Doane Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Doane Falls
Doane Falls is a charming cascade of five waterfalls tumbling along a 0.2-mile section of Lawrence Brook in Royalston, Massachusetts. Nestled within the 46-acre Doane’s Falls preserve, the site has been protected since 1959 by the land-conservation nonprofit The Trustees of Reservations, which manages the property. The falls sit on Lawrence Brook, a tributary of the Millers River that originates at Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, and make for excellent photography and short-nature-escape opportunities. For hikers who want to extend the outing, the 22-mile Tully Trail passes through the preserve—so Doane Falls can be a peaceful stop on a longer ridge-and-forest route. If you’re camping, Tully Lake Recreation Area is just about 1.3 km away, making it easy to pair an overnight with an early-morning visit to the falls.
The Setting
Doane Falls sits at 771 feet within Doane's Falls, fed by the East Branch Tully River, in the foothills of Massachusetts.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Royalston Falls (45 ft) lies 5.1 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The primary access to Doane Falls is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain; the hike is typically rated moderate. The path leads through wooded sections of the Trustees’ 46-acre preserve and brings you alongside the short 0.2-mile stretch of Lawrence Brook that contains the five falls. The route connects with the longer Tully Trail for those wishing to continue farther; surface and formal USFS trail-class data are not applicable to this Trustees-managed trail. Expect a shaded, moderately paced hike with several viewpoints of the cascades.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Doane Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Doane Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Doane Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the surrounding foliage adds vibrant colors to the scenery.
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. Stay on marked trails to avoid accidents. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.73 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH TULLY RIVER NEAR ATHOL, MA (2 km away).
Today
Low
16 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
16 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
3/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Baldwinville 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 139 feet of descent through Doane Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 763 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 71 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 34 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 763 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 139 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Doane Falls is located in Royalston, Massachusetts, and is accessible via Doane Hill Road. The falls are managed by The Trustees of Reservations, and there is a small parking area near the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A small parking lot is available near the trailhead on Doane Hill Road. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Hours
Elevation
771 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.648697° N, -72.201749° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty. Avoid visiting after heavy rainfall as the trails may become muddy or hazardous.
Where to Stay
Blooming Inn Shelburne Falls
Colonial Hotel
Cozy Cabin in a rural setting (#10) In Temple, NH
Gardner Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)
0.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.Recreation Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping,
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Tully Lake, Royalston Falls, and the Tully Trail are nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and occasional deer sightings. Visitors may also see frogs and other aquatic life near the brook.
Cities near Doane Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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