Wahconah Falls
Massachusetts • 40 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Wahconah Falls
Wahconah Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Wahconah Falls State Park in Dalton, Massachusetts. The falls cascade over a series of rock ledges, creating a beautiful and serene natural setting. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
The Setting
Wahconah Falls sits at 1,319 feet within Wahconah Falls State Park, fed by the East Branch Housatonic River, in the foothills of Massachusetts. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Tannery Falls, the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts at 80 feet, lies 11.0 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Wahconah Falls is short and easy, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. It follows a well-maintained path through a wooded area, leading directly to the base of the falls. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 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 Wahconah Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wahconah Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Wahconah Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and stay on marked trails. Avoid climbing on the rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
54 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 90 years of record
0.91 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH HOUSATONIC RIVER AT COLTSVILLE, MA (7 km away).
Today
Strong
54 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
56 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
64 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
65 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
68 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
68 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
63 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 128 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 40 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,315 feet.
The ground changes about 63 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,315 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 128 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Wahconah Falls is located off Wahconah Falls Road in Dalton, Massachusetts. It is easily accessible by car, and the trailhead is near the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot available near the trailhead, which provides easy access to the falls.
Elevation
1,319 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.487433° N, -73.114591° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rainfall for the most impressive water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.
Where to Stay
Vacation Village in the Berkshires
Berkshires Untold
Courtyard by Marriott Lenox Berkshires
Harbour House Inn B&B
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
INDIAN HOLLOW
16.9 miles away · 2 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Appalachian Trail, Pittsfield State Forest, and the town of Dalton.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and forest wildlife. Visitors may also see wildflowers during the spring and summer.
Cities near Wahconah Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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