The Berkshires, the gorgeous region in the mountains of western Massachusetts, is any hiker’s heaven. There are mountains, countless waterfalls and gorgeous trails for any age and ability.
One of the lesser known trails – which is also one of the most beautiful ones – is Race Brook Falls Trail that gives you access to at five stunning waterfalls.
The place is known for being Berkshires’ Tropical Jungle due to abundance of greenery and water falling from the sky.
Here’s how to enjoy this amazing place:
Where is the Race Brook Falls trail located?
Race Brook Falls is close the Connecticut border off of Route 41 in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
It is about 3 and a half hours from either New York City or Boston.
It is a stunning trail that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Note: Make sure you have proper footwear and gear, and remember that rocks around waterfalls and brooks can be very slippery!
What’s the best time to see Race Brook Falls?
Early May – Early June
When I read the place is the best way to experience East Coast tropical jungle, I knew right away: It’s got to be spring.
My logic was at follows: The waterfalls are going to be raging, the green is going to be the brightest, and there won’t be as many bugs as in summer. And it is not yet as crowded as it may be in summer. we had no problem finding a parking lot!
So we went there on May 15
And I had no regrets! The place turned out to be just as we expected: The waterfalls and the multiple tiny brooks were drowning in bright green moss. It is as much of remote Hawaiian rain forest as you can find on the East Coast.
If you are experienced (or have no kids with you), climb the trail all the way to the summit of Mt. Everest.
How long is the Race Brook Falls trail?
Technically, the trail is about 1.8 miles long one way (3.6 miles out an back). The whole trail should take about 2 and a half hours. If you have smaller kids, it will take you about 3-4 hours.
The beauty of this trail is that you can make as much as you want of it. We had a 5-year old with us, so we decided two of the three waterfalls, and we were fine!
The lower waterfall is just 0.5 miles from the parking lot. This may very be your destination. There’s no easy access from the lower falls to the middle and upper trail (unless you just climb along the brook which is what we did but I wouldn’t recommend that). So plan accordingly! Refer to the trail map below.
As you follow the Race Brook up stream, you will see more waterfalls, and more stunning views. As we got tired, we had a quick lunch, and head back. As easy as that.
We did have some problem finding the trail after the Lower Falls, so at some point we just climbed up along the trail. It was still doable and fun!
Is Race Brook Falls Trail Kid-Friendly?
Yes, but not all of it.
We had a five-year old with us, and did about half of the trail, as it does get a bit too steep the higher you go.
We had a great time, even though we didn’t do it all!
Race Brook Falls Trail Map
If you are looking for a fun idea to spend a spring weekend, this may be exactly what you are looking for!
