Thanks to recent conservation efforts, your experience at Brewster River Gorge, commonly called Jefferson Falls by some, is now a simpler and perhaps more enjoyable experience. Years ago, it could take upwards of a half-hour to reach the waterfall, due mostly in part to a then-required river crossing, which typically meant taking off your shoes and rock-hopping across the river. New trails on the opposite side of the river now guide you easily to the lower and upper segments of the gorge. From the base of the lower falls, the water picks its way through and around boulders that appear to have fallen on top of one another throughout the years. There are small greenish tinted pools at the base of several of these boulders. The river below the falls is quite wide with an extended riverbank—containing a mix of tough sand, soft grass, and small pebbles. There are lots of boulders to scramble over and play on here if you choose. The upper viewpoint provides you with a look down into the wild and powerful gorge. There is no swimming here for obvious reasons. For those wishing to spend more time at this destination, a rough trail continues on a lovely river walk above the falls, offering many opportunities for children to wade or splash in small pools. If swimming is what you desire, there is a small set of cascades, Jeff Falls, nearby that offers much better opportunities than Brewster River Gorge. It is located on a short 250-foot trail that is only 0.5 mile south of town on VT 108. It is currently private property, but access is allowed under the condition that all visitors respect the natural surrounding and clean up after themselves.

The trail to both the lower and upper viewpoints starts across the street from the parking area and is marked by a sign for the “Alden Bryan Brewster River Trail.” To begin this hike, start into the woods on this charming and straightforward white-blazed trail. After about 0.3 mile on this trail, you will reach a junction. To reach the base of the falls, take a right and you will reach the base of the falls in about 400 feet. To reach the top of the falls, where the best views of the gorge are found, continue left and keep hiking uphill for 0.2 mile on moderate terrain.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

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