Worcester Brothers Mill Historical Site: A waterfall hike in Hollis
This easy waterfall hike spot in Hollis, New Hampshire is one of our favorite places for a quick and easy dose of nature. The waterfall is less than 5 minutes walk from the car and then two trails managed by the Beaver Brook Association lead out from there. Just exploring the waterfall and mill area could be a nice short outing or lunch stop. If you have more time, head out on one of the trails for a walk in the woods. Read on for all the details – one trail goes up and one trail goes around.
A season-dependent waterfall, it is best visited on or after a rainy day when the water will be moving. In a summer drought, expect the falls to be dry. Depending on snowfall and rainfall, you will experience a different waterfall every time!
The Worcester Mill
Once the site of a busy sawmill, it is now a very peaceful little spot for a picnic and a little exploring. You can see the stone foundation left from the mill and a sign tells the story of the site. The story really gets interesting when in 1916, an accident involving the steam boilers caused a large explosion that sent bricks flying. That is why, as you walk the immediate site and the trails that lead from it, you will notice bricks embedded into the path under your feet – from the explosion over 100 years ago!
Reluctant-hiker friendly
If you have reluctant hikers or are just getting started with getting outside, this is a good place to start. The mill and waterfall are a short walk and an interesting area to explore. With the mill site and a small bridge going over the water, the space is open but protected by the tree canopy above. You can call it a waterfall hike and you can go home with a win!
Two paths: Old City Trail and Tupelo Trail
Beaver Brook Association’s Old City Trail
Over the bridge and past the waterfall, Old City Trail takes you out into the woods. This trail is designated multi-use by Beaver Brook, meaning it is maintained not just for walkers but horses and bikes as well. It is a nice wide path that follows the edge of the pond – though the view of the water is obstructed most of the way, especially if you are under 3ft tall.
Can I take a stroller on Old City Trail?
If you really wanted to and have a rugged jogging stroller (big wheels, air tires) that you enjoy taking off-roading, go for it. It is stroller-friendly-adjacent. There is a big step down from the bridge at the trail head (not a deal-breaker in itself) and just enough spots that have bumpy tree roots to make me think it would be misleading to label this stroller friendly.
Can my toddler ride their bike on Old City Trail?
While it might not be ideal for a stroller, I would be perfectly comfortable with my toddler (and older) bringing his balance bike. A seasoned rider, I know he would walk it through any sections of roots that were too dicey for his taste, and the bulk of the trail is an even, pine needle covered path.
Beaver Brook Association’s Tupelo Trail
If you are looking to take it up a notch, Tupelo Trail is where you will gain some elevation. I have personally only been about a half mile up the trail so I can only speak to the initial hill. A gradual incline, by the time we got to what felt like the top, we were up in the tops of the trees that were growing from down below.
We strategically visited this trail on a wet day to look for tiny waterfalls coming down the hill and were not disappointed when we got to the “top.” Water was running down across the trail in a beautiful toddler-sized waterfall, feeding a small stream with a current strong enough to carry leaves and sticks through its different routes. We spent a lot of time here and I never got the chance to peek around the corner to see if the trail ahead kept going up – I assume it does! It was enough of an adventure for our crew to turn around and head back down. All Trails gave us a moving time of 1 hour but we were out in the forest for 2 hours, which I think really speaks to how engaging the area is for explorers!
A trail for Oaki suits
This is the land Oaki suits are made for! My go-to for wet hikes, the Oaki suit makes it easy and comfortable to explore without cold/wet cutting things short. No more watching from the edge of the stream and dipping fingers in – step in and be one with the stream!
I buy them a size up and get two years out of them. Except for some dirt, the suit I bought in 2019 is still going strong. Key Tip: Do not put them in the dryer!
Quick Facts: Hollis Waterfall Hike
- *Seasonal* waterfall – visit on a wet, spring day for the best falls
- Still a cool place when the waterfall is dry!
- No bathroom
- Not stroller friendly
- Old City Trail: Wide, bike friendly trail follows the edge of the water
- Tupelo Trail: More of a hike, trail goes up in elevation
- Shady location
- Wooden bench at mill site
- Parking: Dirt pull off space at trailhead fits a few cars
- Address: 163 Rocky Pond Rd, Hollis, NH
Nearby Resources
| Closest Real Bathroom | Hollis Social Library (Closed Sundays) |
| Closest Coffee | Buckley’s Market & Cafe (and a bathroom) |
| Closest Convenience Store | Hollis Village Grocery, 4 Proctor Hill Rd |
