Chapel Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Chapel Falls
Chapel Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Ashfield, Massachusetts, within the Chapel Brook Reservation. It features a series of cascades and drops, surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Chapel Falls sits at 1,161 feet within Chapel Brook Reservation, fed by the Avery Brook, in the foothills of Massachusetts.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Chapel Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a wooded area. The path is well-marked and leads to a series of cascades and a main waterfall. The trail is suitable for most visitors, though it may be muddy or slippery after rain.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chapel Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chapel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions. Stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure safety.
Current Water Conditions
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 6 years of record
4.42 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge AVERY BROOK NR WHATELY, MA (7 km away).
Today
Strong
6 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
8 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
7 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
5 cfs
10/10Sat
Roaring
5 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
6 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to mid May, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Shelburne Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 128 feet of drop through Chapel Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,157 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 130 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 95 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,157 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 128 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Chapel Falls is located off Williamsburg Road in Ashfield, Massachusetts. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from Route 116.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,161 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.482031° N, -72.759814° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy or uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.
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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Blooming Inn Shelburne Falls
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Oak n Spruce Resort in the Berkshires
Vacation Village in the Berkshires
Comfort Inn & Suites Hadley - Amherst
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
INDIAN HOLLOW
10.7 miles away · 2 sites
Overview With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.Recreation The rivers and streams at Knightville offer excellent trout fishing, and the river is stocked with trout in both the spring and fall. The surrounding hills provide prime upland game habitat, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts stocks pheasants for the fall hunting season. Hunting and fishing are
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Ashfield Lake and the DAR State Forest, which offer additional hiking and recreational opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and occasional deer sightings.
Cities near Chapel Falls
Other waterfalls named Chapel Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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