Cascade Falls
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Melrose is full of natural and historic treasures, including Cascade Falls, a striking waterfall located along the eastern edge of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Long admired by locals, the falls are especially dramatic in winter, when freezing temperatures transform flowing water into stunning ice formations clinging to the rock face.
Cascade Falls has been known and visited for well over a century. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Middlesex Fells was developed as a public reservation to protect open space and water resources for the growing Boston area. Features like Cascade Falls were valued not only for their beauty, but also as part of the natural watershed that feeds nearby streams and rivers. Early postcards and local accounts mention the cascade as a favorite destination for walkers and nature lovers.
The waterfall is reached by a half-mile walk from Goodyear Avenue, just off Washington Street. After crossing a footbridge into the woods, visitors follow yellow trail markers along a well-maintained path. The trail is not especially steep — Goodyear Avenue itself does much of the climbing — but it is rocky in places, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are advised. As you approach, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and you’ll hear the falls before you see them.
The path opens onto Cascade Falls, where water tumbles over a 40-foot rock face in multiple chutes. The tallest individual drop measures about 16 feet, spilling dramatically down a massive wall of exposed bedrock. Adventurous hikers can also walk to the top of the falls, gaining a different perspective on the cascade and the surrounding forest.
The waterfall sits between Melrose Rock and Black Rock, marking the eastern boundary of the Fells. Cascade Falls is classified as a horsetail waterfall, meaning the water remains in contact with the rock as it descends — a feature that contributes to its graceful appearance and its spectacular ice formations in cold weather.
Cascade Falls is formed by Shilly Shally Brook, a small but important waterway within the Fells. After plunging over the rocks, the brook continues downhill, eventually flowing into Spot Pond Brook and onward toward the Mystic River watershed, connecting this quiet forest cascade to the larger regional water system.
Cascade Falls is one of the few natural waterfalls in the Greater Boston area.
Each season offers a different experience — rushing spring water, leafy summer shade, autumn color, and icy winter beauty. It’s a peaceful escape that feels remote, yet sits just steps from the city, Cascade Falls remains one of Melrose’s most rewarding and accessible outdoor destinations.
