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Doane's Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 433 Google reviews · Running trail in Royalston, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 15 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Doane's Falls' 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.
Short, well-maintained hiking trail showcasing 3 waterfalls along the route.
What runners say about Doane's Falls
“It is a really beautiful, short trail but not very handicapped accessible despite the specific parking and signs indicating that it is.”
“The trails are well-maintained, easy to navigate, and relatively wide.”
“Quiet, secluded area that can get busy during the summer and on weekends.”
“Nice, relatively easy hike.”
If you're looking for a picturesque and short outdoor adventure in Massachusetts, this place should be on your radar. You get three nice waterfalls to admire along the roughly 0.5 mile round trip hike. The hike is a breeze, especially in dry conditions, with a light to moderate grade throughout.
This is my favorite Massachusetts waterfall hike. It's a short downhill hike with multiple waterfalls. Limited access to the water because of cable barriers. Small parking area at the top by the bridge. Quiet, secluded area that can get busy during the summer and on weekends.
Beautiful waterfalls to visit! Very accessible and doesn't require a long hike! Requires some caution and beware of Mosquitoes in the summer time!
Beautiful place in the middle of the Mass State. Easy access, great trail and a place were you can walk, swim, and spend an awesome time! I'll definitely recommend this place. My wife an I had a great time here.
Trail conditions & character
“It is a really beautiful, short trail but not very handicapped accessible despite the specific parking and signs indicating that it is.”
“Parked at the lower Doane’s Falls trailhead off Doane Hill Road, up along the falls, then along the road, then took the Tully Lake Loop clockwise back to the lot.”
“Great for a nice hike and picnic with the family and the dog.”
“There is an access point off of another road that has a pretty flat gravel path to an overlook point- just be aware you may have to get creative if you go there in a wheelchair.”
“Parked at the lower Doane’s Falls trailhead off Doane Hill Road, up along the falls, then along the road, then took the Tully Lake Loop clockwise back to the lot.”
“It is a really beautiful, short trail but not very handicapped accessible despite the specific parking and signs indicating that it is.”
“Quiet, secluded area that can get busy during the summer and on weekends.”
Plan your run at Doane's Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Distance15 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitethetrustees.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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