© 2001 Jon Binder
Overview
Ratings (ratings explained)
Power: 5/10
Beauty: 8/10
Ease of Access: 5/10
Lye Brook Falls, one of the highest and most beautiful of all the waterfalls in Vermont, is located near Manchester, and is reached by a moderate hike of 2.3 miles.
Photos
Directions
From the junction of US 7 and VT 11/30 in Manchester, drive 0.4 miles east on VT 11/30 to East Manchester Road. Turn right onto this road and continue down it for 1.1 miles to Glen Road. Here, take a left, following Glen Road to a fork. At the fork, continue straight ahead, do not continue on Glen Road to the left. The gravel road dead-ends at the trailhead in 0.4 miles.
Description
Lye Brook Falls is a sight well worth the moderate hike required to reach it. The hike climbs a slight but steady grade most of the way, with some steeper ups and downs when crossing the many side streams. The whole trail leads through a beautiful and varied forest; the hike itself is nearly as good as the falls. In 1.8 miles, the spur trail to the right leads a half mile to the falls. The lush area around Lye Brook Falls has an almost tropical feel to it, especially during a rainstorm, like when I was there. The one-way hike to the falls is 2.3 miles and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to complete.
The water plummets over countless steps of rock for approximately 100 feet at Lye Brook Falls. The height of each little jump varies depending on the water level. When I was there, it was pouring, and the falls was extremely high. Overall, the waterfall might look nicer with a little less water, but the fog and mist surrounding the area definitely enhanced the entire scene. I really did feel like I was in a rainforest near the equator, not in Vermont.
Keep in mind that, at very high water levels, some of the tributaries of Lye Brook are extremely difficult to cross. However, there really is nothing else that should keep you away from this wonderful hike in the Green Mountains.
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Page Last Revised: February 20, 2002
