LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
The Cascade
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About The Cascade
The Cascade is a picturesque waterfall in North Adams, Massachusetts, tucked into city-owned Cascade Park (designation LP). Set in a leafy, forested ravine, the falls offer a peaceful, scenic spot popular with local hikers and nature lovers — an inviting short destination to enjoy flowing water and seasonal greenery. Access is through Cascade Park, which is city land; the official manager is not listed. The setting feels intimate and natural, with a well-defined route leading down to the water. Visitors will find The Cascade an easy-to-reach reward for a morning or afternoon outing in town.
The Setting
The Cascade sits at 699 feet within Cascade Park, fed by the Quinapoxet River, in the foothills of Massachusetts.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path follows a stream through shaded woods and is generally well-maintained; expect some short uphill sections on the approach to the falls. The route is a popular, compact hike from Cascade Park and is suitable for most hikers comfortable with moderate grades.
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 The Cascade?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at The Cascade?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
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, so exercise caution. Stay on marked paths to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
11 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge QUINAPOXET RIVER AT CANADA MILLS NEAR HOLDEN, MA (10 km away).
Today
Roaring
117 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
117 cfs
8/10Tue
Roaring
126 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
122 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
117 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
126 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
131 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Worcester 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 124 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 705 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 65 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 64 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 705 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 124 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
The Cascade is located near the end of Marion Avenue in North Adams, Massachusetts. Visitors can park near the trailhead and follow the marked trail to the waterfall.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited street parking is available near the trailhead on Marion Avenue.
Elevation
699 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.285926° N, -71.863406° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after recent rainfall for the best waterfall flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy in some sections. Arrive early to secure parking, as it is limited.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites-Worcester, MA
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Auburn by IHG
Courtyard Worcester
Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge-Brimfield
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
Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
11.6 miles away · 1 sites
Overview In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities. Flood waters due to large amounts of rainfall or spring snow melts are stored on 480 acres of land. The lake is also managed for recreation and environmental stewardship. Buffumville offers year-round recreation and park rangers are available to assist you during your visit. Recreation Buffumville Lake provides excellent boating, canoeing,
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Natural Bridge State Park and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and forest wildlife. Keep an eye out for chipmunks and songbirds along the trail.
Cities near The Cascade
Other waterfalls named The Cascade
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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