Tannery Falls | World Waterfall Database

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

While its stream may not be terribly significant, little justification is needed in qualifying Tannery Falls as one of the best waterfalls in Massachusetts. Ross Brook produces this exquisite 81-foot tall horsetail style fall as it slides down a smooth cliff in the process of joining up with the Cold River about a mile downstream. The falls are technically tiered into two distinct drops, both about 40 feet in height, separated with a small pothole pool notched into the side of the cliff, but viewed from below it generally appears to be a single fall. Standing downstream of the falls, one can admire both Tannery Falls and neighboring Parker Brook Falls as they drop into the glen in tandem (though Parker Brook Falls is more obstructed than Tannery).

The falls are the clear attraction here, but geology aficionados may be equally interested in the path of Ross Brook upstream of Tannery Falls where a roughly 300-foot long shallow gorge has been carved into diagonally stratified bedrock such that the creek actually flows underneath the trail in a few places without being underground. Throughout this gorge are several smaller waterfalls and cascades which are quite attractive in their own right, but certainly don't compare to the main attraction.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: High Falls
Tannery Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Our thoughts

We've surveyed Tannery Falls twice so far, both times during the autumn months. Because Ross Brook has a rather small catchment basin there is a risk of encountering it with just a trickle of water present, but when flowing with any sort of presence, it is not only one of the most attractive waterfalls in Massachusetts, but it's also one of the most impressive - especially during the spring months.

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.

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Tannery 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
Parker Brook Falls	0.04 mi / 0.07 km
Wheeler Brook Falls	1.62 mi / 2.6 km
Twin Cascade	3.64 mi / 5.83 km

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Photography tips

The falls face due east and thanks to the moderate size of the pool at its base it is rather exposed to the sky, so expect sunlight to illuminate the falls during the morning hours. Best lighting can be expected after 4pm. The falls are quite photogenic in almost every other aspect - the pool makes for exceptional reflections and several birch trees frame the left side of the falls, providing some excellent fall color when in season.

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Tannery Falls Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States