Doane's Falls
Doane's Falls
4.5
About
Descend a short streamside trail and get an up-close experience with a raucous series of plunging falls.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
59 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
14
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Voyager0310
Athol, MA3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
I've seen this location pop on social media a lot recently. As a local here, please know this is NOT a location where you can swim. There are signs posted, and there is a reason you are not allowed down into the gorge and close to the water. Folks have been seriously hurt, needing to be rescued. The water is fast moving, and the river bed rocky and slippery.
However, this is one of the most gorgeous places in all of Massachusetts! Follow the marked trail, and you can still get wicked close to the waterfalls. This hike is appropriate for kids. There is also a handicap accessible trail right to the view of the falls. Enjoy!
However, this is one of the most gorgeous places in all of Massachusetts! Follow the marked trail, and you can still get wicked close to the waterfalls. This hike is appropriate for kids. There is also a handicap accessible trail right to the view of the falls. Enjoy!
Written July 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OlaMayer
Newton, MA155 contributions
Mar 2021
Highly recommend round trip hike with view of falls, lakes and cricks.
Mostly flat. The hike takes you around Tully lake. There are multiple parking spots around the lake. We started with the one next to the falls. But the parking next to the dam is larger.
Mostly flat. The hike takes you around Tully lake. There are multiple parking spots around the lake. We started with the one next to the falls. But the parking next to the dam is larger.
Written March 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla R
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Solo
I've been walking to the Falls from my home for the past 50 years. It's Royalston's sacred place, and I need to be there. What this site doesn't tell you, though, is that the Falls are dangerous, and can kill you if you ignore the warnings. Since I've lived here, at least four young people have drowned, three of them by jumping off the falls in the picture. The fourth was a young father who was at the lower falls with his kids and not even doing anything stupid. It was after his death that they banned swimming. When they tell you to stay on the trail, TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY!
Written July 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph H
Beavercreek, OH1,455 contributions
Oct 2021
My wife and I enjoyed a short walk from lower to upper Doane's Falls. We had a beautiful 65F degree day with a slight breeze. Parking is an issue at the upper falls, but there is a secondary parking area 100 yards or so from the first parking area, and another parking area at the lower falls. So don't give up and drive off before attempting all three parking areas. The falls were beautiful.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corbin G
Holyoke, MA420 contributions
Apr 2021
Big water fall, easy hike. Lots of good views of it ,but you can't get too close to it, and it lacks that perfect head on view opportunity. Otherwise nice area and a worthwhile visit.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Fitchburg, MA877 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
I heard about this place over a decade ago and never gave it any thought. Well to my surprise I was overwhelmed when I got there. I parked at an area that could basically only hold three maybe four cars. As soon as we got out of the car we can hear Falls. The walk to the first Falls was extremely easy and I like that fact because my youngest daughter has Down syndrome. The Falls were extremely beautiful and the water was rushing mad due to all the rain we were having. There was approximately two to three more fall areas going down that same path. To get to the base it could be extremely dangerous if you're not in some what shape and have common sense. With that being said I decided to take a chance so I can get the perfect picture to post on TripAdvisor. I was told by other watches on the trail that there was a longer trail that was beautiful but my daughter could not handle that. I do have to say she only saw the 2nd fall on the trail because there is a lot of rocks and tree stumps coming up. About 20 minutes into our waterfalls seeking experience it was severe thunderstorms and we were caught in the woods. I made my daughter and wife stand under a tree while I venture to see the last waterfall drop. To people that want to see these falls on that first Trail keep in mind that after the first waterfall drop it gets a little challenging for older people, younger kid,s and kids with special needs or vision. I will definitely go back there to explore that place even more but maybe by myself.
Written July 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gaia43
Turners Falls, MA89 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
One of the rare features of New England is that there is another gem just "around the corner"... literally. This water falls is no exception. Can only speak for a visit in late April though the water was drammatico (dramatic), forte (strong), gaudiose (grand), scantenato (unchained), scherzoso (playful), and spiritoso (spiritual).
Written April 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RitaS
Auburn, MA24 contributions
May 2019
Since we had a little trouble finding the falls, I'd like to point out there is a stone wall along Athol Rd. at Doane Hill Rd which marks the spot. As soon as we took this turn, there was some space designated for parking (about 4 cars). We could hear the falls once out of the car and just followed the sound. It was quick and easy to see the upper levels of the falls. There is a wirerope safety barrier along this stretch but the trail becomes more rugged going down. It might be too difficult for the very young or older folks. One thing we overlooked was insect repellent. It was quite buggy (last weekend of May), so we did not stay as long as we'd wanted to. The surrounding area was very nice to explore, like the Tully Lake Recreation Area (off Rt. 32). Would love to return in the fall.
Written May 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TGMusco
Royalston, MA5 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
Easy access on Athol-Royalston Road (Chestnut Hill Ave in Athol). Good trail along the river that will take you to the Tully Lake Campground. Parking at the falls or down the hill at the Tully Campground canoe launch site. Beautiful in the fall.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerald P
10 contributions
May 2016
If you find yourself driving north on Athol Road, just above Athol, Massachusetts, and if you cross a delightful stone bridge and see the small Doane Hill Road on the left, take it and stop in the little dirt parking lot immediately on the left, for there you will find scenic magic. The short, 100-foot-or-so pine needle-covered trail among the boulders will take you to one of most picturesque, enchanting falls in New England. The short, steep trail will require a good set of walking shoes, and the many angles for viewing cry out for a decent camera, though a good smartphone will do nicely as well. Taking the trail after the spring rains, down along the multiple cataracts and falls, will reward you with one-to-two hours of continuing wonder and awe in the face of Nature's transcendent soul. When you climb back up to your car, take the road to the nearby Tully Lake and have picnic midst the glorious view.
Written May 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is parking above the falls at the intersection of Athol Road and Doane's Falls Road. From there the walk to where you get a great view of the falls is 100-200 feet. There is another parking area on Doane's Falls Road downstream from the falls. From there it is a little longer walk uphill to view the major falls. There are several falls along Lawrence Brook and a path follows the brook for several thousand feet until the brook enters Tully Lake.
Written September 5, 2018
You used to be a letter to jumpninto the falls but the park rangers kinda stopped it. You can swim around the water at the bottom of the falls and it's cool, crisp and refreshing. Enjoy!
Written May 30, 2017
As long as they are leashed. Although if they're well-behaved, technically nobody is there to enforce the leash rule. Dogs are allowed as long as you pick up after them. 😁 My dog loved it.
Written April 27, 2017
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