There are two waterfalls at Tartia-Engel Falls—a lower falls visible from roadside and an upper falls reached by a easy walk in the woods—but we must admit we are confused, as other visitors have likely been, as to which one is Tartia Falls and which one is Engel Falls. Or perhaps the full name is shared among both waterfalls? Until we resolve this matter, we will have to resort to referring to these two formations at lower and upper falls. No effort is required on your part to see the 20-foot lower falls; they are clearly seen from the road. These falls begin and end as cascades, with several low-angle horsetails in-between. The upper falls darts back and forth between a horsetail and a cascade, depending on how intense the water is flowing. During the summer, the falls take on more of a mild horsetail appearance, which allows for swimming in the pool below the falls. There is only room for a few people in this tiny pool, but it still is one of the state’s finest natural swimming holes.

The lower falls are visible from the bridge over the road. To reach the upper falls, cross the road and head on the faint path heading upstream with the river on your left. Take note that the opposite side of the stream is marked private property. Follow this path, which can be slightly difficult to follow at times, upstream for 0.2 mile to the upper falls. Although we found no indications that the public was not welcome at the upper falls, the possibility always exists. Please respect any landowner rights if the upper falls are marked private property on the day of your visit.

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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