Lye Brook Falls claims the title of Vermont's tallest waterfall—a 160-foot cascade plunging off a cliff in the heart of the Lye Brook Wilderness. Unlike many New England waterfalls visible from roadsides, this one requires effort: a 4.6-mile round trip hike through beautiful forest to a viewpoint of the falls.
The journey is as rewarding as the destination. You'll hike through mature hardwood forest along a pleasant stream before the trail steepens for the final approach to the falls overlook. It's a genuine wilderness experience just minutes from the resort town of Manchester.
The Trail
Basic Stats
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-4 hours
The trail begins on an old road grade, following Lye Brook upstream. The walking is easy at first—wide path, gentle grade, pleasant stream sounds. After about a mile, the trail leaves the old road and becomes a true hiking path, climbing more steeply toward the falls.
The final approach involves some steeper sections and rock steps before reaching the viewing area. The falls come into view dramatically, dropping from the cliff above.
The Falls
Lye Brook Falls is a plunge-type waterfall—water drops freely through the air for most of its descent. At 160 feet, it's genuinely impressive, especially in spring when water volume is highest.
The viewing area is at the base of the falls, where you can feel the spray on humid days. In winter, the falls form an impressive ice column—a destination for ice climbers and hardy hikers alike.
Best Time for Photos
- The falls face east; morning light is best
- Overcast days reduce harsh shadows
- Spring offers maximum water flow
- Winter ice formations are dramatic
Wilderness Character
Lye Brook Falls lies within the Lye Brook Wilderness, a 18,000-acre federally designated wilderness area. This means:
- No bikes, no motorized access
- Limited signage (carry a map)
- Primitive conditions
- True solitude possible
For hikers used to more developed trails, the wilderness setting adds to the experience. You're genuinely out there, even though Manchester is only a few miles away.
When to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Peak water flow; trail can be muddy
- Summer: Lower flow but pleasant hiking; some swimming possible in stream pools
- Fall: Beautiful foliage; falls are still flowing
- Winter: Ice formations are spectacular; snowshoes/microspikes required
Crowd Levels
Lye Brook Falls sees steady traffic but is rarely crowded. The distance filters out casual visitors, and the wilderness setting spreads hikers out. Early morning and weekdays offer the most solitude.
Practical Information
Getting There
The trailhead is at the end of Lye Brook Road, off East Manchester Road in Manchester. Look for the small parking area and trailhead sign.
Parking
Limited parking (10-12 cars) at the trailhead. Overflow parks along the road.
What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear (stream crossings possible)
- Plenty of water
- Map (limited signage)
- Layers (temperature varies)
Nearby Attractions
The Manchester area offers plenty to explore:
- Equinox Skyline Drive
- Hildene (Lincoln family home)
- Downtown Manchester shopping
- Various other hiking trails
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Falls Height | 160 feet |
| Trail Distance | 4.6 miles RT |
| Elevation Gain | 1,000 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Flow | April-May |
Lye Brook Falls rewards those willing to earn their views. Vermont's tallest waterfall isn't visible from any road—you have to hike through beautiful wilderness to stand at its base. That effort makes the experience more meaningful, and the 160-foot cascade more impressive. It's a must-do for waterfall enthusiasts and anyone seeking wilderness beauty in southern Vermont.
