Roaring Falls LbNA #55330

This box is at Roaring Falls on Mt. Toby in Sunderland, Ma.

New location as of 4/16/15

This hike is about 3 miles round trip.

Mt. Toby is considered by some to be the most bio-diverse plant habitat in New England. Nearly every major tree species in Massachusetts is represented on the mountain, as well as 42 of 45 possible types of indigenous ferns, and several rare orchids. One of the most unusual mountains in the area, Mt. Toby is composed of "pudding stone"--also known as conglomerate--a sedimentary stone composed of cemented bits of gravel, stone and sand. Much of the massif is part of the Mount Toby State Forest.
The Mt. Toby massif is composed of several distinct peaks including Bull Hill, Ox Hill, Roaring Mountain, and Mt. Toby proper.

To get to the Mt. Toby State Forest; from the center of Sunderland take Rt. 47 north to Reservation Road. Follow Reservation Road to the State Forest Headquarters.

There are 2 different ways to get to the falls. The main trail (easy) which is the road to the summit fire tower, or the more scenic trail along Cranberry Pond. I recommend the Cranberry pond trail. You could even hike out on one trail and back on the other for a loop hike.
For the main trail, park in the small parking area at the State Forest Headquarters. For the Cranberry trail continue past the headquarters (the road will turn to dirt) and park in the area next to the pond. To do the loop hike, just hike from one parking area to the other at the end of your hike.

To get to the falls:
From the parking area at Cranberry Pond.
Take the trail on the right side of the pond (there are some blue blazes on the trees) all the way to the other end of the pond. When you get to the area where there are a couple of benches near the water, the trail will split. Stay straight along the trail until it comes out onto the summit road. Turn left onto the summit road and in a short while the telephone lines will turn to the right. Stay straight on the summit road for a couple more minutes and take the next trail on your left. There is a blue plastic trail marker pointing to the left here. (There is a smaller trail before this left, you are looking for a larger trail). Follow this trail all the way to the falls. (Do not take the trail that crosses the railroad tracks)

From the Headquarters: Walk to the summit road and follow it until the telephone lines turn to the right. Stay straight on the summit road for a couple more minutes and take the next trail on your left. There is a blue plastic trail marker pointing to the left here. (There is a smaller trail before this left, you are looking for a larger trail). Follow this trail all the way to the falls. (Do not take the trail that crosses the railroad tracks)

After enjoying the falls, find the nearest trail that crosses the railroad tracks (Near a gnarly tree). Cross the tracks (Be careful, trains use these tracks often). Go up the hill and look for a shallow gully on your right. Head into the gully and see some rocks on your left. The box is located under the front of the larger rock. Return back to the summit road to go back to your car.

While at the falls area, take some time to explore this interesting area. You can really see the conglomerate stone in this area. There are a lot of “caves” and nooks and crannies to explore. Please watch your children here as it could be easy to get hurt here. There is also an upper falls. To get to the upper falls, follow the trail on the right side of the falls up to the top of the cliff and follow the trail and brook to the upper falls. (If you do go up to the upper fall, please be very careful so that you don’t fall off the cliffs, the trail is very steep and there are a lot of loose rocks here)

Be aware that during a long dry spell, there may be no water on the falls. The best time to go is in the spring or after a lot of rain.

Please bring you own ink and pen.

There are also other boxes on Mt. Toby.



Hike length: 2-3 miles