WaterfallNear Me

Hamilton Falls

Windham County, Vermont

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Windham County, Vermont
Access status
Guide: 6-mile state park round trip to a tall, dangerous falls
The walk
6 miles round trip (Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation)
Ground & access
Wide, mostly level rail trail, then a climbing woods trail. The state says the West River Trail is passable but the slope beside it is still adjusting, especially during or after heavy rain.
Vermont State Parks: Jamaica State Park
Hamilton Falls, VT
Hamilton Falls, VT
Photo creditPhoto: James O'Keefe from Somerville, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hamilton Falls is a 125-foot waterfall on Cobb Brook in Hamilton Falls State Natural Area, next to Jamaica State Park. From the park, follow the West River Trail, a former railroad bed, upstream about 2 miles. Before Cobb Brook, turn onto the blue-blazed Switch Road Trail, which runs 1.1 miles to the base of the falls. Return the same way. The state warns that the rocks are very slippery, swimming is very dangerous, and visitors should not try to reach the middle pool; more than 12 people have died here. Stay on marked trails in the protected natural area.

Plan your visit

Jamaica State Park day-use area, West River Trail upstream, then the blue-blazed Switch Road Trail to the base of Hamilton Falls

Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation gives a 6-mile round trip from the day-use area. Vermont State Parks gives 3 miles one way from the campground. Trail Finder gives about 2 miles on the West River Trail and 1.1 miles on the Switch Road Trail.

Wide, mostly level rail trail, then a climbing woods trail. The state says the West River Trail is passable but the slope beside it is still adjusting, especially during or after heavy rain.

Where to start

Jamaica State Park, 48 Salmon Hole Lane, Jamaica; the round trip starts and ends at the day-use area. The Depot Street bridge into the park has an 8-ton weight limit.

Timing & water

Vermont State Parks lists the park season as the third weekend in May through the second Monday in October, with day-use hours from 10 a.m. to sunset.

Before you go

Vermont State Parks lists Jamaica as a fee area where day-use and camping fees apply. The amount is not stated. No booking is needed for a day hike.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Vermont

Waterfall location

Windham County, Vermont.

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