Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Plan to visit the Thundering Falls Trail in Killington, VT! Part of the Vermont Appalachian Trail, Thundering Falls is an easy hike on a 0.4-mile boardwalk that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont. From a viewing platform, visitors can watch in awe as the water cascades through a steep and narrow cataract. It’s a spectacular sight to behold! Whether you’re an avid hiker or just starting out, a trip to Thundering Falls will leave you with lasting memories. Here are some things you should know about the trail.
Find out more about the Thundering Falls Trail when you download our free vacation guide. It’s full of information on the best places to visit during your stay with GetAway Vacations!
Your Guide to the Thundering Falls Trail
The Thundering Falls Trail is the first and only universally-accessible portion of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Built by the Green Mountain Club, this 900-foot boardwalk gets rid of a dusty road walk on Thundering Brook Road, adds great views of the Ottauquechee Valley and the falls, and makes a stretch of the Appalachian Trail available to people who use wheelchairs. Click here to view a trail map.
About the Falls
At 140 feet, Thundering Falls is the sixth tallest waterfall in the state. It’s part of Kent Brook which flows out of Kent Pond, just north of where the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail split. At high water, Thundering Falls offers a magnificent cascade as the stream tumbles to the ground. The falls are also the site of a historic mill that’s powered by the energy of the falling water. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
How To Get There
From the Appalachian Trail: Starting from the River Road parking area, the Appalachian Trail passes through open Ottauquechee River floodplain and crosses the Thundering Falls boardwalk. The trail then ascends to the falls viewing platform. From here, the Appalachian Trail continues its ascent through northern hardwood forest to Thundering Brook Road where a small parking lot can be found.
From GetAway Vacations: From the intersection of Vermont Route 100 and Route 4 in Killington, drive two miles east to the River Road intersection. Drive another 1.5 miles until you see the wheelchair-accessible parking lot on the left.
Plan an Incredible Trip to Vermont with GetAway Vacations!
After an adventure on the Thundering Falls Trail, head back to one of our Killington vacation rentals and relax! Our comfortable and luxurious properties are just minutes from the trail and have everything you need to unwind. New to hiking? We offer guided hikes in the summertime lead by Killington Mountain Guides! You’ll learn how to pack a backpack properly as well as some basic land navigation. Hikes generally last between one and four hours and are appropriate for guests of skill levels. Call us at (802) 438-8077 to learn more. We look forward to having you!
Looking for more great places to explore?
Read our blog about the best Killington hiking trails!
Photo Credit: NorthHatley | Getty Images
