Cascades At The Equinox Preserve

The Cascades At The Equinox Preserve is a nice hidden waterfall in Manchester, Vermont. The waterfall has a total height of 20 feet and it drops in a pretty horsetail formation. It can be found along an unnamed stream. This stream is very seasonal and typically only flows strongly for a few days out of the year. It typically hits peak flow during the spring when the snow is melting and the water is pouring down into the stream. For this reason, the months of April, May, and June are recommended for visitors hoping to see the Cascades At The Equinox Preserve at full force. That said, the falls are pretty and worth checking out any day of the year.

Accessing the waterfall is relatively difficult considering there is no trail leading directly to it. To access the trail, first park at the dedicated parking area for the Equinox Preserve located at the end of West Union Street in Manchester. Begin hiking along the blue-blazed Summit Trail for about a third of a mile. Take a left onto the Red Gate Trail and hike this for a third of a mile as well. The Red Gate Trail will pass over the waterfall stream. After passing over the stream, turn left on the Mount Bluff Trail and hike alongside the stream for about .30 miles. Then, when the trail turns left, continue straight on an unnamed route. Continue walking straight up the stream on this unnamed trail for about 0.15 miles until you reach the falls. Some bushwhacking is required to reach the base. Ultimately, the hike out-and-back is 2.20 miles and features 505 feet of elevation gain.

For all the effort it takes to find the waterfall at the Equinox Preserve, it may be best to pass on seeing this one. It surely isn’t a very impressive waterfall. But, if you’re looking for an adventure plug the coordinates below into your GPS and go seek it out!

Waterfall Specs

• Height: 20 feet
• Type: Horsetail
• Water Source: Unnamed stream
• Swimming: Not possible

Cascades At The Equinox Preserve Location

• Park: Equinox Preserve
• Address: West Union Street
• Town: Manchester
• State: Vermont
• GPS: 43.1645, -73.0960
• Parking Notes: There is a dedicated parking area for the Equinox Preserve located at the end of West Union Street in Manchester. Parking is free.
• Parking Directions: HERE
• Location Directions: HERE