Money Brook Falls
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Money Brook Falls

4.7
·20 reviews·Williamstown, United States

A towering waterfall in Mount Greylock State Reservation, known for its steep, rewarding hike and intriguing history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After heavy rain

Witness the most impressive cascades

CrowdMedium
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Money Brook Falls

Money Brook Falls

Best Time

After heavy rain

Witness the most impressive cascades

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A towering waterfall in Mount Greylock State Reservation, known for its steep, rewarding hike and intriguing history.

4.7
(20 reviews)

"Beautiful falls and not too strenuous of a hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail is very steep and can be slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!

💧 Check Water Levels

Flow varies greatly. Visit after rain for best views; summer can be dry .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Money Brook Falls

Money Brook Falls

Mount Greylock State Reservation

A towering waterfall cascading down a steep ravine, named after historical counterfeiters.

Hopper Brook Trail

Hopper Brook Trail

Starts near Hopper Road

A scenic path that parallels Hopper Brook, offering a cool respite on hot days.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Money Brook Falls

Water flow at Money Brook Falls varies significantly. Visit after heavy rain for the most impressive cascades, but be aware trails can become slippery. Summer can see reduced flow, as noted by visitors.Instagram

Trail Conditions & Difficulty

The trail to Money Brook Falls is described as short but very steep.Instagram+2 Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for a challenging descent and ascent, especially if conditions are wet.

Best Times

When
After heavy rain
Why
Witness the most impressive cascades
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Snowmelt boosts water flow
Crowd
Low
When
Late Summer/Fall
Why
Fewer crowds, scenic foliage
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Money Brook Falls in the Mount Greylock State Reservation in MA.
leecon72
72 likes • 72 views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail is very steep and can be slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must! Instagram+2

💧 Check Water Levels

Flow varies greatly. Visit after rain for best views; summer can be dry.Instagram

Money Brook Falls dried up so I made it rain 🌧
danmanstan
99 likes • 5.2K views
FOLLOW the hike! Our end of summer hike on the Money Brook Falls Trail from its start at the end of Hopper Road in Williamstown for a six mile in and back was challenging! The first mile of the hike follows an old woods road that soon parallels Hopper Brook, one of the coolest places on a hot day in Williamstown. Before long, Money Brook’s waters converge with Hopper Brook, and a bridge carries ...
westernmasshilltownhikers
3 likes • 139 views

🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked

Easy to find from the trailhead, though the hike itself is challenging.

💰 Budget-Friendly Hike

A great option for an affordable outdoor adventure in The Berkshires.Reddit

Money Brook Falls at Mount Greylock State Reservation, a short but very steep trail takes you down into the ravine where the waterfall towers high up in the mountain with staggering height! A 1.5- mile round trip trail that begins at the parking area off Notch Road. The falls is named after a gang of counterfeiters who illegally minted coins in this secluded part of the Hopper in the late 1700's. ...
westernmasshilltownhikers
16 likes • 225 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail is very steep and can be slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must! Instagram+2

💧 Check Water Levels

Flow varies greatly. Visit after rain for best views; summer can be dry.Instagram

🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked

Easy to find from the trailhead, though the hike itself is challenging.

💰 Budget-Friendly Hike

A great option for an affordable outdoor adventure in The Berkshires.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(20 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the beauty of Money Brook Falls, describing it as a 'beautiful' and 'hidden secret' within Mount Greylock State Reservation. While many find the hike scenic and rewarding, a recurring theme is the trail's steepness, which some find challenging. The falls are best experienced after rain, as they can be dry in summer.

"Google tag isn’t accurate but the falls are not hard to find from the trail head as it is well marked."

Greg Arason

"Beautiful!! A little harder then my liking but over all not a bad hike."

Michelle larrabee

"Beautiful falls and not too strenuous of a hike"

garry bennett

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Scenic hike
Hidden gem

What People Dislike

Very steep trail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Money Brook Falls is located within the Mount Greylock State Reservation. Access is typically via trails starting from parking areas off Notch Road or Hopper Road in Williamstown, MA. The trail from Notch Road is a 1.5-mile round trip and is described as very steep.Instagram+2 The Hopper Road trailhead offers a longer, six-mile round trip hike.Instagram+2

Yes, there are designated parking areas at the trailheads, particularly off Notch Road and Hopper Road. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.

While GPS can guide you to the general area of Mount Greylock State Reservation, trailheads are usually marked with signage. Following the specific trail markers once you've parked is key.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no admission fee to enter Mount Greylock State Reservation or hike to Money Brook Falls. It's a great budget-friendly outdoor activity.Reddit

Mount Greylock State Reservation is generally accessible during daylight hours. Always check the official state park website for any specific seasonal closures or access restrictions.

The trails are generally open year-round, but conditions can be hazardous in winter due to snow and ice. Always check trail conditions before visiting during colder months.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike from the Notch Road trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles round trip.Instagram+2 The trail from Hopper Road is a longer, six-mile round trip.Instagram+2

Yes, the trail is described as very steep and can be challenging, especially the descent and ascent. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended.Instagram+2

Mornings often offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Visiting after a significant rainfall will provide the most dramatic waterfall views.Instagram

Restroom facilities are typically available at the main visitor areas or parking lots within Mount Greylock State Reservation, but may be limited directly at the trailhead.

Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted at Money Brook Falls due to the steep terrain, strong currents, and rocky environment.

📸 📸 Photography

The base of the falls offers dramatic perspectives, but be cautious of slippery rocks. The trail itself provides scenic views of the ravine and surrounding forest.Instagram+2

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can help with long exposures to smooth out the water, but be mindful of the steep terrain.

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlights. Overcast days after rain can also provide soft, diffused light ideal for waterfall photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The hike to Money Brook Falls is very steep and can be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues. While the distance is short from the Notch Road trailhead (1.5 miles round trip), the steepness requires careful supervision and sturdy footwear for everyone. Consider the Hopper Road trail (6 miles round trip) if you prefer a longer, potentially less steep but more demanding hike.Instagram+2

Pack plenty of water and snacks. The scenic beauty and the unique name (linked to counterfeiters) might capture older children's imaginations. However, the primary focus should be on safety due to the terrain. It's a great destination for families who enjoy a good challenge and are well-prepared for rugged trails.

💰 Budget Travelers

Money Brook Falls is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers exploring The Berkshires. Entry to Mount Greylock State Reservation and the hike itself are typically free of charge, making it a perfect addition to a low-cost itinerary.Reddit

Combine your visit with a picnic lunch, as there are scenic spots along the trail to stop and enjoy your meal.Reddit This natural attraction offers significant scenic value without the expense of paid attractions, making it a highlight for those looking to maximize their experience while minimizing costs.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Money Brook Falls

Money Brook Falls gets its intriguing name from a historical anecdote involving a gang of counterfeiters who illegally minted coins in the area. This adds a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty of the falls, making it more than just a scenic spot. The falls themselves are a significant cascade within the Mount Greylock State Reservation, known for their height and the steep ravine they plunge into.Instagram+2

While the exact details of the counterfeiting operation are part of local lore, the name serves as a reminder of the area's past. Visitors often find the combination of natural wonder and historical context to be particularly captivating. The challenging hike to reach the falls only adds to the sense of discovery and reward for those who make the trek.

Navigating the Steep Trails

The hike to Money Brook Falls is renowned for its steepness, a factor that many visitors highlight. The trail from the Notch Road parking area is a short 1.5 miles round trip, but it involves a significant elevation change, making it a strenuous workout.Instagram+2 Reviewers often mention it's 'a little harder than my liking' but still 'not a bad hike' overall, suggesting the effort is worthwhile for the views.Reddit

It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots with good traction, to navigate the potentially slippery and uneven terrain. Trekking poles can also be beneficial for stability, especially during the descent and ascent. For those seeking a less intense experience, the Hopper Road trailhead offers a longer, six-mile round trip that may have different terrain characteristics,Instagram+2 though it's still a substantial hike.

Water Flow and Seasonal Beauty

The visual impact of Money Brook Falls is heavily dependent on the water flow, which fluctuates significantly throughout the year. After periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, the falls are at their most spectacular, with water thundering down the ravine. However, during drier spells, particularly in the summer, the flow can diminish considerably, as one visitor noted the falls were 'dried up'.Instagram

To ensure you see the falls at their most impressive, it's advisable to check recent weather patterns and visit after substantial rainfall. Spring, with its snowmelt, is often a good time for robust water flow. While summer visits might offer easier trail conditions, the waterfall's grandeur may be reduced. Fall foliage can add a beautiful backdrop, even if the water flow is moderate.

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