Mount Everett State Reservation Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Race Brook Trailhead

142 East St., Sheffield, MA

About Race Brook Trailhead

The Race Brook Trailhead in the Mount Everett State Reservation offers hikers a fantastic journey along Race Brook and its cascading waterfalls. Multiple trails running up the slope of the mountain offer picturesque views of the waterfall from numerous angles. Although there are three sections of the waterfall, the most popular section of the falls is at its base. After beginning on the Race Brook Trail, hikers can bear right onto the Lower Falls Trail for the best access to the base, which is only a half mile from the trailhead with about 300 feet of climbing. Those looking to explore more of the falls from higher angles can keep left on the Race Brook Trail to ascend past the base and up other sections of the waterfall. After a heavy rain, water roars down the falls and sets a magical scene as lush greenery lines the stream and cool waterfall mist rises from the rocks. Canopies of pine and deciduous trees provide lots of shade around the falls. In the winter, the falls can be a stunning sight as snowmelt flows over the frozen waterfall, and snowshoeing to the base is an ideal way to explore the outdoors in the snow.

Those looking for a full hike can continue on the Race Brook Trail to its intersection with the Appalachian Trail, a strenuous journey that ascends almost 1000 feet in just over a mile from the base of the waterfall. Once at the intersection, hikers can head right on the AT toward Mount Everett or left toward Mount Race. Mount Everett requires an additional 700-foot climb over three quarters of a mile, while the hike up Mount Race ascends 450 feet over just under a mile. Both peaks provide stunning views of Western Massachusetts, but Mount Everett is regarded as having particularly exceptional views.

Overall, the Race Brook Trailhead provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the outdoors. The family-friendly base of the waterfall is a perfect space to reconnect with nature in a peaceful environment and enjoy the company of others, while the strenuous Race Brook Trail allows the most adventurous visitors to earn some of the best views in Massachusetts. It should be noted that the falls are fed by mountain runoff, which can dry up quickly when the Berkshires experiences a drought. Parking can be found on a small lot off Route 41 in Sheffield, which contains an informational kiosk with a trail map.