Cascading Waters Day Trip in Worcester, Massachusetts
Welcome to Cascading Waters in Worcester, Massachusetts
In a residential area of Worcester, Massachusetts and part of The Cascades Conservation Area, Cascading Waters is a scenic 60-foot roadside waterfall that often flows powerfully in spring with the snow melt and rain showers. You can easily hike to or drive up to see this falls as it rushes down a jumble of rocks in a series of cascades and horsetails.
How to see Cascading Waters in Worcester, MA |
There are two ways to quickly, easily reach the base of Cascading Waters: 1) park in the Cascades Park dirt lot (enough for about six vehicles) at 135 Olean Street and hike, following the brook, for less than a quarter mile or 2) drive to Cataract Street and park on either side of the stone wall (without blocking the view).
If you park at the Olean Street lot, after hiking only a minute or so, you’ll see the falls flowing under the stone walls into a stream as you make your way.
What to see at Cascading Waters
The main attraction in this section of The Cascades is the waterfall that flows strongest in April and May. You can get a great view walking just a few steps to the sides of the stone wall where the falls flows under continuing along the brook.
A view of Cascading Waters in Worcester, Massachusetts flowing strong after the snow melt.
When you walk to the side of the stone wall, watch your footing on the rocky ledges as they can be wet and covered in leaves. You’ll need to carefully navigate the rocks for really close up views and long exposure photography.
If you choose (note the sign on the right indicating not to hike up this side due to trail erosion), you can hike up the very steep hillside on the left navigating roots and rugged wooded terrain to follow the flow to a higher elevation. Even a few steps up slope provides a great view!
Standing on the rocky ledges at Cascading Waters in Worcester, Massachusetts for a close up view of the waterfall in March.
When the falls flows strongest in spring, it’s really unexpected how the cascades knife and swerve down through the rocky terrain. Moody, overcast days are best to see Cascading Waters when it’s flow is peaking after spring snow melt or heavy rains.
You can also follow the blue-blazed Cascades Trail uphill (the trail is to the right of the stone wall into the woods for about one-quarter mile to reach the top of the falls), though the views are much better from the base.
After the spring season, Cascading Waters generally has little flow or can be completely dried up. I recommend visiting in spring it because it’s a very short hike or a few steps from the roadside depending on where you park, and the falls can be rushing down strong after the snow melt and rains.
MDT Tip: The short hike from the Olean Street parking area is great for families, and folks bring their dogs here as well to hike The Cascades trail network.
Did you know about this seasonal hidden gem waterfall in Worcester, Massachusetts? What little known Massachusetts or New England waterfalls do you enjoy seeing in spring?
Leave a comment below to share your experiences and tips.
