Chasing Waterfalls in Western MA
Western Massachusetts is a waterfall lover’s dream…and the perfect time to chase the breathtaking cascades full of rushing water is in the Spring after the winter melt. We headed out on this cool, sunny April day to take some short hikes to a few waterfalls on our must-see list!
The first waterfall we discovered by chance! Driving through Connecticut on our way to Campbell Falls in New Marlborough MA, we passed a sign for Enders Brook Falls…after quickly googling it to find out the details, we immediately turned the car around to check it out!
The easy dog-friendly trail is only 1 mile out and back. If you head down the path from the parking lot and take a right, the trail follows along a sparkling river for a bit…I was in heaven since I absolutely love hiking with the sound of a rushing stream!
Maisy had fun wading around and drinking the fresh COLD mountain water…
If you take the trail to the left, you can climb down stairs to view 3 beautiful cascading falls…
These waterfalls were such a treat because we had no idea what to expect and found ourselves taking it all in for over an hour!
With more to see, we continued on to Campbell Falls. Even though the actual waterfall is in MA, the dog-friendly trail begins in Norfolk, CT. Most of the 1.4 mile out and back hike is easy, except for the last steep section leading down to the waterfall which will get your heart pumping on the way back.
Hiking through a peaceful pine forest, you will come to the Conn/Mass marker where the state lines meet…
After a steep climb down, you are rewarded with an impressive zig zag waterfall plunging 50ft through the gorge. We were so surprised to be the only ones on the trail and enjoyed having the waterfall to ourselves. Pictures do not do the enormity of the falls justice…if you can find Scott in the picture, you get an idea of how truly magnificent the cascade is!
Hungry from the two hikes, we drove less than 10 minutes to The Southfield Store for lunch. This cozy “general store feel” cafe is the perfect spot to relax, indoors or outdoors, and enjoy high quality freshly prepared soups, sandwiches, paninis…and pastries baked on-site throughout the day!
TIP: I highly recommend trying their almond croissants…the creamy almond filling is incredible!
Full from lunch…and dessert…we ventured out to our next destination, Bash Bish Falls. The drive is 40 minutes, but you will be treated to stunning views of hills and farmlands…
maple sugar houses…
Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge…
and the site of the first official UFO incident (not something you see everyday!)…
Upon arriving at Bash Bish Falls, we realized we would NOT have the falls to ourselves like we did at Campbell Falls. This is a super popular waterfall because the dog-friendly hike is an easy 3/4mile each way. TIP: There are 2 trailheads…one in MA and one in NY. We decided to take the trail from the NY parking lot since it follows along a river the entire way and is a more gradual climb and decent. I have heard the MA trail is shorter BUT extremely steep and rocky.
Walking towards the falls, I could not get over how crystal clear the water was!
I had read the stairs leading down to the falls could be closed off, but fortunately we were able to get close and enjoyed sitting on the rocks to admire the dramatic 80ft plunge into an emerald green pool.
Not wanting this day to end, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at Sunset Meadow of Massachusetts winery in Sheffield, MA. As soon as we stepped in, we were immediately greeted with a warm welcome and were so taken with the charming log cabin feel of the winery.
I love that dogs are allowed inside on the first floor and of course outside at their picnic tables…which are perfectly situated to view the vineyards and hills in the distance.
There were so many tasting options…from a traditional glass or flight tasting to shortbread/wine, mini cheesecake/wine or chocolate/wine pairings. They also offered a specialty Peeps Bunny drink for Easter weekend and hot mulled wine. With so many choices, it took us a minute but we finally decided to try the shortbread/wine pairing…so delicious and fun!
We loved unwrapping two sweet or savory mini shortbread cookies from their shiny colorful foils to taste with each of the white, blush, fruit or red wines.
It really was the perfect way to end our day! TIP: If you are up for some more tastings, Berkshire Mountain Distillers is next door and Big Elm Brewing is right around the corner!