Is swimming allowed at Lulu Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lulu Cascade.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lulu Cascade near Pittsfield, Massachusetts, showing about 73 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing south

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (East Branch Housatonic River) · 56 ft³/s · About average

Lulu Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lulu Cascade?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lulu Cascade.

Massachusetts

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Pittsfield State Forest SRMA · SPR

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Lulu Cascade

Lulu Cascade is a small, picturesque waterfall tucked into the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Nestled within Pittsfield State Forest — managed as a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) and owned by SPR — the cascade sits in a quiet, forested setting that makes for a restorative short hike away from busier viewpoints in the region. The falls are best appreciated as an intimate natural feature amid the trees rather than a large, dramatic drop. The route to Lulu Cascade is a pleasant outing for hikers who want a relatively short adventure with reward. A short detour off the Gould Trail brings you to the cascade, where the calm woodland atmosphere and the sound of flowing water create a peaceful spot to pause and explore. The area’s SRMA designation highlights its recreational value within Pittsfield State Forest.

The Setting

Lulu Cascade sits at 1,309 feet within Pittsfield State Forest, in the foothills of Massachusetts.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wahconah Falls (40 ft) lies 9.4 miles to the east.

Wahconah Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 1.5-mile out and back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Access: Gould Trail (out-and-back). Total distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. The path follows forested terrain and includes some uneven and rocky sections; it is commonly described as well-marked but can be rooty in places. Surface, grade, and trail class are not specified in the provided land/trail data.

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 Lulu Cascade?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lulu Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Lulu Cascade is in the spring or after heavy rainfall when the water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a popular time due to the vibrant foliage in the surrounding forest.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain or during icy conditions in the winter. Always stay on marked trails and be cautious of loose rocks near the cascade.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Housatonic River, 5.5 miles away, not on Lulu Cascade's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

56 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

25 32 89 191

Based on 90 years of record

0.92 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

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

EAST BRANCH HOUSATONIC RIVER AT COLTSVILLE, MA

USGS 01197000

5.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 58 sq mi

Altitude: 993 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH HOUSATONIC RIVER AT COLTSVILLE, MA (9 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

56 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

56 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

59 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

60 cfs

6/10

Sun

Low

64 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

67 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

71 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

67 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late May, peaking in April.

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 Pittsfield 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 73 feet of drop through Lulu Cascade, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,310 feet above sea level.

The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 101 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lulu Cascade near Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,310 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 73 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Lulu Cascade is located within Mount Greylock State Reservation. Visitors can access the trailhead from the Notch Road or Rockwell Road, which are the main roads leading into the park. The cascade is situated along the Gould Trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at designated lots within Mount Greylock State Reservation, including near the Gould Trail trailhead. Availability may vary during peak seasons.

Hours

Elevation

1,309 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.494806° N, -73.299550° W

Land Management

Pittsfield State Forest SRMA

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail may be rocky or muddy in places. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.

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With 1.5 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.