This short 0.5-mile out-and-back trail along a well-maintained boardwalk leads to the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont, with 140 feet of cascades and a roaring section of lower falls. Located in the Green Mountain Forest, this Killington trail is part of the AT (Appalachian Trail). Thundering Falls provides the first universally accessible part of the AT in Vermont. It's dog-friendly as well, so this place is for everyone. The well-maintained, 900-foot boardwalk to the falls is approximately 3.5 feet wide with an estimated grade of 3% or less. Beyond the boardwalk, you'll find a short section of gentle switchbacks ending at the viewing platform for the lower falls, which will blow your mind.
Parking for this trail is off of River Road in Killington. From the intersection of Route 100 and Route 4, drive 2 miles east and take River Road on the left. Follow this road for 1.5 miles to the wheelchair accessible parking lot on the left. Here is the All Trails link. From the trailhead, you'll follow the long boardwalk, which crosses over the Ottauquechee River as it winds through floodplain filled with wildflowers.
The boardwalk transitions to a short section of wide, dirt path leading to the Thundering Falls viewing platform. You'll hear the roar of water flowing over rock well before you can see it!
Before reaching the short spur that will take you to the falls, you'll pass a sign for the AT on the left. Return to this trail if you'd like to do a longer hike, ascending another 0.2 miles to Thundering Brook Road, then hiking further on the AT.
Here is the option I would suggest instead. Once you've reached the viewing platform, look for the unmarked trail on the left. This will lead you up the side of the waterfall, with views and access points for the cascades the entire way. This trail can be slippery and wet, but it's spectacular.
Follow this winding trail to the top, where you'll find gently cascading falls and larger pools of water. This place was heaven for our dog and although she's big and clumsy, she managed the slippery trail alongside the falls just fine. Although, I did have to close my eyes once or twice to avoid watching her jump from one wet rock to another. I was more worried about her falling than I was about my son and his friend, both hiking in crocs.
This trail is most impressive after heavy rainfall, but it's worth visiting any time of year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
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