Pioneer Valley

Glendale Falls

Middlefield

60 acres

Peter Marotta

Visit wild and rocky Glendale Brook and follow one of the state's highest and longest waterfalls as it plunges dramatically to the Westfield River.

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Plan Your Visit
  • Overview
  • Ideas for Your Visit
  • Admission & Hours
  • Directions & Contact Info
  • What You'll Find
  • Property Map
  • Regulations & Advisories

Overview

Fed by more than five square miles of watershed, Glendale Falls is one of the longest and most powerful waterfall runs in Massachusetts. The surrounding forest comprises hemlock, birch, and beech with an understory of maple, hornbeam, witch hazel, shadbush, and mountain laurel, an intriguing range of species to track during your journey. In spring, you’ll want to bring your camera and watch as the waters of Glendale Brook roar over steep rock ledges to join the Middle Branch of the Westfield River below.

Ideas for Your Visit

The reservation was once part of the historic 18th-century Glendale Farm, which operated a gristmill whose foundation you can explore in the woods just north of the falls. Across Clark Wright Road, a logging road traces a natural wet meadow along Glendale Brook.

Please note that the bottom of the waterfall trail is immediately adjacent to the property boundary. Please respect our neighbor’s privacy and do not continue to explore downstream.

Please stay on marked trails and avoid trampling on vegetation and soils near the water’s edge. The riverbank is an extremely fragile ecosystem.

 

Admission & Hours

FREE to all

Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of half an hour.

While the property is open in the winter, please note that we do not plow the parking lot.

Directions & Contact Info

Clark Wright Road
Middlefield, MA  01243

Email: info@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google maps.

From Pittsfield: Follow Rt. 8 South approx. 5 mi. Turn left onto Rt. 143 East. Follow for 8.1 mi. Turn right onto River Rd. (becomes East River Rd.) and follow for 5.6 mi. Turn right onto Clark Wright Rd. immediately after bridge and proceed 0.4 mi. to entrance and parking (7 cars) on right.

From Northampton: Follow Rt. 9 West approx. 4.4 mi. Turn left onto Rt. 143 West. Follow 12.1 mi. Turn right to stay on Rt. 143 West and follow for 4.2 mi. Turn left onto River Rd. (becomes East River Rd.) and follow for 5.6 mi. Follow directions above to entrance and parking.

What You'll Find

Trails
A quarter-mile trail leads to the bottom of the falls and a 0.3 mile woods road leads south to land owned by the Massachusetts Division of Fish & Wildlife. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places.

Please note that the bottom of the waterfall trail is immediately adjacent to the property boundary. Please respect our neighbor’s privacy and do not continue to explore downstream.

Please stay on marked trails and avoid trampling on vegetation and soils near the water’s edge. The riverbank is an extremely fragile ecosystem.

Property Map

Download a trail map before you set out.

Regulations & Advisories

  • Hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing like an orange vest or hat during the hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties, and read safety tips for non-hunters.
  • Mountain biking is not allowed.
  • Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
  • Please note that the bottom of the waterfall trail is immediately adjacent to the property boundary. Please respect our neighbor’s privacy and do not continue to explore downstream.
  • Please stay on marked trails and avoid trampling on vegetation and soils near the water’s edge. The riverbank is an extremely fragile ecosystem.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
Before Setting Out
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History

The reservation was once part of the historic 18th-century Glendale Farm, which operated a gristmill whose foundation can be explored in the woods just north of the falls.

Property Acquisition History
Purchased in 1964.

The View From Here
See What People Say

View the waterfall and vista of North Chester just a few steps from the parking lot. A short trail takes you to the bottom of the falls and if you cross at the pool a footpath takes you along the opposite side which includes an old mill. Exceptional views and photo opportunities A+.

Liz Massa, Trip Advisor

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