Doane Falls | World Waterfall Database

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

Doane Falls is a long series of falls along Lawrence Broom where it cascades into the valley of the Tully River. The falls drop a total of about 150 feet over a series of seven or eight distinct leaps, but no individual drop is more than about 30 feet tall and perhaps as much as 50 feet of the change in elevation between the top and bottom of the falls is accounted for in the natural run of the stream. Because there are significant distances separating several sections of the falls, we may, upon further survey of the site, split this entry into multiple records.

There are five primary steps which make up Doane Falls, each having its own unique characteristics. The uppermost tier actually comprises of three distinct tiers in itself, each falling between 5 and 10 feet, which can be seen in tandem from several places along the trail. The second and third major drops of the falls are found about 300 feet further downstream and consists of a broad, sliding fall of maybe 15 feet followed by a nearly vertical fall of about 30 feet, which crashes into a pile of rocks. The fourth and fifth major tiers are found another 350 feet downstream, where the brook swishes down a swirling 25-foot horsetail and then spreads out and plunges over a broad 20-foot shelf. Below here Lawrence Brook resumes a gentle course and flows into Tully Lake shortly after.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Doanes Falls
Doane Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

The official name of this waterfall is Doane Falls, in the singular form, but many sources have incorrectly referenced it as either Doanes Falls or Doane's Falls. Sometimes the name is spelled with two "n"s as well, which is also incorrect. The name of the falls stems from that of Amos Doane who built and operated a mill in the area in the 1800s.

Our thoughts

Though the falls can't be seen collectively from any one point, so the overall height of the formation is somewhat lost when trying to comprehend the size of the series, Doane Falls is a big, impressive set of waterfalls by Massachusetts standards. Even taking each section individually as may eventually be necessary (based on our cataloging criteria) these are not lackluster waterfalls by any means, and the significant size of Lawrence Brook further adds to the allure of this one simply because there are not many other waterfalls in the state which can run with the force as Doane Falls. The bottom line is this should be a prime target for waterfall hunters in Massachusetts.

Location and directions

Take Highway 2 to Route 32 and exit North into the town of Athol (Route 32 and Highway 2A merge as they come into the town). A little more than 2 miles after exiting Highway 2, turn right onto Chestnut Hill Road then keep right after crossing the Millers River and continue for almsot 4 miles to the bridge over Lawrence Brook and the sign marking the Doane Falls Reservation at junction with Doane Hill Road. The trail follows the north side of Lawrence Brook downstream, passing all sections of the falls, with the final tier of the falls reached after about a quarter of a mile of walking.

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Doane Falls 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
Spirit Falls	1.41 mi / 2.26 km

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Photography tips

Most of the falls are fairly shaded and will be exposed to significant high contrast when the sun is out. For the most part the falls face west and will see more direct sunlight in the afternoon, so the best light will be had during the early morning hours. Spray can be a serious issue during the spring months.

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Doane Falls Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States