© 1999 Jon Binder
Overview
Ratings (ratings explained)
Power: 4/10
Beauty: 6 - 8/10 (5 different waterfalls)
Ease of Access: 8/10 for lowest falls, 5/10 for upper-most falls
Race Brook Falls is a beautiful series of five waterfalls located in southwestern Massachusetts.
Photos
The Lower-most Falls on Race Brook
The Second Falls on Race Brook
The Fourth Falls on Race Brook
The bottom of the Upper-most Falls on Race Brook
Directions
Race Brook Falls is located in the extreme southwest corner of Massachusetts. The fairly large parking area for the trail is found on the west side of MA-41. This point is 2.2 miles south of MA-23 (between Great Barrington and the New York border), and 1.8 miles north of the MA-CT border. The parking area may become full at times, especially with nice weather and on weekends, as the route also provides access to the Appalachian Trail.
Description
From the parking area, the trail fords an intermittent stream then leads for a few minutes to a fork. The right fork leads on the level to a view of the lower falls. Take this fork only if you wish to see just the lower falls. This falls is definitely the most visited and possibly the most beautiful of the five waterfalls on Race Brook. The picture on this page is of this falls.
The left fork soon crosses Race Brook. This crossing can be somewhat difficult in high water, but usually does not create a problem. The Brook is quite pretty at this point. After the crossing, the trail leads up a moderate slope before coming to another fork, where you should go right. Immediately after, yet another junction is reach. Steeply down to the right is another view of the first of the five falls.
Continuing up to the left at this junction, the trail soon passes the second of the five falls on Race Brook. In fairly rapid succession, the third and fourth falls are passed. After the fourth falls, a junction is reach. The trail to the left is the route left from the second of the three forks. At this point is the fifth and final waterfall of Race Brook. The trail continues up the slope of Mt. Everett to intersect the Appalachian Trail.
The total distance from the parking area to the uppermost falls and back is about two miles, over somewhat steep terrain. However, since the next waterfall is never too far away, the climbing does not take away from a very enjoyable hike.
While the first falls is probably the best, the upper four waterfalls of Race Brook are also very attractive, so try not to let the steep hike deter you from visiting them. The middle three falls are not as tall as the first, but the upppermost in the series is the highest of the five (about 75 feet).
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Page Last Revised: February 10, 2002
