Two Bridges & Chapel Falls Trail in MA; Waterfall & Views!
If you’re looking for a gorgeous waterfall in western Massachusetts along with a beautiful hike leading to a grand meadow view, then the Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail is for you!
This scenic hike connects the 173-acre Chapel Brook Reservation to the 265-acre Bullitt Reservation, and includes the impressive Chapel Falls and expansive meadow views.
There’s a lot more to this hike than the multi-tiered Chapel Falls waterfall, which you hit at just a tenth of a mile into this hike.
In this trail guide, I provide you with everything you need to know to get here, along with turn-by-turn trail directions to follow, so you can have a safe hike and see all there is to see!
Meadow view at the end of hike
Well marked!
Chapel Falls Watefall
I lived in western MA in the Berkshires for several years, but it wasn’t until I was living back in Connecticut that I discovered this 5-star hike that combines a waterfall and a view at the end.
This well-marked and well-maintained trail, managed by The Trustees of Reservations, is easy to follow—even for beginners—thanks to clear signage and the directions I’ve included below.
🗺️ Just 25 minutes northwest of bustling downtown Northampton, the town of Ashfield awaits with several land trusts, state forests, and plenty of hiking opportunities.
Of all the trails around Ashfield, this is a favorite one for the dogs due to its abundance of water with the many streams and waterfalls.
It’s also a gentle hike for dogs and kids, with padded pine paths, wide trails, and no steep climbs or descents.
Two Bridges & Chapel Falls Trail Overview
Below is an overview describing the trail but if you’d like turn-by-turn trail directions to follow – keep scrolling! ⬇️ 🙂
- Miles: 4.66 miles out & back
- Elevation Gain: 761 feet elevation gain
- Time: 2 hrs 30 min
- Level: Moderate
- Parking: Click here to navigate to 42.48218, -72.76043
- Special features: Waterfall, well-marked trails, wide open views across Bullitt Reservation
The trail begins in Chapel Brook Reservation and makes a small loop at the end in Bullitt Reservation. Both properties are managed by the Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts.
🚗 Beginning from one of the two parking areas on either side of MA-116/Williamsburg Road, make your way over to the eastern side of the road and find the Chapel Brook trailhead and sign.
You’ll start on the blue-blazed trail and head left down along the falls, with a nicely constructed stone staircase leading the way. You’ll reach the falls after just 0.1 miles! 💦
If it’s been a long ride in the car, the dogs will appreciate the early arrival at the falls, where they can hydrate before the start of the hike. Take in the view of the three tiers of Chapel Falls, which cascade for a total of 45 feet.
After taking in Chapel Falls, you’ll continue along the trail and shortly cross a wooden bridge over Chapel Brook. Continue on the blue trail, following signs for the Two Bridges Trail.
After 2 miles, you’ll pick up the yellow-blazed Pebble Trail which will lead you to the scenic views and a small loop around Bullitt Reservation.
There is a bench at the top with picturesque views of the meadow where you can take in the scene and rest before you return the same way you came in.
TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS
1. Make your way to the eastern side of MA-116/Williamsburg Road to the large Chapel Brook trailhead and sign.
2. At 0.1 miles, bear left on the blue-blazed trail down to Chapel Falls. The falls will shortly be on your left, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way and water for the dogs.
3. At 0.31 miles, follow the Two Bridges Trail sign and bear left on the blue-blazed trail, crossing a wooden bridge over Chapel Brook.
4. At 0.91 miles, the trail curves around to the left.
5. At 2 miles, follow the Pebble Trail sign and take a left on the yellow-blazed trail.
6. At 2.2 miles, arrive at Bullitt Reservation. Take a rest on the bench at the top of the meadow with a view facing northeast. After taking in the view, continue walking north on the Pebble Trail (walk down the meadow) to begin a loop around the meadow.
7. At 2.4 miles, turn right onto the signposted, yellow-blazed Pebble Trail.
8. At 2.7 miles (when you’re back at waypoint 6, above), turn left to get back onto the Two Bridges Trail. Follow this blue-blazed trail all the way out, returning to the car the same way you came in.
That’s it, friends! I hope you enjoyed this post all about hiking the Two Bridges Trail to Chapel Falls and to Bullitt Reservation. With views and a waterfall, this hike is a memorable one!
I’d love to know if you visit or feel free to leave a question or comment below.
Happy trails!!
Looking for more waterfall hikes in the area?! Check out these western MA posts below!
- Day trip to Chester, MA; Hikes, food, and more! (45 minutes south)
- Day trip to Granville, MA; Waterfall hikes & more! (45 minutes south)
- Sanderson Brook Falls Waterfall Hike (45 minutes south)
