Green Mountain National Forest offers a powerful invitation to adventurers eager to find waterfalls that feel alive, pulling you along with their steady rush and misty presence. Just outside Manchester, Vermont, these trails combine natural drama with manageable challenges, perfect for those seeking a blend of invigorating scenery and grounded excursion planning.

Start with the Lye Brook Falls Trail, a 2.6-mile round trip with a steady 550-foot climb that leads you through thick hardwood forests where sunlight dances on moss-thick trunks. The brook runs ahead as it dares you onward, culminating in a 125-foot cascade exploding over a rugged cliff face—a spot to hydrate and pause, grounded by the constant roar.

The Hapgood Pond Trail sweeps through 3.3 miles of varied terrain, peppered with rocky sections and soft earth paths, gaining about 380 feet elevation. Along this route, streams whisper their way through fern patches, the waterfalls offering a cool break and a photographic subject that rewards the patient observer with rainbows in the spray. Strategic timing in mid-morning to catch the sun’s angle is key here.

For a more robust outing, turn to the Brandon Gap Trail, edging toward 6 miles round trip with a 1,100-foot climb. It pushes you into highland forests where waterfalls fan out across granite slabs, water shifting from bold torrents to delicate ribbons. The terrain demands solid footing and focus, but the payoff is a sensory feast where water, stone, and air collide sharply.

Each trail deserves respect as a force distinctly itself—waterfalls that shape and animate the forest, challenging hikers to match their pace without losing the steady breath needed for the journey. Proper footwear for rocky, often slick paths is essential, as is plenty of water. Early starts avoid crowds and maximize daylight to tackle these streams at their most luminous.

Manchester offers convenient lodging options that blend rustic charm with access to trailheads. Packing layers handles shifting weather, while quick-dry clothing prevents discomfort once the microclimate near falling water cools the air. A compact first-aid kit and map are a must; ranger stations nearby provide up-to-date trail conditions.

With a spirit balanced between adventure and practicality, these waterfall hikes deliver on both fronts: wilderness that invigorates without overwhelming, scenery that refreshes yet demands attention. The forest’s waterways speak constantly, alive with challenge and beauty—waiting for you just a short drive from Manchester’s warm embrace.