Tannery Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 22 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Tannery Falls

Massachusetts • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Savoy Mountain State Forest SRMA · SPR
Photo Credits (5)
1.
the_green_squirrel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
2.
the_green_squirrel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
3.
the_green_squirrel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
4.
the_green_squirrel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
5.
the_green_squirrel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Tannery Falls

Tannery Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Savoy Mountain State Forest, Massachusetts. It features a cascading drop surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Setting

Tannery Falls sits at 1,358 feet within Savoy Mountain State Forest, fed by the Cold River, in the foothills of Massachusetts. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wahconah Falls (40 ft) lies 11.0 miles to the southwest.

Trail & Hike Details

Trailhead Falls
0.4 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Tannery Falls is short and relatively easy, with a gentle descent to the base of the falls. The path may be uneven and muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet. 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 Tannery Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tannery Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is 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 rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. Exercise caution and avoid climbing on the rocks. Check trail conditions before visiting, as the area may be muddy or icy depending on the season.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

22 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Based on 11 years of record

4.38 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

USGS 01168250
3.2 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 6 sq mi
Altitude: 1,540 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COLD RIVER AT FLORIDA, MA (5 km away).

High confidence
Roaring right now
22 cfs
↑ Rising
1001009797100100100TodayTomorrowWedThuFriSatSun

Today

Roaring

24 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

14 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

67 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

62 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

78 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

55 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

80 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late April, 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 North Adams 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 129 feet of descent through Tannery Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 80 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,350 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 110 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 149 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Tannery Falls near North Adams, Massachusetts, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Tannery Falls near North Adams, Massachusetts, showing about 129 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
1,350 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 129 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

Tannery Falls is located within Savoy Mountain State Forest. Visitors can access the falls via Tannery Road, which may be unpaved and rough in certain sections. It is recommended to check road conditions before visiting.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead for Tannery Falls. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,358 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.624528° N, -73.003433° W

Land Management

Savoy Mountain State Forest SRMA

Managed by UNK

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

INDIAN HOLLOW

21 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

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

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other attractions in Savoy Mountain State Forest include Parker Brook Falls and several hiking trails. The nearby town of Adams offers additional amenities and dining options.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.

Cities near Tannery Falls

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Other waterfalls named Tannery Falls

1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.

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