Cook's Canyon Loop

The Cooks Canyon Loop begins from a small parking area on South Street in Barre, Massachusetts, and forms a short route through the Cook’s Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary. The path winds gently through mixed forest before narrowing along the rim of a steep-sided ravine carved by Galloway Brook. A spur trail leads to a scenic overlook perched above the canyon, offering views of the cascades below. Use caution here—this section includes steeper grades and may be slippery when wet. Continuing along the route, hikers pass remnants of the property’s 19th- and early 20th-century resort era, including stonework, old plantings, and faint road traces. The trail eventually curves back through second-growth woodland to return to the South Street trailhead. Dogs are prohibited, and hikers should avoid the dam area, which is closed to public access. For a longer hike, visitors can extend the route by following the Galloway Brook Trail or the seasonal Wildwood Trail near the southern end. This is a quiet, easy walk with a few moderate sections and a rewarding view of a tucked-away Western Massachusetts waterfall.