Thundering Falls

Hike Description

An accessible section

This piece of the A.T. is one of only five sections built to be accessible per ADA/ABA specifications. It includes 700 feet of elevated board walk, as well as approximately 500 feet of gravel-surfaced tread. The path climbs approximately 19 feet via switchbacks to the base of the “primary feature”—Thundering Falls, a 100-foot waterfall, the sixth largest in the state of Vermont. This Trail segment was opened for public use in 2007.  

Trail Design Elements 

Surface: wooden planks and gravel 

Width: 41 inches at the road, narrowing to 39 inches closer to the falls 

Edges:  

• The boardwalk section features a wooden curb or bull rail rising seven inches off the decking and 40 inch high wooden handrail posts at regular intervals 
• The gravel section is lined with boulders. 

Grade: Max grade along the boardwalk section is 7%. Max grade along gravel section leading up to the falls is 9%. For comparison, the max grade for a compliant wheelchair ramp is about 8%.

Cross slope: 3% 

Obstacles:  

• Slight transitions from parking lot to boardwalk, from boardwalk to gravel, and from gravel to the falls viewing platform.
• An approximately 25 foot stretch along the gravel section near the base of the falls that is wet due to water seep uphill.
• No ADA parking.

Amenities 

• Packed dirt parking lot.
• Informational kiosk .
• A viewing platform at the base of the falls that as 7 inch high railings on the right and far sides. The viewing platform size is 120 x 66 inches.