DOANES FALLS - Royalston, Massachusetts

In the 19th century, Amos Doane owned the land and a four-story tall manufacturing mill of doors, sashes, and blinds that sat on the falls.  Later aftser the Doane's mill failed, several mills-grist, saw, pail, and falling-operated successfully on the falls. 

WATERFALL TYPE: The waterfalls cascade over boulders, flat granite, and small islands at several points on the Lawrence Brook before plunging into the Tully Lake.

ACCESSIBILITY: Trails lead down both sides of the stream. Two types of trails lead to the upper falls and lower falls. Moderate to strenuous trails lead to viewing points and to the base of the falls; however, trails marked as handicapped with handicapped signs are smooth. The trails lead directly to viewing areas.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS:

Athol Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Telephone: 978.248.9455
Tully Lake Campground:  978.249.4957 (seasonal)
Email: central@thetrustees.org

From Rt. 2, Exit 18, follow Rt. 2A West into Athol. At intersection with Rt. 32, cross Miller’s River Bridge and bear right onto Chestnut Hill Rd. (becomes Athol Rd.) north toward Royalston. Proceed 4 mi. to entrance and parking (3 cars) on left. To Coddings Meadow at Lawrence Brook, walk 0.5 mi. down gated woods road off Athol Rd. on right just before stone bridge.

KENT FALLS STATE PARK - Kent, Connecticut

Kent Falls is one of the most fabulous waterfalls in the New England states dropping 200 feet in 1/4 mile before flowing into the Housatonic River.

This oldest state park in Connecticut was a gift to the state from the White Memorial Foundation in 1915.


The area is named "Sactacook" after a small Indian tribe that originated in Southwestern Connecticut.

ACCESSIBILITY: Handicap parking signs are at the head of the paved trail that leads through the covered bridge and onto the waterfall. At the base of the fall, a flat stone platform provides a serene view of the fall.

FALL TYPE: Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.

ADDRESS: 159 Macadonia Brook Road  Kent, CT  06757

DIRECTIONS: North on Rte 7, 4.5 miles from Kent

GREAT FALLS - Paterson, New Jersey

 




Amidst the town of Paterson, New Jersey, a 77-foot impactful waterfall on the Passaic River powers the Great Falls in Paterson National Historical Park. Alexander Hamilton proposed early development of the water power system for industrial use which began in 1792.

Great Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in eastern United States.















We captured the famous Fall's rainbow as we crossed the footbridge over the chasm. 

ACCESSIBILITY:  The parking lot on McBride Street offers handicap parking and ramps at designated handicap parking signs.sidewalks, ramps, and bridges circle the entire park. An accessible bridge crosses over the waterfall and gorge.

WATER SOURCE/FALL TYPE: Passaic River/Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.













PHONE: (973)523-0370


ADDRESS:72 McBride Avenue, Patterson New Jersey

FALLING SPRINGS CREEK - Chambersburg, PA

In the middle of the Civil War rich colonial town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is a small park call Fort Chambers Park. Falling Spring Creek flows into the Conococheague Creek. Conococheague Creek starts in Chambersburg, and then flows into the Potomac River.

Benjamin Chambers Fort (1756-1760) was a settler's stone house, sawmill, and gristmill surrounded by a stockade.

The old water wheel was part of the original Gristmill.




ACCESSIBILITY: Starting at the parking lots handicap parking sign, paved walkways and bridges cross the springs. Observation areas allow a closer look at the water wheel and waterfall.

ADDRESS:Borough of Chambersburg
100 South Second Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
p 717-264-5151

MUDDY CREEK FALLS - Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland

Nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland is Swallow Falls State Park. Among the many tall Hemlocks, Maryland's tallest waterfall crashes fifty-three feet. Muddy Creek Falls is on the Youghiogheny (pronounced: Yawk-a-gheny) River and Toliver Creek.

ACCESSIBILITY:  Handicap parking is available at the ramp that leads to the fall's overlook platform. Handicap parking and accessible bathrooms are at a parking lot beside the fee booth located at the park entrance.

FEE:  The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, as well as weekends in May, September and October $3/person for Maryland residents, $5 for out of state residents. All other times $3/car for Maryland residents, $5/car for out of state residents.

TYPE:  Punchbowl - Water descends in a constricted form and then spreads out in a wider pool.


Cascade - Water descends a series of rock steps.

Tidbit:  1,917 acres were donated by John and Robert Garrett of Baltimore to be used as a state forest. Also, in 1918 and again in 1921, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs and company encamped by Muddy Creek Falls.








DIRECTIONS:  Follow Rt. 219 south 19.5 miles to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles past Deep Creek). Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road, travel 4.5 miles to end of road. At the stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road, travel 0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls Road. Turn right onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park.

ADDRESS: Swallow Falls State Park
                     222 Herrington Lane
                     Oakland, MD 21550 

                     ​301-387-6938​

NIAGARA FALLS - Niagara Falls State Park, New York

DESCRIPTION:  Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie overflow into Lake Ontario. About 150,000 gallons of water/second floods over the America side of Niagara Falls. The height is 176 feet.  Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in America.

Besides the spectacular scenic views of the falls and the experience of the mist at many points in the park or hearing the Fall's roar which makes it nearly impossible to carry on a conversation in a normal voice volume, the park offers dining, Cave of the Winds tour, Legends of
Adventure movie (meet daredevils traversing the Falls), sea life at the Aquarium of Niagara, and boat rides to the bottom of the Falls on "Maid of the Mist", as well as a touring shuttle.

In the late 1860's, a small group of environmentalists founded the Free Niagara movement. The movement wanted the natural beauty of the land surrounding the falls to be protected and remain free to the public. The entire network of paths through the wooded areas and along the banks of Niagara River stays maintained and preserved. Even though the park entrance is free, a $10 parking fee is due upon exiting.

 

 TYPE:   Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.  Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or river.

 

ACCESSIBILITY:  Wheelchairs and strollers are available at the welcome center.  Level pathways and elevators are available for easy access to anywhere in the park. The trolley and "Maid of the Mist" are accessible for wheelchairs. The 230-foot Observation Deck has elevators to the top overlook and to the base of the falls. Accessible pathways lead to the base of the falls to experience the massive amounts of mist.

DIRECTIONS:  After crossing Grand Island Bridge ($1 toll), take exit 21 to Robert Moses Parkway. Continue on the Parkway as it turns into Prospect Street. Follow the signs that direct you to Niagara Falls State Park parking lots.

Phone:  (716) 278-1796
Address:  Niagara Falls State Park
                332 Prospect Street
                Niagara Falls, NY  14303

KANAWHA FALLS - West Virgina

DESCRIPTION:  Kanawha Falls is located in an unincorporated community in Fayette County West Virginia.  The Falls is on the Kanawha River, 2 miles south of Gauley Bridge.

The Falls are a mere 15 feet high, but very wide.

  

ACCESSIBILITY:  A walking path leads to the old mill that sits on the edge of the Fall. Handicap fishing is available directly off of the parking lot which is positioned in front of the Falls.

TYPE: 
            Tiered: Water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.







 
 
DIRECTIONS:  The Falls are right along US60. Drive south on US 60 for 21 miles; one-mile past Gauley Bridge. The red Kanawha Falls sign is well marked on the left; however, during the "rainy" season, you may sidetracked by the  small waterfalls on the left of the road (driving south). Be aware, you may fly right by the parking lot to Kanawha Falls.

 

 

MINNEOPA STATE PARK - Mankato, Minnesota

MINNEOPA FALLS STATE PARK - Mankato, Minnesota

 Minneopa Falls are located inside Minneopa State Park in South Central Minnesota near Mankato and New Ulm.  The word "Minneopa" is Dakota language meaning "water falling twice" which explicitly describes the alluring double falls.  The upper falls drops 7-10 feet and the lower falls plunges 40 feet into a pool. The Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek flow through the park which are the source of the waterfall.

A $5 day pass is required for entrance into the park. A fee that is well worth the tranquil view and relaxation created by the sound of water spilling over rock formations. The park is open year-round from 8am-10pm.



ACCESSIBILITY:  A concrete trail leads directly from the gravel parking lot, past picnic areas with shelters and tables. Shaded areas with picnic tables and grilling areas are available also. The trail leads to a picturesque bridge that crosses the waterfall between the upper and lower fall. Following the path around a bend, a full scenic view of both the double fall and bridge can be seen. Clean bathrooms are available; however, the entrance is a tight squeeze for a wheelchair.


FALL TYPE:  Plunge - Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.

DIRECTIONS:  Drive west of Mankato on Highway 60 for 3.5 miles. Watch for the brown State Park sign. Turn right on Highway 68 and drive north for 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

EMAIL:  minneopa.statepark@state.mn.us

ADDRESS:  54497 Gadwall Road  Mankato, Minnesota  56001

PHONE:  (507) 389-5464
             

CATARACT FALLS - Cloverdale, Indiana

DESCRIPTION:  Cataract Falls, located in a park in Indiana in a town named Cloverdale, Indiana (west central part), is the largest waterfall in Indiana. Two sets of falls on Mill Creek, the upper and lower fall, create a cascading fall that drops 86 feet. The upper fall drops 20 feet and the lower fall approximately a half mile away drops 18 feet.

ACCESSIBILITY:  Concrete paths with viewing areas lead directly from the parking lot to the upper falls. Picnic tables, shelters, and bathroom facilities are available at the upper falls. A short drive through the park takes you to a parking lot at the lower falls. There are no accessible paths to the lower falls; however, a grassy area isn't too bumpy for a wheelchair to cross for a closer look.

FEATURE:  A 140 foot covered bridge was built at the upper falls in 1876 and was open to traffic until 1988.








FALL TYPE: 

• Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.
• Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall 
• Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps

FEE: The Cataract Park website stated there is a $5 fee unless you arrive before the park office opened. If so, you may enter the park free of charge. When we went the office looked deserted.

DIRECTIONS:  From I-70, drive south on US231 and Bloomington. Watch for signs to Cataract Falls. Turn on Cataract Falls road. Drive 3 miles. Cataract Falls is on the right. A large parking lot is directly off of the road. The park is open sun-up to sundown.