Parker Brook Falls | World Waterfall Database

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

Accompanying the impressive neighboring Tannery Falls, Parker Brook forms a significant set of falls and cascades as it drops into the valley along a parallel course. Emptying out of the pseudo-swamp that is Tannery Pond Parker Brook meanders through the woods and begins a stair-step cascade down a narrow gorge where the bedrock has been thrust up at an angle. The result is each tier of the falls sliding down in a diagonal direction both laterally and horizontally, giving the falls a distinct "zigzag" appearance when viewed from the bottom. This zigzag behavior accounts for the first five drops of the falls, which fall back-to-back. The sixth tier slides into a small pool and the seventh then splits into two channels and plunges over a rugged ledge to complete the series. The total drop of the formation is 83 feet, with the tallest individual drop being about 20 feet on its own. The base of the falls is just a few dozen yards away from Tannery Falls and the two falls can be seen in tandem from several places around the glen (though not necessarily clearly).

HISTORY AND NAMES

Parker Brook Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall

This waterfall is not officially named but it has been colloquially known as such for as long as we've been able to find documentation. The USGS quadrangle labels the stream as Tannery Brook and the falls have occasionally been referred to as Tannery Brook Falls as a result. Russell Dunn's Berkshire Region Waterfall Guide makes clear that Tannery Brook begins at the confluence of Parker and Ross Brooks just downstream of the two waterfalls, and that Parker Brook is the proper name for both the stream and falls at this point.

Our thoughts

Parker Brook Falls is essentially a bonus waterfall seen when visiting Tannery Falls, but it's worth the drive and hike all by itself thanks to its unique geology. While the volume of Parker Brook precludes the falls from being thought of as "impressive", it certainly is eye catching and it certainly can be impressive if there has been sustained precipitation. But that you get to see this one together with Tannery Falls makes this a top-notch waterfall destination in Massachusetts.

Location and directions

From the junction of Routes 2 and 8 in North Adams, follow Route 2 east for just over 12 miles, then turn right (south) onto Black Brook Road. Proceed for 2.5 miles and then turn right onto Tannery Road and go another 3/4 mile to the parking area for the Tannery Falls Trail on the right (may not be signed). From the parking lot follow the trail downstream marked with blue blazes. The trail reaches the top of Tannery Falls in about a fifth of a mile and then descends a steep staircase to its base. Shortly before reaching the base of Tannery Falls, Parker Brook Falls will come into view to the right.

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Parker Brook 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
Tannery Falls	0.04 mi / 0.07 km
Wheeler Brook Falls	1.64 mi / 2.63 km
Twin Cascade	3.68 mi / 5.89 km

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Photography tips

Parker Brook Falls has an exposure almost due north and will be less subject to direct sunlight than neighboring Tannery Falls will be as a result (the shape of the gorge and the forest will further keep it shaded), but the best time to shoot the falls is still early or later in the day. Because of the significant run of the falls, a head-on perspective is best for illustrating the height of the falls, though composing a shot in such a way will not allow the lowest tier to be included in the frame.

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Parker Brook Falls Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States