Cascade, The | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

The Cascade is a rather significant waterfall found tucked in a deep gorge just outside of North Adams on the north shoulder of Mount Greylock. Notch Brook sprays down an attractive 48-foot tall horsetail style fall into a narrow alcove, then flows across slabby bedrock cascades for several dozen yards further before exiting the glen and resuming a more placid course. Depending on the level of water present in Notch Brook the falls will take on a dramatically different form. When we surveyed the falls in October 2008 the stream was not running forcefully, so the water assumed a course in which it makes a sharp zigzag halfway down the fall, giving it the appearance of having two distinct tiers (this is not actually the case). However visiting the falls during the spring or after prolonged rainfall, the stream will assume a much broader veil-style appearance as it covers essentially the entire cliff.

Notch Brook is dammed further upstream to create the Notch Brook Reservoir (probably water supply) and in result will be reduced from its natural volume during certain periods of the year. The best times to visit the falls will be during the spring freshet and in the later autumn months when rain is consistently in the forecast.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Cascade, The is the Official name of this waterfall

The falls have also been known as Notch Brook Cascade and The Notch Cascade, though both names date well into the past and are seldom used in the present day. The USGS officially recognizes the falls as The Cascade.

Location and directions

The Cascade is found just outside of downtown North Adams. From the junction of Route 2 and 8A in North Adams, drive west on Route 2 for just over one mile then turn left (south) onto Marion Avenue and follow it to its end. The trail begins adjacent to several homes and there is limited public parking, so be sure to not park in or obstruct an adjacent driveway. The trail leads to the base of the falls in about two-thirds of a mile.

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Cascade, The is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Hudson Brook Chasm	2.48 mi / 3.97 km
Money Brook Falls	2.56 mi / 4.09 km
Bellows Pipe Falls	3.3 mi / 5.28 km
Green River Falls	3.79 mi / 6.06 km
Hairpin Falls	4.12 mi / 6.6 km
March Cataract	4.19 mi / 6.71 km
Lower Pecks Brook Falls	4.33 mi / 6.94 km
Upper Pecks Brook Falls	4.55 mi / 7.28 km

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Photography tips

The Cascade is remarkably well shaded for most of the day at almost any time of year. The falls face northwest but thanks to the narrow nature of the gorge and the surrounding tall cliffs, direct sunlight may not hit the falls for more than a few hours out of the day. Spray will likely be a problem during high water.

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Cascade, The Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States