Exploring Dunlop Brook Falls in Pelham, Massachusetts is an easy 0.4-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the multi-tiered 25-foot tall waterfall, Dunlop Brook Falls.
Just before the bridge, visitors will find signs posted by the Pelham Conservation Commission with an adjacent foot path that leads into the forest. Hike up the trail as it passes through a hemlock forest to reach Dunlop Brook. Once you're at the brook, you'll find Lower Dunlop Brook Falls below your feet with bedrock covered in mosses and ferns. Here, the hiking becomes a bit more difficult as the path leads up and down the steep hillside next to Dunlop Brook where you may have to do some light scrambling to get around. Watch your step as you traverse the banks of the brook as there are some steep sections above the water.
As noted, hikers will find the ~12-foot tall Lower Dunlop Brook Falls within seconds of hopping off of Cook Road. You can choose to hike to the base of the waterfall to find the best view. Next, if you head upstream, you'll find Middle Dunlop Brook Falls cascading down the bedrock at about 6-feet tall, surrounded by large boulders.
After exploring middle falls, head uphill just a bit further to find Upper Dunlop Brook Falls as it cascades over a bedrock ledge at about 7-feet tall. And while you may think the scenery is over, there's a small ~2-foot cascade located above upper falls you can explore too.
Once you're done exploring the waterfall, the hike back to parking heads back to Cook Road and down the street to reach the small turnout area.
Hiking to Dunlop Brook Falls
This very short and easy hike begins along the dead-end road, Cook Road, in Pelham. No real designated parking areas are available along Cook Road, however, about half-way down the road is enough space for one or two vehicles to pull off of the road to allow other vehicles to pass-by. Park here and hike north along the road.Just before the bridge, visitors will find signs posted by the Pelham Conservation Commission with an adjacent foot path that leads into the forest. Hike up the trail as it passes through a hemlock forest to reach Dunlop Brook. Once you're at the brook, you'll find Lower Dunlop Brook Falls below your feet with bedrock covered in mosses and ferns. Here, the hiking becomes a bit more difficult as the path leads up and down the steep hillside next to Dunlop Brook where you may have to do some light scrambling to get around. Watch your step as you traverse the banks of the brook as there are some steep sections above the water.
As noted, hikers will find the ~12-foot tall Lower Dunlop Brook Falls within seconds of hopping off of Cook Road. You can choose to hike to the base of the waterfall to find the best view. Next, if you head upstream, you'll find Middle Dunlop Brook Falls cascading down the bedrock at about 6-feet tall, surrounded by large boulders.
After exploring middle falls, head uphill just a bit further to find Upper Dunlop Brook Falls as it cascades over a bedrock ledge at about 7-feet tall. And while you may think the scenery is over, there's a small ~2-foot cascade located above upper falls you can explore too.
Once you're done exploring the waterfall, the hike back to parking heads back to Cook Road and down the street to reach the small turnout area.
