This lightly-visited waterfall is split into two sections by a flat base that contains an oddly positioned boulder, perhaps the result of a tumble down one of the sides of the gorge walls years ago. The water here is exceptionally clear and the rock formations and vertical potholes are of great interest. A small pool at the base of the falls is good for wading. A final tip: look for delicious wild blackberries in early August about halfway into the hike!

The trail starts behind the gate that exists at the parking area. Immediately after passing by the gate, continue straight on a well-used dirt road (called the Summit Rd). Follow this road for 1.1 miles, making sure to bear left at a fork after 0.7 mile, as it gently begins to climb Mount Toby. After 1.1 miles, you will reach a sign for the “Roaring Falls Trail” on your left just after ascending a short hill. Take this left onto the newly constructed path, which will lead you 0.1 mile to the base of the falls. This new path has replaced the old hazardously steep and slippery trail that hikers previously used. There is a potential for getting lost on this short 0.1 mile section of trail as there are several confusion junctions. The key is to bear right and not to follow any of the trails that descend deep down into the woods. There are a few blue blazes to help guide you along here, but they are sporadic and hard to spot. If the river is flowing well, you can follow the sound of the falls. When the trail reaches the river, you can see the falls a few feet upstream. Summit Rd. leads to the summit of Mt. Toby, which contains a watchtower with good views of the surrounding area. At the point where you turned onto the Roaring Falls Trail, you are approximately half-way to the summit. The rest of the trail to the summit is similar to the trail traveled to the falls, although it climbs more moderately. This trip to the summit makes a nice addition to your day-trip.

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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