The first question a visitor to the Lost River Reservation may ask is “Where was this place when I was a child?” Not only does the Lost River Reservation have two waterfalls, one of which is particularly scenic, it also has about a dozen different small caves open for exploration. While some caves are large enough to walk straight into, others require passing through tight squeezes, where your agility and upper-body strength will be put to the test. The prime waterfall within the reservation is Paradise Falls, and it is located near the middle of the 0.8 mile boardwalk loop trail. From the trail, you are provided both a head-on view and a birds-eye vantage point. Although viewing this waterfall is limited to the boardwalk due to fencing, there are enough spots to encapsulate the beauty of this waterfall. The Falls of Proserpine are the second falls you can find here. This waterfall is more elusive than its neighbor; you must enter the “Judgment Hall of Pluto” to obtain any sort of view. Photography will be difficult here due to the small size of the cave and the fact that the falls are for the most part hidden behind a huge boulder. This waterfall is one of the most visited in New England, simply because it is seen by all who visit the reservation. We suggest joining the crowds, especially if you (or your children) enjoy caves or waterfalls. An accurate rating system is in place to let you know which caves along the loop are more difficult than others. This information is printed on the trail map provided to each guest upon paying the entrance fee. This fee was $14.00 for adults and $10.00 for children in 2009, and well worth it in our opinion.

The trail begins at the visitor center and follows a boardwalk loop trail 0.8 mile past Paradise Falls and various small caves before bringing you back to the visitor center. You will easily be able to spot Paradise Falls on the boardwalk about 0.3 mile from the visitor center. There is another waterfall within this property that was just recently opened to the public for viewing after being closed for 20 years. About 0.5 mile from the visitor center, enter the cave known as the “Judgment Hall of Pluto”, where you can obtain a partially obstructed view of the underground waterfall known as the Falls of Proserpine. Take note that you will be required to maneuver through one cave towards the end of this loop. While it is not a tight squeeze, as many of the other optional caves you can explore along this route are, you may find yourself having to walk on your knees or at the very least, removing and carrying your backpack as you navigate through it.

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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