Thundering Brook Falls Trail
4.8(788)google
4.9(8)yelp
FamilyHikingNatureOutdoorPhoto SpotSecluded & UncrowdedWaterfallWheelchair Accessible
Overview
The Thundering Brook Falls Trail near Killington provides one of the most accessible and rewarding short hikes in Vermont, featuring an extensively built, wheelchair-friendly wooden boardwalk. Winding through a lush wetland and a peaceful forest ecosystem, the flat path leads hikers directly to an observation platform overlooking a dramatic, cascading 140-foot waterfall. Powered by Thundering Brook, the falls are especially spectacular during the spring snowmelt or after heavy rain, making it an easy yet high-yield stop for photographers and families.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration30-45 minutes
Best TimeThis spectacular 140-foot waterfall cascade peaks beautifully from April to May for thunderous water volume fed by snowmelt, or early October for autumn colors. Hiking the fully accessible flat boardwalk trail portion of the Appalachian Trail between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM is highly advised; early morning daylight filters through hemlocks to light up the roaring gorge.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully along a historic wetland pass north of Killington at 2445 Thundering Brook Rd. Driving is required due to the wilderness corridor: from US-4, turn north onto River Rd, travel for 2 miles, and turn right east onto Thundering Brook Rd. The national trail preserve features a small, complimentary public gravel visitor parking lot out front.
Travel Tips
- The dedicated trailhead parking lot is extremely small, holding only about 8–10 cars. If full, roadside parking on Thundering Brook Road is strictly prohibited and heavily towed; instead, park at the nearby Appalachian Trail crossing pull-off and walk over.
- The trail to the main falls viewing platform is a fully accessible wooden boardwalk requiring just a 5–10 minute walk. However, continuing past the platform onto the main Appalachian Trail becomes incredibly steep, rocky, and muddy, requiring sturdy hiking boots.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The most dramatic waterfall flows occur during spring snowmelt or immediately following heavy rainfall. The best camera angle is from the right side of the viewing platform; never climb over the wooden railings as the spray-soaked rocks below are dangerously slick.
Reviews
Positive
- This is an exceptional accessible trail fully paved with a flat wooden boardwalk, allowing wheelchairs and strollers to reach the waterfall viewing platform smoothly.
- The hiking distance is very short; it takes just a few minutes of walking to witness the magnificent cascading waterfall, offering high reward for low effort.
- The scenic area is completely free and untouched by over-commercialization; the surrounding thick woods and clear streams preserve pure, raw natural beauty.
- The traffic signs at the trail entrance are very clear and easy to drive to; the site is orderly with quick visitor turnover, rarely facing severe crowding.
Heads up
- The dedicated parking spaces at the trailhead are extremely scarce, holding fewer than ten cars; during peak hours, you often have to risk parking on narrow roadsides.
- As a micro-attraction, there's little core value extension beyond the waterfall and boardwalk, so traveling from afar just for this might feel too brief.
- There are no public restrooms or dedicated trash cans on-site; adhering to 'Leave No Trace' principles, visitors must carry out all their own waste.
- During the dry summer season, the waterfall flow shrinks significantly, greatly diminishing the visual impact and potentially causing a gap from promotional photos.