Waterfalls & Swimming Holes Along the Mohawk Trail
The Mohawk Trail is one of the easiest western Massachusetts road-trip spines to build around when you want waterfalls and quick swim stops in the same day. The best pulls here are the ones that feel obvious once you see them on the map.
Some of these stops are quick roadside pauses, while others deserve a slower look because of slick rock, narrow parking, or stronger water. Use the map first, then open each guide before you commit to the full loop. For a broader western route, see roadside waterfalls.
Rank 1: Cascades in Cold River Gorge — Drury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Cold River rapids and ledges along Route 2 in the Mohawk Trail State Forest gorge. Pull-off viewing; no safe swim in high… (Florida, Massachusetts).
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 2: Goldmine Brook Potholes — Huntington area
Rock-sculpted potholes on Goldmine Brook in Chester-Blandford State Forest. Not a designated swim; viewing and wading (Chester, Massachusetts).
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 3: Hubbard River Gorge & Falls — Granville
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Long cascade corridor in DCR's Granville State Forest. Hemlock-gorge trail along the Hubbard River; no cliff jumping.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 45 min
Rank 4: Tannery Falls — Savoy
Viewing only, not a swim stop
~50-foot ribbon drop on Ross Brook in Savoy Mountain State Forest. Short steep trail from Tannery Road; paired with Parker….
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 25 min
Rank 5: Parker Brook Cascades — Pittsfield
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Small Parker Brook cascades inside Pittsfield State Forest near the campground. Side-stop, not a destination.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 6: Mohawk Trail State Forest Beach — Charlemont
DCR swim area on the Deerfield River inside Mohawk Trail State Forest, Charlemont. Watch for dam-release flow and variable…
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5 min