Bellows Falls Indian Petroglyphs - Bellows Falls, Vermont

Nicholas W.

The climb down and back up the rocks can be challenging, if you're not used to it. But it's so worth the climb down to see the Petroglyphs! They are amazing, there is a feeling or energy around it. I've been told the Native Americans cursed Bellows Falls for diverting the river and making the canals. I don't know who or what or when, but they are pretty amazing and so worth the trip. I'm from Western MA and I just took Rt. 5 all the way there, it was a beautiful ride! Highly recommend this Historical Head Scratcher.

János S.

Tricky to find... go to old Bridge on Vermont side. Park. Walk down gravel road to your right. Path on the left kind of hidden... once there... tricky to locate.

Haley S.

Rating: 1 star — but with good reason.

This isn't a tourist destination—it's an undeveloped area, and it should stay that way. It’s not designed for sightseeing, and reaching it requires a steep, slippery descent (the water from the river sprays up and coats the granite in a mist creating very slippery conditions). The slick rock poses significant risk, especially so close to the rushing Connecticut River.

I’m rating it low to help discourage more traffic. This is an ancient Indigenous cultural site that deserves protection and respect—not more attention.

Shannon T.

The petroglyphs themselves were really amazing to see. An incredible opportunity to see indigenous history. Unfortunately, the area is littered with dangerous debris and trash, which is such a shame. To get a closer look at the petroglyphs, you have to contend with biohazard waste. Use extreme caution if you choose to proceed, although I believe it is not recommended. I gave this 5 stars for the petroglyphs, but would have rated it 2 stars for the area. It could be stunning if it was cleaned up. Fingers crossed that it receives the overhaul it needs so it can reflect the honor and respect it deserves.

Alexa

Warning! Please be careful trying to reach the petroglyphs at bellows falls, there is a path you can go down to reach the petroglyphs but it is very slippery, steep, and dangerous(especially if river level is high). You can see them fairly clearly from the cliff edge like you can see from my pictures, just try to stay behind the wire barrier on the cliff edge to view them since cliff is also steep.

Mark A.

Not easy to get to if you don’t like scrambling on smooth steep rocks. Not sure if these are real or unaltered, but very cool. Right next to some serious raging river, unusually high for this time of year. Nice spot.

Matthew B. F.

So cool to see these ancient petroglyphs.

Thomas P.

Leider sind die Petroglyphen nur unter realer Gefahr für Leib und Leben zu betrachten. Als wir vor Ort waren, waren sie sogar unter Wasser. Zudem warnt ein Schild davor, dass jederzeit durch eine Schleuse der Wasserpegel steigen kann. Wer hier vom Wasser erwischt wird, dem geht es nicht mehr gut...