From the overlook opposite the falls, you notice that Mad River Falls consists of several horsetails falling into a yellow-tinted pool. Aside from admiring the 100-foot total drop of the falls, there is not much to do here. Exploring is extremely limited, as it would be dangerous to get closer to the falls, and photography is not an option, because the falls lie under a heavy tree cover. To a waterfall enthusiast, the sheer size of this waterfall makes the hike worth the visit. To justify the trail length for the obscured viewing of the falls, add Bickford Slides, another waterfall accessed via a trail from Brickett Place, and Rattlesnake Flume and Pool, a waterfall and swimming hole only a short drive and hike away.

The actual trailhead for this waterfall is located across the street from Brickett Place. To reach the falls, you are going to follow the yellow-blazed Royce Trail for 1.6 miles. After hiking this trail for 0.3 mile, you will reach a field clearing and the trail will suddenly fork right. The trail markers can be difficult to spot here, so be on the lookout. From here, the rest of the 1.4 mile walk is normally fast and simple, but there are several water crossings that can be difficult in high water. During the warmer summer months, the Mad River is usually far from being mad in terms of rushing water. In early spring or during other times of abnormally high water, the river may be knee deep or so. In such situations, trekking poles may be helpful in getting you across. There is nothing too difficult about these crossings under most conditions, but we felt this was worth mentioning if you are contemplating this hike. At the third river crossing be sure to note that the trail continues between two sections of the river that merge together. The fourth and fifth river crossings are right before the trail starts to steeply climb. Just as you begin climbing, you will reach a junction with a spur trail about 1.6 miles into the hike. Take a left onto this 50-foot long spur trail to reach the falls. This left turn is marked by a sign and an arrow for “Mad River Falls.”

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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