Sanderson Brook Waterfall — Attraction in Chester

My son and I came to enjoy the waterfall and have a relaxing walk in the woods, after I had had a poor night's sleep and he had had a very active day out the day before. Little did we realize the loop trail here is anything but relaxing. I'm giving 5 stars just for the waterfall, which is beautiful and absolutely worth a visit. We spent a lot of time hanging out there, and since it wasn't running heavily, we were able to climb much of it. My son also found the side trail that goes to the top, so he was able to see another level of falls that isn't visible from down below. The weather was too cool to enjoy a dip in any of the pools, though they sure did look inviting!

The walk through the woods to the waterfall is nice, and if I went again, I'd do it as an out and back. We thought from the kiosk map that the loop looked a reasonable distance, and we took the CCC trail as a "short cut." Holy cow! We had no idea what we were in for! That trail is steep, steep, steep and seems to climb forever. You finally get to the top, and there's no view, despite the misleading road name. No payoff for all that effort! Then, you walk down a long, gravel road, which I find hard on the feet.

On our way back to the parking area we did the hill diversion to the right with its overlooks, figuring we'd already done so much climbing we might as well get the payoff, and it probably would be a short little jaunt. Once again, we were mistaken. More steep ascents, and eventually, at long last, some views! Then a long, steep descent to the parking. Our legs were trembling, and we were out of water by the time we got back. But there were some beautiful rock formations and some nice pine forestland to walk through here.

All told, our expected 2 mi hike turned into about 5 miles. The loop continuing on from the waterfall and back took us around 3 hours, maybe longer. Unless you are looking for a workout or routinely walk or run on steep terrain, I would recommend you just do the out and back to the waterfall. The payoff is...

Serene and peaceful, especially near the top as you climb the smooth, yet unbalanced rock face due to excessive water flow during and after storms over decades if not centuries... I definitely do not advise to go when raining or any slippery conditions, the off-trail to the falls is just a couple of feet wide with a big drop and no railings so when it is slippery, it can certainly be hazardous. Also the water flow at the falls itself could be too much during rain fall, also initial spring melting of snow and ice could do the same(it's past that point now though in mid April)... otherwise it is beautiful... you can barely hear the person talking right in front of you because of the power of the falls the further you go up... its a great place for meditation. Basic climbing for beginners or the young(since there are lots of slots and ridges in the rock from weathering/erosion of the falls to put hands in). There's are other trails near by and naturally a creek formed which you can walk along (watershoes, crocs or strapped sandals with good traction are not necessary but...

Great place for all ages, with a flat trail that's a gravel road, 3 bridges that run over the creek leading up to the falls, including doggy footbridges that were recently installed since 2 of the bridges are grated and aren't ideal for dogs. So that's a plus this was added. The falls themselves are remarkable & beautiful... consisting of a horsetail, and numerous cascades. The falls can usually be climbed VERY easily & safely to however far one dares to go up, unless the water current is flowing heavy. Overall this is a great waterfall to visit in...