Glendale Falls | World Waterfall Database

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

Glendale Falls is a long chain of fairly steep cascades which drop a total of 126 feet into the valley of the Middle Branch of the Westfield River in Middlefield. The falls begin as a small upper cascade which sheets across a broad shelf and then finishes by falling into a narrow slot in the bedrock. After a brief pause the stream then glissades down the bare rock and zigzags back and forth down a series of shelves before terminating in a small pool at the bottom of the falls. Unless Glendale Brook is flowing with a well above average discharge, the way the water zigzags back and forth across the cliff makes the falls appear less significant from below than it actually is. The fact that the overall pitch of the formation is around (or less than) 45 degrees applies a significant factor of foreshortening as well.

The falls are protected on a plot of land administered by The Trustees of Reservations but there is little to no development in terms of trails or access to viewpoints. The top of the falls are a mere 100 feet from the parking area and can be accessed by all, but in order to see the base of the falls, it is necessary to scramble down along the side of the falls. This isn't terribly difficult, but the descent involves climbing around large boulders and contending with slick surfaces (both rock and decaying leaves on the forest floor). Exercise caution when around areas which could be precarious and stay well away from the stream around the falls.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Glendale Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Our thoughts

While it doesn't quite stand up to the best falls in Massachusetts, Glendale Falls is still one of the better waterfalls found within the state. If a visit can be timed to coincide with the peak of the spring freshet, the falls will present themselves as quite impressive, but don't expect to be wowed during the summer.

Location and directions

Getting to Glendale Falls can be a little complicated depending on what direction you travel from. For the purpose of simplification, we'll assume Pittsfield to be the starting point. Take combined Highway 8/9 east from Pittsfield to the town of Dalton, then continue south on Highway 8 towards Hinsdale. About 4.4 miles from Dalton, turn left onto a road called Skyline Trail (possibly signed as Middlefield Road or Main Road). Follow Skyline Trail through Middlefield for just over 10 miles then turn left onto Clark Wright Road and drive for another 2 miles to the second bridge over Glendale Brook and turn left into the parking area. Short paths quickly lead to the top of the falls, but no formal trails exist to the bottom of the cascades. Stay away from the rocks when climbing down to the bottom of the falls as they tend to be slippery.

View this location in Google Earth

Glendale 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
Bradley Falls	4.01 mi / 6.41 km
West Worthington Falls	4.73 mi / 7.57 km

Or Find More Nearby Waterfalls within:

Click any image to enlarge

Photographs which appear on this website are copyright their respective owners. No photograph may be used, repurposed or retransmitted either digitally or in print without the consent of the author. Some photographs may be attributed with a Creative Commons General licence and may be used without restrictions.

Photography tips

Because of the broad reach of the cliffs at the falls there is a fairly airy northeasterly exposure to the falls. Morning light during the summer will result in fairly even sunlight, but during the afternoons for most of the year you'll be shooting right into the sun from most angles. Spray will certainly be an issue from the base during high water (if it's even possible to get down there).

Find More media

Search for pictures of Glendale Falls on:

Search for video of Glendale Falls on:

User comments

We will be adding the ability for registered users to post comments about waterfalls they have visited in the future.

Glendale Falls Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States