Race Brook Falls

This route begins at a roadside pull-off on South Undermountain Road (Route 41) in Sheffield, MA, and follows the Race Brook Trail through a dense, shaded forest along the banks of Race Brook. The trail climbs steadily uphill, with rugged footing and occasional stream crossings that may run high after rain. About halfway to the upper trail junction, a signed spur on the right leads a short distance to the base of Race Brook Falls. This lower cascade drops steeply over a rocky ledge and is the most accessible and dramatic of the multi-tiered falls in the area. After visiting the Lower Falls, hikers may return the same way or continue up the main trail. The grade steepens beyond the spur, with increasingly rocky sections and fainter blazes. The trail eventually meets the Appalachian Trail (AT) at a high saddle, where a designated campsite and outhouse are located nearby. From this junction, hikers can access longer routes north or south along the AT. Whether stopping at the falls or climbing higher, this route offers a rewarding hike through a classic Berkshires landscape.