QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: 6 miles round-trip
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: Poplar Stream Falls, South Brook Falls
Poplar Stream Falls trails in orange; Maine Hut Trail in blue.
A Scenic 7 hike!
Poplar Stream Falls is one of the seven hikes in the High Peaks Alliance Scenic 7 guide and hiking challenge. The guide is incredible — it’s filled with detailed information, up-to-date maps, photographs, and recommended routes for each location.
This six-mile round trip includes two beautiful waterfalls — Poplar Stream Falls and South Brook Falls — which are reachable for relatively modest effort for these parts, via a loop trail that branches off the Maine Hut Trail. Both have deep pools, though South Brook’s pool is easier to access for those who want a dip.
Starting from the Airport Trailhead, off Route 16, the path crosses a field (with a backdrop of mountains) before picking up the Maine Hut Trail on the Maine Huts & Trails system (this is a fabulous long-distance trail system with overnight huts). You’ll see the narrow Maine Huts Trail on the other side of the dirt road (Huston Brook Road); it bends right and goes into the woods, then runs roughly parallel to the road for about a half mile.
At 1.3 miles (distance from trailhead), the trail crosses the Carriage Road and hits the intersection with Warren’s Trail. If you do the waterfall loop via Warren’s Trail first, you’ll reach the 24-foot Poplar Falls in about 2 miles and the 51-foot South Brook Falls in 2.25 miles. At Poplar Falls, look for steep, short side trails down to views of the waterfall, which plunges through a v-shaped groove.
To reach South Brook Falls, you’ll descend a dramatic steep stone staircase, and then — go for a swim! The water is crystal clear. The loop continues on, via Larry’s Trail, which passes a bridge and rejoins the Maine Hut Trail in about 1 mile.
Overall the trails are relatively flat and easy, with just a handful of hills. The elevation gained is 300 feet. Some of the highlights include walking along paths set high above the stream, with views down to the water slipping through stones. In season, you should see lots of wildflowers, including lady slippers.
Directions: Look for signs for the Airport Trailhead off Route 16. Once you turn in, drive past The Sugarbowl to reach the large open lot. The trail crosses the field at a diagonal.
