Doane Falls
- Hike
- 0.5 mi each way
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Doane Falls is a waterfall on Lawrence Brook in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Reaching it is a 0.5 mi hike each way. Flow season is not on file yet.
Closures and warnings
Trustees: stay behind safety fencing. Do not venture down to the falls or brook. Swimming, wading, and rock climbing are prohibited. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Flow note | Series of drops on Lawrence Brook from a stone bridge toward Tully Lake; half-mile trail along the west side of the stream |
|---|
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Jumping | Prohibited |
Access
| Hike | 0.5 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Athol Road, Royalston. Small parking (about 3 cars) on left; accessible spur (~0.15 mi) from lower lot on Doane Hill Road to lower falls section. |
| Parking | Limited roadside/lot parking on Athol Road and Doane Hill Road |
| Fee | Free day use (Trustees reservation) |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Wheelchair access | Accessible trail about 0.15 mi from lower Doane Hill Road lot to lower falls section |
| Managed by | The Trustees of Reservations (Doane's Falls Reservation) |
| Note | Link in the Tully Trail; Trustees also manage nearby Tully Lake Campground |
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Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
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Common questions
Common questions
Is Doane Falls open?
Trustees: stay behind safety fencing. Do not venture down to the falls or brook. Swimming, wading, and rock climbing are prohibited. As of September 28, 2026.
Can you swim at Doane Falls?
No, swimming is not allowed at Doane Falls.
How long is the hike to Doane Falls?
It's a 0.5 mi hike each way. The road in is paved. Athol Road, Royalston. Small parking (about 3 cars) on left; accessible spur (~0.15 mi) from lower lot on Doane Hill Road to lower falls section. Parking: Limited roadside/lot parking on Athol Road and Doane Hill Road.
Do you need a reservation for Doane Falls?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Doane Falls?
Yes. Free day use (Trustees reservation).
When is Doane Falls flowing?
Series of drops on Lawrence Brook from a stone bridge toward Tully Lake; half-mile trail along the west side of the stream.
What are the rules at Doane Falls?
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Sources
2
- https://thetrustees.org/place/doanes-falls/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.hikeDistanceMi / access.roadNote / access.wheelchairAccess / waterfall.flowNote, access.fee / access.permitRequired / access.amenities.note, waterbodyName, waterfall.ephemeral, access.parking)
- https://thetrustees.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/doanes-falls-trail-map.pdf (accessed September 28, 2026; backs swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / hazardNote / jumpingProhibited / rules.dogs)
More: Massachusetts waterfalls