Lye Brook Falls Trail
A forest trail reaches one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls, with long cascade and forest trail shaping the visit
Artwork inspired by Wolf Kahn
A forest trail reaches one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls, with long cascade and forest trail shaping the visit The route follows old logging grades and rocky forest tread to a roughly 125-foot cascade descending over a long stair of bedrock. The falls’ apparent delicacy depends on flow; spring and rain add volume while also making roots, stones, and stream crossings more difficult.
Wear real hiking footwear, allow time for the out-and-back rather than a roadside stop, and view from stable ground below. The final rocks are slick, climbing beside the cascade is unsafe, and late-season low flow can make the waterfall less dramatic. The approach through recovering forest is half the destination.
- Height
- About 125 feet
- Route
- Out and back
- Forest
- Lye Brook Wilderness
Quick guide
- Expect a hike
- This is not a pullout or paved waterfall.
- Watch old grades
- Logging history shapes the route.
Know before you go
- Expect a hike
- This is not a pullout or paved waterfall.
- Watch old grades
- Logging history shapes the route.
- Stop on dry ground
- Wet rocks below the cascade are deceptive.
- Match flow to footing
- More water means both drama and hazard.
Good to know
The final rocks are slick, climbing beside the cascade is unsafe, and late-season low flow can make the waterfall less dramatic.
Notice these
- long cascade
- forest trail
- bedrock stair