This Hiking Trail In Vermont Boasts Picturesque Fall Foliage And A Scenic Waterfall

Nestled in the embrace of the Lye Brook Wilderness within the Green Mountain National Forest just outside Manchester, Vermont, the Lye Brook Falls Trail is a woodland passage that rewards your efforts with one of the state's most dramatic waterfalls. At approximately 4.5 miles round-trip and climbing some 900 feet, the trail is moderately difficult. This is a hike you feel beneath your boots. Rocky stretches, small stream crossings, and a steady, persistent incline lead you through hardwoods and hemlocks toward that final reveal of water cascading 125 feet.

The adventure begins at a shaded parking area, where the trailhead welcomes you with the promise of forest hush and fresh air. As you step in, the blue blazes mark your path through tall trees and along old railroad grades that echo the land's past. The track enters the wilderness proper about half a mile in, and the environment begins to feel more wild and untamed. 

And then, after the incline eases and the forest opens up, there it is: the falls. You arrive either at a vantage point above the cascade or descend to the large rock at its base, where the roar of water and mist in the air becomes your reward.

Vermont has gorgeous weather year-round, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy its trails. In spring, the Lye Brook Falls Trail pulses with energy. Melting snow and rain swell Lye Brook, and the falls thunder with extra force — expect wet roots, full stream crossings, and muddy patches. 

Summer brings calm, verdant woods, cool shade, and a welcoming environment for families, dogs, and nature lovers. The dense forest keeps things comfortable even on warmer days. In fall, however, the trail takes on a special kind of magic. Amber maples, gold birches, and rust-colored oaks line the route through the wilderness, and Vermont's reputation for foliage comes alive along the path.

The land you tread is more than a pretty forest. Over a century ago, the area had logging railroads, charcoal kilns, and sawmills within what was once heavily industrial terrain. Today, those traces remain faint but meaningful, with old rails hinting at that history. In 1975, the Lye Brook Wilderness was established, and today it spans more than 18,000 acres of protected forest.

If you're flying in, Burlington International Airport is the closest airport. From there, it's just over a two-hour drive south to Manchester. Once you're ready to hit the trail after spending some time exploring the town, it's just a six-minute drive east from Manchester. The trailhead parking is at the end of that access road. Keep in mind that once you hit the wilderness, amenities and signage are minimal. Stay on the blazed trail, avoid going off-path into the wilderness interior, and bring ample water and snacks. 

While the hike is moderate, it still demands respect. Embarking on the Lye Brook Falls Trail is more than checking a destination off a list; it's a chance to engage with the peaks and waterways of southern Vermont. Looking for more Vermont adventure? Take a scenic road trip to Stowe, a charming town surrounded by stunning hikes.