but this place is much more than that! I highly recommend this stop no matter what age you are, I promise you will love it!

About the place:

This place definitely surpassed my expectations. Before you walk into the butterfly conservatory there is an area filled with tons of exotic amphibians, reptiles & more! Definitely save yourself a good amount of time to come here, you won't want to leave!

How to get there:

This is very easy to find! It is right off of Greenfield road in South Deerfield.

 

Admission Pricing:

Adults - $16.00
Seniors - $14.00 (Seniors -$12.50 on Wednesdays)
Students 22 & under - $10.00
Kids 3-17 - $10.00
Kids under 3 - Free

Things near by:

  • Sunderland Caves 8 miles away (11 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 7.3 miles away (11 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Glacial Potholes 18.5 miles away (23 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 20.6 miles away (25 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 24.6 miles away (50 mins)

  • Bissell Bridge 26.6 miles away (31 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 36 miles away (52 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 36.3 miles away (48 mins)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 45 miles away (58 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 45.1 miles away (1 hour)

  • Cascade Falls 46.7 miles away (1 hour)

Mount Greylock Summit Drive

Rockwell Rd. Lanesborough, MA

Berkshire County

Our Rating:

*3 out of 5 stars* This is a beautiful drive up Mount Greylock. It offers some incredible views of Massachusetts along with a beautiful Veterans Memorial Tower at the summit. I do recommend you make the drive up if you’re in the area, especially in the fall months! Be aware this is not open year round, during the winter months it is not accessible.

About the place:

The scenic drive up mount grey lock is a beautiful and easy roughly 9 mile drive to the summit of Mount Greylock. This will bring you to an incredible Veterans Memorial Tower that you can climb the stairs to the very top and get the highest view point in all of Massachusetts. Mount Grey Lock is the highest peak in Massachusetts standing at 3,491 feet above sea level. There is also a restaurant and gift shop at the peak if you have time to spare!

How to get there:

The start of this scenic drive is located off the corner of North Adams Road and Rockwell Road. These roads are closed between November & June.

 

Things Near by:

  • Cascade Falls 8.9 miles away (23 min)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 11.8 miles away (29 mins)

  • March Contract Falls 13 miles away (25 mins)

  • Deer Hill Falls 13 miles away (25 mins)

  • Money Brook Falls 15 miles away (30 mins)

  • Twin Cascade 19 miles away (40 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 25.5 miles (51 mins)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 29.4 miles away (53 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 37.4 miles away (1 hour)

Worcester / Middlesex County

Mount Watatic

Ashburnham, MA 01430

Our Rating:

*3 out of 5 stars* This is a great hike, with a rewarding view at the top. The trail is a little difficult to follow because there are so many other trails in the area, but definitely worth visiting if you get the chance.

About the Place:

This hike has some mixed reviews on the length of the trail, I believe this is because it’s so easy to hop on other trails by accident. Thankfully most of the other trails lead to the summit. The trail starts on Route 119, there’s a small parking lot. When that parking lot is full, you can park on Old Pierce Road. Starting here, it took me about 2.6 miles roundtrip to complete. This trail has a 636 ft elevation gain and took about 1 hr 15 mins to complete. Dogs are allowed as long as leashed.

How to get there:

There are multiple areas you can park but the main parking lot is located off of Route 119, across the street from Old Pierce Road.

 

  • Purgatory Chasm 50.3 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 46 miles away (1 hour 10 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 50.8 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

  • Gunn Brook 51.4 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

Things near by:

  • Trap Falls 7.3 miles away (10 mins)

  • Mount Wachusett 15.6 miles away (27 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 21.9 miles away (35 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 24.4 miles away (45 mins)

Berkshire County

Natural Bridge state park

McAuley Road, North Adams, MA 01247

Our Rating:

*4 out of 5 stars* This was an easy to find and really cool stop. I highly recommend this if you’re in the area. It's a nice short hike, with really cool marble rock structures.

Best time to go:

The best time to go to this park would be in the offseason but before the snow hits. I’ve gone in the winter and they don’t shovel the paths since it's closed so it’s not the safest time to go. A great plus to going in the off season is free parking and much less crowds! A lot of the viewing areas in the park are only wide enough for 2-3 people so it can be a lot of waiting your turn when the park is busy. Fall is always my favorite time to visit this area, the colors are exceptional in Western MA.

About the place:

The Natural Bridge State Park is truly amazing and the only place like it in all of North America! This state park will take you right above the Hudson Brook as it twists & turns through the 60 ft gorge. You are able to follow stairs down right to the natural birdge that will give you the perfect view. According to Mass.gov the natual bridge is said to be made up of 550 million year old bedrock marble and the arch was speculated by geologists to be formed 13,000 years ago by the forces of glacial melt. If you keep walking up the path a short ways there is also a man-made white marble dam which happens to be one of the only ones in North America and an abandoned marble quarry. Dogs are welcome as long as leashed.

On-Season

Open: May 15th - October 11th [9am - 4:30pm]
Parking Fee: MA Residence $5 ~ Non MA
Residence $10

Off-Season

Open: October 12th - May 14th
Parking Fee: Free Parking

How to get there:

To get to the Natural Bridge State Park turn off of Beaver St. in North Adams onto McAuley Road. In the off season, the gate at the bottom of the hill will be closed so you will have to park here, and hike up. It is a very short walk and offers a beautiful waterfall view on the way up. You can follow this path right up to the top of the hill. Once at the top of this hill you will see a small booth. Just ahead of that to the left is a set of stairs which is the entrance to the park to see the Natural Bridge. Do note that there are many trails here and other things to see so you may see other paths along your route. Once you get up the stairs you can venture through the park and get all different views of the 60 foot gorge below and a great close-up view of the marble natural bridge. If you are just going to see the Natural Bridge then this whole walk is about a mile round trip but you can make it much longer if you want to keep exploring! When you are heading out there is a small path to the left of the staircase where you enter the park that gives you an awesome view from down below.

 

Things Near by:

  • Cascade Falls 3 miles away (8 mins)

  • Twin Cascade Falls 8.4 miles away (15 mins)

  • Money Brook Falls 8.7 miles away (20 mins)

  • Mount Greylock 11.9 miles (30 mins)

  • Deer Hill Falls 13.7 miles away (25 mins)

  • March Contract Falls 13.7 miles away (25 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 15 miles away (26 mins)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 18.9 miles away (28 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Glacial Potholes 26.9 miles away (40 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 44.9 miles away (1 hour)

  • Gunn brook 48.8 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 49.5 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

Worcester County

Purgatory Chasm

198 Purgatory Rd. Sutton, MA 01590

Our Rating:

*3 out of 5 stars* We had a lot of fun adventuring over these massive rocks and exploring through this beautiful chasm. We love visiting this State Reservation because it’s not too far from home but it’s a very popular location, especially on the weekends!

About the Place:

This chasm was named a State Reservation in 1919 and is still just as stunning to this day. This popular location is believed to be created about 14,000 years ago during the end of the last Ice Age, when dammed-up glacial meltwater was suddenly released. There are tons of trails here to explore, we love to do the 1.5 mile Chasm Loop to get some of the best views. This stop is great for all ages. Dogs are also welcome as long as they’re leashed. The Chasm Loop is a fairly easy hike but be prepared to climbing over large & small boulders! Another popular trail here is the 1.7 mile Charley’s Loop Trail, this is a little more difficult of a hike but also offers beautiful views of the chasm. This State Reservation charges a parking fee of $5 for Massachusetts residents and $6 for out-of-state vehicles.

How to get there:

Purgatory Chasm is very easy to find. The parking for this stop is located on the side of Purgatory Road. This is a fairly busy place so there are multiple parking areas along this road.

Things Near By:

  • Southwick Zoo 11.8 miles away (20 mins)

  • Roger Williams Park Zoo 33.2 miles away (44 mins)

  • Trap Falls 47.2 miles away (1 hour)

 

Franklin, Hamden, Hampshire & Worcester County

Quabbin Reservoir

More coming soon

Things near by:

  • Sunderland Caves 20.3 miles away (45 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 21 miles away (46 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 23.4 miles away (48 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 24.6 miles away (51 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 30 miles away (1 hour)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 34.8 miles away (1 hour)

  • Shelburne Falls Potholes 39.3 miles away (1 hour 8 mins)

Worcester County

Royalston Falls

Royalston, MA

Our Rating:

*2 out of 5 stars* - This is a rather easy hike although the way back is mostly up hill. I did enjoyed this hike although I was very unimpressed with the falls. I am wondering if I may have missed the actual "Royalston Falls" as there were several small waterfalls and I wasn't sure which one was really it. I had gone to Doanes Falls previous to this as it is near by and thought those were much more impressive.

About the Place:

This 2.7 mile round trip hike is fairly easy and offers some pretty views as you walk along the edge of Falls Brook. This is a nice hike although most if the hike back is up hill so it’s certainly a work out. Dog’s are allowed as long as leashed.

How to Find:

My GPS actually told me I had arrived about a 1/2 mile or so before the actually trailhead. Continue driving after the GPS says you have arrived and you will see a sign and entrance to the trailhead parking.

 

Things Near by:

  • Doane’s Falls 12.8 miles away (26 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 31 miles away (1 hour)

  • Trap Falls 31.2 miles away (52 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 35.9 miles away (57 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 36.6 miles away (58 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Glacial Potholes 45.4 miles away (1 hour)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 45.6 miles away (1 hour)

Franklin County

Shelburne Falls Glacial Potholes

J726+W7, Shelburne Falls, MA

Our Rating:

*3 out of 5 stars* - This is a perfect quick stop if you’re in the area. You are not allowed to walk on the rocks so it really isn't a place to explore a lot but the view is definitely worth the stop.

About the place:

This is a short but beautiful stop. The rock formations and waterfall are very fascinating and tend to attract a lot of sightseers & geologists. These neat rock formations are a result of a lake receding 14,000 years ago that was formed by glacial melt. Eventually the water flowing over the bedrock created the potholes that you see today. So the name “Glacial Potholes” is a little deceiving.

How to get there:

These potholes are located right in downtown Shelburne Falls right near a line of great locally owned shops. The parking lot to this site is very small and located on Deerfield Ave which is a dead end road.

 

Things near by:

  • Bridge of Flowers 450 ft away (1 min)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 8.5 miles away (13 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 18.5 miles away (23 mins)

  • Twin Cascade 18.2 miles away (30 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 18.3 miles away (30 mins)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 22.4 miles away (30 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 23.1 miles away (30 mins)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 26.9 miles away (40 mins)

  • Cascade Falls 28.6 miles away (45 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 34.9 miles away (40 mins)

  • Mount Greylock 37.5 miles away (1 hour)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 39.7 miles away (1 hour)

  • Doane’s Falls 41.3 miles away (57 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 45.1 miles away (1 hour)

Franklin County

Sunderland Caves

Reservation Rd. Sunderland, MA

Our Rating:

*5 out of 5 stars* - This is a super cool adventure and one that we are really looking forward to going back to. Unfortunately it is rather difficult to navigate to due to poor signage but we were able to find our way by paying close attention to signs. Adventuring through the caves is so exciting but also a little scary, it’s a good adrenaline rush while also being fun. Be sure to watch your step as you navigate through the caves, there are a couple drops that you will need to climb down, a bright flashlight is a must for this journey!

About the Place:

This is a fairly easy 3 mile round trip hike to explore these fascinating caves located in Sunderland, MA. The hike starts out with a decent incline but eventually evens out. It’s important to bring proper gear to explore the caves, they are very dark and can be slippery. Be sure to bring a bright flashlight if not multiple and good shoes. These caves have a few drops so definitely be sure to watch your step. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed & picked up after.

How to get there:

The trailhead parking is found on Reservation road and takes about an hour & 15 mins not including the time adventuring the caves. You will start by following the Robert Frost Trail which is the orange trail markings. Eventually, this trail will cross paths with another, which is where you’ll change over to Sugar Farms Trail (blue trail markings). As you follow along this trail it will split again with Sugar Farms Trail going one way and a trail labeled “to caves” with teal trail markings that you will want to follow. This trail will then spilt once more before you’re headed directly for the caves. Both trails are generally unmarked but the trail to the right has a very small sign that is easy to miss saying “to caves”. From here on out you are headed right to where you want to be. It’s important to pay attention to which turns you take and remember which way you went. There is no signage when you are headed back to the trailhead parking lot so it is easy to take the wrong turn.

Things near by:

  • Gunn Brook Falls 0.7 miles away (1 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 8 miles away (12 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Glacial Potholes 18.5 miles away (23 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 20.3 miles away (44 mins)

  • Shelburne Potholes 22.7 miles away (30 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 22.9 miles away (28 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 28.7 miles away (41 mins)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 30.7 miles away (40 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 35.3 miles away (54 mins)

  • Tannery Falls 40.5 miles away (56 mins)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 49.1 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

 

Tannery Falls

Tannery Rd. Savoy, MA 01256

Berkshire County

Our Rating:

*4 out of 5 stars* This stop would definitely be a 5 star if we went during the wet season. The short path feels like you’re in the jungle, it’s filled with waterfalls and the final 80ft waterfall must be stunning after a big rainfall!

About the place:

The hike to Tannery Falls is a steep 0.8 mile round trip hike filled with mini waterfalls that lead you up to a jaw dropping 80ft waterfall. This trail was fairly easy to navigate even though it is not well maintained. I definitely recommend having an SUV or truck, the road to get there is a bit rough. Although, I did see people make it in smaller vehicles, so it’s up to your own judgement.

How to get there:

This trail is fairly easy to find, google maps will take you right there. To find it, take Tannery Road which is a dirt road off of Black Brook Road. A little under a mile down the road will be a small parking lot on the right, watch out for the large rocks here. I believe there’s more parking down this road but we didn’t check it out.

 

Things near by:

  • Twin Cascade Falls 7.6 miles away (15 mins)

  • Bissell Covered Bridge 10.3 miles away (19 mins)

  • Natural Bridge State Park 15 miles away (26 mins)

  • Cascade Falls 16.7 miles away (30 mins)

  • Shelburne Falls Glacial Potholes 18.3 miles away (30 mins)

  • Money Brook Falls 21.4 miles away (41 mins)

  • Mount Greylock 20 miles away (40 mins)

  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 36.3 miles away (48 mins)

  • Dinosaur Footprints 39.6 miles away (1 hour)

  • Gunn Brook Falls 40.2 miles away (54 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 40.9 miles away (55 mins)

Middlesex County

Trap Falls

599 Main St, West Townsend, MA 01474

Our Rating:

*5 out of 5 stars* Trap Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just a short distance off the side of the road. This is super easy to access and there are tons of other trails in the area.

About the Place:

The walk out to this waterfall is a whopping 0.2 miles and there is a nice bridge built perfectly in front of the falls so you can get the best view. This is a short stop but can be made much longer if wanted! There are tons of trails up and down the road this waterfall is found on. There are also fire pits and picnic tables by the falls if you wanted to stop in for a place to have lunch with a beautiful view.

How To Get There:

Trap falls is super easy to find. This waterfall is located right off the side of the road on Main Street in West Townsend. There is a small parking lot with a sign for Trap Falls. Just follow straight down the path to the falls. There are other little paths along the route that you can adventure as well.

 

Things Near By:

  • Mount Watatic 7.3 miles away (10 mins)

  • Mount Washusett 16.6 (30 mins)

  • Doane’s Falls 35.2 miles away (48 mins)

  • Royalston Falls 31.2 mile away (52 mins)

  • Purgatory Chasm 47.2 miles away (59 mins)

  • Quabbin Reservoir 49.4 miles away (1 hour 15 mins)

  • Sunderland Caves 53.7 miles away (1 hour 5 mins)

  • Gunn Brook 54.5 miles away (1 hour 8 mins)