3 More New England Waterfalls to Visit in Western Mass.
Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield | Photo by R. Cheek
Last month Boston Magazine published this list of 21 amazing New England waterfalls, and well, we felt a little left out in the Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts. Our waterfalls might be a little less dramatic than those on the list, but they’re just as stunning and no doubt relaxing places to visit. Plus these places help us get out of the big “city” and enjoy some of the more wide open spaces and winding back roads of our region.
Glendale Falls, Middlefield, MA
Middlefield is pretty out there (almost an hour from downtown Northampton!), but Glendale Falls makes it worth the journey. From the parking area on Clark Wright Road, a mere 0.6 mile trail will lead you to the base of Glendale Falls, one of the highest and most powerfall waterfalls in the state. The falls amble down a rocky terrain, resembling more of a natural staircase coming down from the sky.
Nearby: Blue Heaven Blueberry and Raspberry Farm is in Middlefield as well, offering some of the best pick-your-own berries this time of year through September.
Chesterfield Gorge, Chesterfield, MA
While the rushing water may not take your breath away at the Chesterfield Gorge, the real attraction is the formation of the gorge itself. This dramatic rock canyon 35 minutes from downtown Northampton features 70-foot-high walls carved by centuries of rushing water from the Westfield River. The trail from the parking area will take you along the tops of these steep cliffs and it’s not unusual to see people down below playing in the water (however swimming is not sanctioned here).
Nearby: Roberts Family Farm in Chesterfield offers miniature golf and pick-your-own blueberries while in season.
Chapel Brook, Ashfield, MA
Just over the Hampshire County line from Williamsburg is Chapel Brook and Falls. From the parking area, about 2 miles of hiking will take you to the top of Pony Mountain where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hilltowns and the Berkshires. Make your way back down (or skip the hike entirely) to enjoy Chapel Falls, a series of steep ledges ending in with a tranquil pool of fresh water especially in the summer when the rushing waters of the snow melt have calmed. Warning: Swimming is WELCOME here, so get ready to take a dip!
Nearby: On your way to Chapel Brook, make a stop back in time at the Williamsburg General Store, packed with special treats for all occasions. And any local will tell you, GET A WRAPPLE!
These falls are all properties managed by the Trustees of Reservations. The Trustees with the help of its membership enjoy and care for more than 100 special places – nearly 25,000 acres – all around Massachusetts.