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Cascading Waters
4.5 ★★★★★ 349 Google reviews · Running trail in Worcester, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cascading Waters' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterfall, cascades, and trails and park amid woodland views.
What runners say about Cascading Waters
“The park boasts beautiful cascading waterfalls and well-maintained trails, perfect for a peaceful hike.”
“Was amazing 👏 want relaxing and hiking got both plus beautiful view when u are walking or take a break have lunch pack plenty of drinks u will love it”
“The trail was well marked with proper signs.”
Great place to grab a short hike in what feels like a very remote area. If you only want to see the waterfall it's about 100 yards from the Cascading Waters trailhead parking lot. From the falls the path has a steep incline until you reach the top of the falls and then levels out for the rest of the trail.
Worcester Hiking Tails. I parked at the cascading water parking. It can accommodate 4-5 cars. Then, you start towards cascading waters - and then took the Holden trail on the right and then turn left to follow the blue colored cascade trail. It’s a loop and then it takes you back to the cascading waters.
Cascade Waters, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. The park boasts beautiful cascading waterfalls and well-maintained trails, perfect for a peaceful hike. Managed by the Greater Worcester Land Trust, this spot offers a serene escape with picturesque views, especially rewarding after a rainfall.
This was my first time going hiking and I liked it. I didn’t like the bugs but I liked the walk. We definitely got lost but eventually found our way around by just fallowing the blue tree stamps and hoping we are going to get out soon. My puppy loved it and she recommends 100%.
Trail conditions & character
“Was amazing 👏 want relaxing and hiking got both plus beautiful view when u are walking or take a break have lunch pack plenty of drinks u will love it”
“If you only want to see the waterfall it's about 100 yards from the Cascading Waters trailhead parking lot.”
“From the falls the path has a steep incline until you reach the top of the falls and then levels out for the rest of the trail.”
“Nice woodsy area with a waterfall, (when there is abundant rain), areas can be rocky/slippery use caution when hiking the trails”
“It’s a loop and then it takes you back to the cascading waters.”
Plan your run at Cascading Waters
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitegwlt.org
- Phone(508) 795-3838
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Worcester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cascades Park
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