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Hamilton Falls Hike
Waterfall · about 125 ft high | Vermont
6 mi round trip
Hamilton Falls Hike at a Glance
The Hamilton Falls hike via the West River Trail and Switch Road Trail is 6 mi round trip.
| Falls height | About 125 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | West River Trail and Switch Road Trail |
| Distance | 6 mi round trip |
Your time: about 2 h of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 2 h 30 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 1,130 kcal. No elevation gain is published for this route, so climbing time isn’t included.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 6 mi distance for this hike is verified (fpr.vermont.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Hamilton Falls
Hamilton Falls is a waterfall in Vermont, about 125 feet high, on land managed by Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (Jamaica State Park). Its height is from fpr.vermont.gov.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the West River Trail and Switch Road Trail: 6 miles round trip, from Jamaica State Park day use area. Distance from fpr.vermont.gov.
Before You Go
- Dogs are permitted on leash. (trailfinder.info)
- Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation calls swimming at Hamilton Falls very dangerous and not recommended; more than twelve people have died at the site. (fpr.vermont.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (Jamaica State Park) for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Hamilton Falls?
The West River Trail and Switch Road Trail to Hamilton Falls is 6 miles round trip.
Where does the Hamilton Falls hike start?
It starts from Jamaica State Park day use area.
How tall is Hamilton Falls?
Hamilton Falls is about 125 feet high.
Are dogs allowed on the Hamilton Falls trail?
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Hamilton Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- fpr.vermont.gov
- Distance
- fpr.vermont.gov
- Falls height
- fpr.vermont.gov
- Falls location
- worldwaterfalldatabase.com
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Hamilton Falls.