Are there fees or permits required for Race Brook Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Race Brook Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Race Brook Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Race Brook Falls.

Nearby gauge (Housatonic River) · 547 ft³/s · About average

Race Brook Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Race Brook Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Race Brook Falls.

Massachusetts

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mount Everett State Reservation SCA · SPR

Photo Credits (3)

John Hayes (gravelboy) CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Race Brook Falls

Race Brook Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall tucked into the Taconic Mountains of southwestern Massachusetts. Nestled within Mount Everett State Reservation (land unit) and designated SCA on SPR-owned land, the falls tumble through a mossy, forested gorge and offer several distinct cascades and quiet pools that attract day-hikers and photographers. The setting combines wooded solitude with accessible scenic drops, making it one of the region’s most rewarding short waterfall outings. The falls lie in the same rugged landscape as nearby Mount Race (2,365 feet / 721 m), a Taconic peak noted for an eastern escarpment of nearly 2,000 feet; Mount Race shares many characteristics with Mount Everett, and the Appalachian Trail crosses Mount Race’s summit. Those upland ridgelines help feed Race Brook, producing the pronounced tiers you’ll encounter on the trail and occasional expansive views across the Berkshires from higher points on nearby slopes.

The Setting

Race Brook Falls sits at 1,224 feet within Mount Everett State Reservation, in the foothills of Massachusetts.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bash Bish Falls (60 ft) lies 4.0 miles to the west.

Bash Bish Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.0 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 3.0 miles round trip with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The trail follows Race Brook through forested terrain to several tiers of falls, with the upper falls the most dramatic. Hikers should expect some steep and rocky sections and uneven footing in places; the route is a straightforward out-and-back within Mount Everett State Reservation (SCA, SPR-owned).

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 Race Brook Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Race Brook Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Race Brook Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful 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

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Exercise caution near the edges of the falls and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 36 minutes ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Housatonic River, 4.7 miles away, not on Race Brook Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

547 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

262 457 907 2.5k

Based on 21 years of record

3.31 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

HOUSATONIC RIVER NEAR ASHLEY FALLS, MA

USGS 01198125

4.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 465 sq mi

Altitude: 636 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HOUSATONIC RIVER NEAR ASHLEY FALLS, MA (8 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

541 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

541 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

643 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

630 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

680 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

659 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

640 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

590 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early 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 Copake Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Race Brook Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Race Brook Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 32°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 480 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Massachusetts.

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 298 feet of descent through Race Brook Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,222 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 246 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 206 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Race Brook Falls near Copake Falls, Massachusetts, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Race Brook Falls near Copake Falls, Massachusetts, showing about 298 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,222 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 298 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Race Brook Falls is located near Sheffield, Massachusetts, off Route 41. The trailhead is accessible via a small parking area on Race Brook Falls Road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead on Race Brook Falls Road. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,224 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.089677° N, -73.422185° W

Land Management

Mount Everett State Reservation SCA

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak foliage season. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Be cautious on wet or icy sections of the trail.

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With 3.0 miles and 800 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.