Race Brook Falls is a beautiful hike just outside the town of Sheffield, Massachusetts at Mount Everett State Reservation. It’s one of the prettiest hikes in the area and so worth the visit. If you love waterfalls as much as we do this one is for you! Moderate hike on a pretty well marked trail would bring you to views like no others.
We suggest you get there early since parking is limited (on the side of the road). Best months to do the hike are early spring to late fall since the summit trail might be a little too dangerous in the winter months. The Falls are best to be seen after rain when they are flowing pretty good, but any time you visit the hike would be worth it. You can find Race Brook Falls Trail here:
The entire out and back hike to the overlook and the top of the Falls is about 3.6 miles. There are few different trails you can choose from depending of how experienced you are, how much time you have that day and how much hiking you are looking to do.
If you choose to complete the loop starting at the parking lot, follow the tail until you get to a split From there take right to reach the lower falls. The hike to the lower falls is pretty easy. From there head in the direction of the campsite connect to the A.T Trail to reach the summit. A pretty steady incline on the way up and a creek crossing but nothing too bad for even unexperienced hikers with few breaks along the way if needed.
#1 LOWER FALLS
LENGHT: 0.5 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 10-15 min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
#2 TO THE CAMPSITE
LENGHT: 1.5 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 30- 45 minutes
DIFFICULTY: EASY
Take the Lower Falls Loop trail and you would be rewarded with this view.
Or take the trail to the summit where breathtaking views await you.
#3 UPPER FALLS
LENGHT: 1 mile
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 20 minutes
DIFFICULTY: EASY
#4 APPALACHIAN TRAIL
LENGHT: 2 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 45 minutes
DIFFICULTY: EASY
We find Race Brook Falls to be one of our absolute favorite hiking spot. If you set up early you will be sure to find a parking spot and have the trail all to yourself. It’s so very peaceful and serene in the dense woods here and the sound of the water as you follow the creek is so very rejuvenating and soul refreshing. And the bonus of the gorgeous falls rushing over the moss covered boulders is a scene that sticks with you for a very long time. If you are looking for a refresh, a quiet undisturbed walk by yourself we could not recommend this trail more. It is the absolute best spot in the Berkshires for soul searching and recharge.
Bring a picnic basket and a blanket (lots of rocks perfect for sitting), a hammock (plenty of trees to hang it on) or your favorite friend (human or furry) and take in the scenery fully. Spend the day or just several hours and come out of the woods anew.
Good hiking boots are recommended and be prepared to get a little muddy since there is lots of shade between the trees on this wooded trail. But that’s only a good thing in the summer. The shade is great and the water refreshing.
Please do not climb on the waterfall boulders and do not disturb nature in any way. Take out everything you brought in with you.. Do not litter. Stay on the trail and if you are planning to hit the trail by yourself make sure to tell a friend of your plans and location and of an approximate time for your return. Stay safe and happy trails!
We have many other ideas for hikes and adventures in the area so be sure to check out our WEBSITE for suggestion and follow us on INSTAGRAM to see what else we have been up to.