Tully Lake & Doane's Falls, MA


• 4-star hike
• 5 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 290 feet
• Royalston, MA | Central Region
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A small waterfall tumbles through a rocky gorge beneath a stone arch bridge, partially hidden by autumn foliage. The surrounding forest blends evergreen trees with vibrant deciduous hues of orange, yellow, and brown. Moss-covered rocks and a stone wall on the left add texture and depth, while patches of sunlight break through a partly cloudy sky to illuminate the scene.
The highest of the three tiers of Doane's Falls.

Tully Lake did not exist before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the East Branch of the Tully River between 1947 and 1949. The dam became operational during the New Year's Flood of 1949 even before construction finished. The reservoir now controls flooding in the Millers River and Connecticut River valleys, holding back water that once swept through Athol and other downstream communities during spring floods and hurricanes.

This loop trail circles this engineered lake through forest that has regrown along its edges. Yellow blazes mark the route, which can begin from any of the marked trailheads or parking areas, heading in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, as we have no particular preference on this loop.
⬤ 4★ Tully Lake Loop   4.5 mi loop, easy, gain 290 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
 P  Free parking

The terrain mostly comprises of single-track forested trail, with occasional creek crossings - only some of which are furnished with wooden footbridges and boardwalks. Sections of quiet asphalt road connect segments of the loop trail at times. We've categorized Tully Lake Loop as easy, though there may be occasional slippery rocks, particularly at the creek crossings, and a small amount of hill climbing close to Doane's Falls. After the wettest of weather, sections of trails can also become waterlogged.

At Doane's Falls, the Lawrence Brook plunges over a series of three dramatic cascades, each framed by moss-covered rocks and shaded by dense hardwood forest. The trail on the north side of the brook provides several great vantage point from which to appreciate the waterfalls. Another popular hike in this area combines Doane's Falls with a trek to Spirit Falls on a 4.2 mile part-loop - we've linked to AllTrails at the foot of the page, to give you an additional hiking option, since we haven't explored this route yet.

A partially dried reservoir curves through a forested landscape under a partly cloudy sky. Exposed rocky banks and earthy shoreline frame the low water level, while surrounding trees—mostly evergreen with scattered deciduous foliage—hint at late autumn. Distant hills roll gently across the horizon, their muted colors blending with the season’s transition.
Less picturesque at low levels, but easier trails.

A small waterfall spills over layered rocks in a forested setting, its gentle flow weaving through a leaf-strewn slope. Surrounding trees—some bare, others tinged with late autumn color—frame the scene with a mix of evergreens and fading foliage. Moss and fallen leaves blanket the rocks, while soft light filters through the canopy, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Doane's Falls has several cascades to enjoy.

A hiker in a blue and orange jacket walks down a leaf-covered forest trail, heading toward a small group further along the path. Towering evergreen trees surround the gently sloping terrain, which is dotted with large boulders and scattered rocks. The forest floor is blanketed in fallen pine needles and autumn leaves, creating a tranquil woodland scene.
Mostly easy trails, but watch out for creek crossings.

Tangents:
• Official: US Army Corps
• AllTrails Public: Tully Lake Loop, Doane's Falls to Spirit Falls


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