Goldmine Brook Falls Chester, Massachusetts and more!
By Robert Kearns Conservation and Outings Chair Massachusetts Chapter
A must-see waterfall is located off the beaten path in DCR’s Chester-Blandford State Forest in Chester, Massachusetts and is well worth a stop off U.S. Route 20.
I am on a quest to explore as many waterfalls in Massachusetts as I can, and many of the cascades are located in the western part of the Commonwealth. The New England Waterfalls guide website and other online resources, including the trusty Google Maps, have been helpful in my journeys.
Of all of the waterfalls I have been visiting, Goldmine Brook Falls was the hardest one to find!
Unlike the nearby Sanderson Brook Waterfall, there is no sign marking its location. However, there are some clues you can use to find this beautiful spot.
To find the falls, search for the gravel pull off area on Route 20, located on the North side of the road about 500 hundred feet west of the state forest headquarters. When driving Westbound on route 20, the pull off area is on your right.
The falls are very close to the roadway - only 0.1 miles from U.S. Route 20 - making it a great quick stop to see the falls. However, although the falls are close to the roadway, the trail is fairly steep and especially rocky in sections.
Pull off parking area off of Route 20.
The location of the trailhead’s approximate location is on google maps. That being said, it is hardly a trailhead, more like a rocky outcropping of rocky former stairs that likely have eroded.
Trailhead rocky outcropping in the center of the photo.
To find the trailhead, cross the road and walk to the west. You will see it near the guardrail on the southern side of Route 20.
Looking at the Parking area across the street from the trailhead
Trailhead up close
If while walking west along the southern side of Route 20 you reach the stream crossing bridge with Goldmine Brook, you have gone too far. Turn around and look for the beginning of the guard rail where you will find the trail.
Goldmine Brook Stream Crossing Bridge on Route 20 and guard rails west of the trailhead.
Looking up the Trail
This guardrail on the southern side of the Route 20 is a good landmark to find the trailhead
The trail is fairly steep in sections, especially in the beginning and going up to the second falls.
The trail is steep
Looking back at the Route 20 Stream Crossing Bridge with Goldmine Brook
Your short steep hike up to the falls will not be without rewards! The beautiful waterfalls have 2 sections, an upper and lower falls and the upper main falls has a magnificent 45-foot total drop.
Goldmine Brook has many boulders below the falls
Goldmine Brook Falls (Upper and Lower Sections) from below.
The lower falls are inaccessible from below but you can see them as you climb to the upper falls.
The trail comes above the upper falls and there is a trail down to the base of the upper falls.
Upper Goldmine Brook Falls (The main falls)
The upper falls, with the massive drop and pool below, is a great spot to take photographs and enjoy the beauty of nature!
If you have time, I recommend visiting the nearby Sanderson Brook Waterfall west on Route 20. The waterfall is also located in the Chester-Blandford State Forest. Additionally, Boulder Park, to the east of Goldmine Brook Falls off of Route 20, includes an accessible trail along boulders and a picnic area originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Boulder Park Sign
Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Signage at DCR’s Boulder Park
Picnic Shelter at Boulder Park created by the Civilian Conservation Corps
Sanderson Brook Falls Sign at the parking area
Sanderson Brook Falls
This trail map of the state forest includes trails for Boulder Park and Sanderson Brook Waterfall among other trails.
There is so much nearby nature in our own neighborhoods. Hope to see you all out on the trails!
Are there interesting waterfalls in your neighborhood in the Commonwealth? Email me at rkearns@massachusetts.sierraclub.org or let me know by following and tweeting at @RobertKearns and @MassSierraClub!