Short Hike #8: Glendale Falls

The bottom of Glendale Falls

Glendale Falls is the definition of "hidden gem". Well off the beaten path and unlikely to see many visitors at one time, Glendale Falls is one of the highest and longest waterfall runs in Massachusetts. Middlefield, MA may be in the middle of nowhere, but there are plenty of other hikes and historic sites in the area. The top of Glendale Falls is a short and relatively-flat walk from the parking lot, with the bottom being a 1/2 mile hike (round-trip) along a gravel trail with steps.

The parking lot has two information boards. One is about the Westfield River and is shown below. The other is a standard Trustees information sign for the preserve, which I did not get a good picture of as it was behind glass.

Information board at the parking lot

Heading north from the parking lot are two paths. The left path is a short walk to the top of the falls

Rock formation along the trail

Rapids above the falls

From up here, we get a good view of the rapids above the falls as well as the crest.

Looking over the crest of the falls

The only other people at the preserve were hanging out at the top, so I decided to return after visiting the bottom.

The trail to the bottom was covered in leaves, but pretty easy to follow.

Approaching the bottom

At the end of the path, you're greeted with a great view of Glendale Falls.

The property line is just north of where the path ends

If you're willing to do some stepping across rocks, you can get an up-close and personal view.

Looking downstream

Satisfied, I made my way back to the top.

A small tributary the path crosses

Typical trail scene

Partway up is a spur trail to the middle of the falls.

Back at the top, I made a revisit to the crest of the falls for a better view.

View of the trailhead

Another hike in the books, I made my way to my next destination: the trailhead for Hampden County's highest point (will be covered in another post). Glendale Falls may be well out of the way for most people, but if you decide to make the detour, you won't be disappointed.

Getting Here

Glendale Falls is located in rural Middlefield, MA, roughly halfway between US Route 20 and MA Route 9. Note that several roads to the SW of the falls are seasonal and minimum-maintenance. Access from East River Road is paved, access from the west is not.

References

The Trustees: Glendale Falls: Official website