Three Attempts to See Lye Brook Falls

Nestled just outside of Manchester, Vermont, Lye Brook Falls had been on my radar since the early pandemic days – a time when I was at home in my socially-distanced bubble, daydreaming about places to go. I’ve always loved waterfalls. There is something about their constant movement that brings me a moment of peaceful connectedness – oddly similar to stargazing.

First Attempt – August 2021

During the pandemic, my children and I returned to Vermont with my then-88-year-old Aunt Reeda, who is my Dad’s older sister and spent a great deal of time with the kids when they were younger. We were staying at a house off Route 11, just beyond the Green Mountain National Forest’s Manchester Ranger District Office. With COVID still looming, we were focused on socially distanced activities. The kids and I decided on the Lye Brook Trail for our morning activity.

Based on what I had read online, I expected a 2.5-mile round trip hike. I told Aunt Reeda we would be back in a couple of hours.

The road to the trailhead was a bit rougher than I was used to in Maryland – we arrived a bit shaken but not deterred. As we walked toward the trail entrance, we compared license plates, wondering who had driven the furthest. Most were from New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. A Virginia plate edged us out.

The Eastern Newt we saw along the Trail.

We started the trail without a map or an app, still assuming it would be a 45-minute hike each way.  There was no cell service to confirm anything. The trail was wet from a recent rain, and the lush vegetation and rocks shimmered in the light. We even spotted an Eastern Newt along the way. There were several small streams along the path and it was good to watch the kids try to find the best way across, especially when Cade would offer his hand to help Liberty cross.

After nearly an hour of hiking, I began to expect the falls at the crest of each hill ahead of us. We were tired – not just from the distance, but the rise in elevation. I was also starting to worry about being late, especially since I could not message Aunt Reeda. And then, I slipped on a rock.

I caught myself, but I took it as a sign that it was definitely time to head back, so we turned around at the top of the next peak.

Back at the house, I looked online and realized we had made it just past the halfway point to the falls.  I was relieved we had turned around when we did.

Second Attempt – June 2023

I swear I did not see this sign on our first visit.

My kids were on a trip with their mother, and I needed to get away. On a Friday night, I made a last-minute decision to drive up to Vermont the next morning. I arrived on a cool and beautiful Saturday afternoon. I decided to give Lye Brook Trail another shot.

This time, I thought I was ready. I had a downloaded trail map and recently acquired hiking poles. But a couple miles in, the seven-hour drive caught up with me. I paused for a drink of water and realized I had not packed enough snacks. I was not ready.

Still, my spirits were high. On the way down, I started playing with my hiking poles like they were lightsabers – sound effects and all. Coming around a bend, I startled a couple coming the other way. I’m still not sure who was more surprised.

Third Attempt – August 2024

As I planned our next trip, Lye Brook Falls kept calling to me. I am not a big hiker, and this was not a long trail, but it had somehow become a personal challenge. I asked Cade and Liberty if they were up for one more try. They agreed – though a bit less enthusiastically than before.

The year since my last attempt had been rough. I was less active and had gained some weight. I felt it. In addition, it was a hotter day. I was more tired, sweating more, and needed to take a few more breaks. My kids noticed, Cade, especially. He went from tenaciously leading the way, to quietly matching my pace.

The trail was familiar. We recalled spots from the earlier trip and shared memories along the way. Eventually, we reached new ground – and the trail grew less defined. At points, we felt like we were walking on rocks more so than a rocky path. Thankfully, the sound of rushing water let us know we were getting close.

Lye Brook Falls

When we reached the falls, a couple was just leaving, and we had the whole area to ourselves. The waterfall is tall, split into multiple streams of water that rush over rocks and by downed tree branches. We celebrated our accomplishment as we took in the view. Cade walked out to the edge of a rock overlooking the falls, silent in his own thoughts as Liberty and I watched him and smiled.

On the way back down, the mood shifted. We were more relaxed and talkative. We laughed about the four-year journey to see these falls. We talked about determination – and how each of us faces challenges in our own, yet similar, ways. I do not remember the specifics of the conversation – but I remember the feeling. The laughter. The connection. The moment.

Sometimes the most meaningful experiences are not the ones that come easily. Sometimes it takes a few false starts – and maybe a pretend lightsaber or two – to get there.

I encourage you to take the hike to Lye Brook Falls. And if you don’t make it the first time, try again. It might just be worth it.