Chapel Brook Falls Day Trip in Western Massachusetts
Welcome to Chapel Brook Falls in Ashfield, Massachusetts
One of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in Massachusetts (MA) when water flow is high, Chapel Brook Falls in Ashfield, (Western) MA, rushes down in a series of three cascades over bedrock ledges through a lush, dense forest.
At The Trustees of Reservations Chapel Brook Reservation, this rushing waterfall is best seen in spring when the flow is strong, and you can easily see all three cascades in a gradual, easy one-third mile hike.
How to see Chapel Brook Falls in Ashfield, Massachusetts |
Located in the eastern foothills of The Berkshires, plot directions to Chapel Falls Trail (also called the Two Bridges Trail) on Williamsburg Road in Ashfield. There’s a small parking area here, as well as, at the trailhead directly across the road for The Trustees Chapel Ledge Trail.
When it’s crowded, you’ll likely see vehicles parked along the side of the road itself, usually the same side as the Chapel Falls trail. Here’s a Chapel Brook Falls (and Chapel Ledge) property map showing the trailhead parking location.
What to see at Chapel Brook Falls
An easy one-third mile hike from the parking area leads you down gradually to three cascades dropping from 10 to 20 feet over rocky ledges through a lush, thick forest. This easy hike takes you to lookout points for all three cascades, with pools you can slide down into and swim in during warmer months.
The blue Two Bridges trail is easy to access and well maintained, making it suitable for folks of all levels; wear sturdy shoes for bumpy sections with roots and navigating onto rocks at the base of each cascade.
Starting down the blue trail, you’ll first come to a rocky outcropping on your left with a great view of the first cascade.
The first Chapel Brook Falls cascade rushing down over a rocky ledge in spring time thriough a lush forest.
The second and third cascades are where you’ll see people dipping in the shallow pools. As you hike down the Two Bridges trail following the water, you’ll find a staircase and a few stones that are easy to navigate, and the second cascade can be seen on a rocky outcropping.
The second Chapel Brook Falls cascade (Ashfield, MA) rushing down a rocky ledge in spring under a lush forest canopy.
This cascade is especially popular with kids who enjoy sliding down the ledges; you’ll definitely want to bring swim clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet in summer. Families also enjoy the finding spots by the base of these cascades to picnic.
It’s the third and final Chapel Falls 20-foot cascade that is my favorite.
The third and final of the three Chapel Brook Falls cascades in Ashfield, Massachusetts roaring down over a bedrock ledge.
When water flow is strong after spring snowmelt and rains, this cascade plunges down fiercely in a rectangle-or block-like shape, and the brook continues flowing rapidly through the forest. This one is the easiest to access a close up view (as shown in the video) because you can navigate mostly flat rocks at the base to stand within a few feet of the drop.
All three cascades are easily accessed from the well-marked trail. While Chapel Falls will be crowded during late spring and summer months, it’s not hard to find a great viewing spot to relax. And by going in early spring after rains (e.g., April), the falls will be roaring, and it’s likely you may see only a few folks here.
As with all Trustees of Reservations properties, it’s dog friendly so bring your furry companion on leash too.
Chapel Falls also can have strong flow in autumn and even during periods of winter thaw. I definitely recommend seeing this Western MA waterfall as it’s one of the most scenic in the state and New England.
It’s easy and fun to see all three cascades plunge from an almost vertical perspective, making for a great waterfall viewing and photography experience.
Have you been to Chapel Falls? What’s your favorite Western Massachusetts waterfall to see?
Share your tips and experiences by leaving a comment below.
