Are there fees or permits required for Umpachene Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Umpachene Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Umpachene Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Umpachene Falls.

Live Conditions · 213 ft³/s · About average

Umpachene Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Umpachene Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Umpachene Falls.

Massachusetts

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Umpachene Falls

Umpachene Falls is a peacefully scenic cascade tucked into the forested hills of New Marlborough, Massachusetts. The falls pour through a series of small drops and natural pools, framed by mixed woods that make the site feel like a secluded pocket of river scenery — a popular short stop for hikers and photographers who want a quick dose of water-and-woods tranquility. The falls sit on the Umpachene River, an 8.3-mile (13.4 km) tributary of the Housatonic River. According to Wikipedia, the Umpachene issues from small ponds and wetlands on the town’s east side and meanders generally westward through mostly wooded country before joining the Konkapot River near the village of Southfield. Visiting Umpachene Falls gives a chance to see a scenic feature along that short, winding waterway without a long hike.

The Setting

Umpachene Falls sits at 823 feet along the Housatonic River, in the foothills of Massachusetts.

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The approach to Umpachene Falls is a short, easy out-and-back route of 0.6 miles with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The trail is a brief forest footpath with gentle grades suitable for most visitors; expect a straightforward walk that leads directly to the cascades and pools. (Trail data: 0.6 miles, 100 ft elevation gain, difficulty: easy, out-and-back.)

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. 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 Umpachene Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Umpachene Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Umpachene Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is great for wading in the pools.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution when walking or wading. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or high water conditions, as the current may be strong.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

213 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

100 117 996 1.4k

Based on 22 years of record

1.89 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

3.5 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 (6 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

213 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

213 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

267 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

332 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

340 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

333 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

313 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

319 cfs

6/10

Best window: Thu — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Canaan 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 75 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 824 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 108 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Umpachene Falls near Canaan, Massachusetts, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Umpachene Falls near Canaan, Massachusetts, showing about 75 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 824 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 75 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Umpachene Falls is located in Umpachene Falls Park in New Marlborough, Massachusetts. The park is accessible by car, and the falls are a short walk from the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area available near the entrance to Umpachene Falls Park. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

823 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.092347° N, -73.269549° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Bring water shoes if you plan to explore the shallow pools. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls.

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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.