Top 12 Waterfalls in Vermont

Vermont's waterfalls are characterized by the state's mountainous terrain and numerous rivers, often featuring diverse geological formations. You'll find everything from multi-tiered cascades like Moss Glen Falls (Stowe) and Bingham Falls, to fan-type waterfalls such as Moss Glen Falls (Granville), and plunges through narrow gorges like Texas Falls. Many are nestled within the Green Mountain National Forest, offering picturesque natural settings.

Yes, Thundering Brook Falls in Killington is notable for having the first universally accessible portion of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. It features a 900-foot boardwalk leading to a viewing platform, making it an excellent choice for visitors with mobility issues or families. Peter Gilman Waterfall is also listed as wheelchair accessible.

Several waterfalls in Vermont are great for families. Sterling Gorge Falls offers a short interpretive trail with signs about local history and geology, and its pools are suitable for swimming. Moss Glen Falls (Stowe) has a relatively easy, scenic hike. Texas Falls features a short, easy nature trail and a riverside picnic area. Thundering Brook Falls is also very family-friendly due to its accessible boardwalk.

Yes, some waterfalls offer swimming opportunities. Sterling Gorge Falls has pools perfect for cooling off. Hamilton Falls features a pool under the waterfall ideal for swimming. Warren Falls is famous for its emerald-colored swimming holes and is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, though caution is advised. Bingham Falls is also a popular swimming hole in summer, but be aware of strong currents and slippery rocks.

Vermont offers a variety of waterfall trails. The hike to Moss Glen Falls (Stowe) is a relatively easy quarter-mile. Bingham Falls is accessible via a short 0.25 to 0.5-mile hike, though it can be steep and slippery. Lye Brook Falls involves a moderate 4.6-mile round trip. Texas Falls has a 1.2-mile loop nature trail. For a longer hike, consider the Waterfall hikes in Vermont guide, which includes routes like the Mill Trail.

The best time depends on your preference. Spring, during snowmelt, offers the most impressive water flow, making waterfalls like Lye Brook Falls and Warren Falls particularly gushing. Summer is ideal for swimming at spots like Sterling Gorge Falls or Warren Falls. Fall provides stunning backdrops of foliage, enhancing the scenic beauty of many falls, including Moss Glen Falls (Stowe). Some waterfalls, like Moss Glen Falls (Granville), are easily accessible year-round.

Many trails in Vermont are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific regulations for each location. For example, the moderate 4.6-mile round trip hike to Lye Brook Falls is known to be dog-friendly. Always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Vermont's waterfalls showcase diverse geological formations. You can observe multi-tiered cascades at Moss Glen Falls (Stowe) and Bingham Falls, which carves a rocky gorge. Texas Falls is known for its series of plunges flowing through a narrow, steep gorge characterized by glacial potholes. The area around Texas Falls is also part of the Green Mountain Anticlinorium, offering interesting geological insights.

Absolutely. Moss Glen Falls (Granville) is often considered the most photographed waterfall in the state, with a boardwalk for easy viewing. Moss Glen Falls (Stowe) also offers both lower viewpoints and an uphill path for different perspectives. Thundering Brook Falls provides a dedicated viewing platform. Additionally, the View of Winooski River and Falls offers a pleasant urban waterfall vista.

Beyond waterfall viewing and hiking, Vermont offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore mountain biking trails, with options like the Fox Run loop or Darling Hill trails, detailed in the MTB Trails in Vermont guide. Road cycling enthusiasts can enjoy routes such as the Champlain Bikeway or the Winooski River and Champlain Bikeway Loop, found in the Road Cycling Routes in Vermont guide.

Yes, Moss Glen Falls in Granville is a beautiful fan-type waterfall situated roadside on Vermont's scenic Route 100. It's easily accessible with a short boardwalk for viewing, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Texas Falls also offers easy viewing from a footbridge and several other areas along the river, with a short nature trail nearby.

Bingham Falls, part of Smugglers' Notch State Park, is a popular 40-foot waterfall known for its impressive geology and photographic opportunities. The hike is short (0.25 to 0.5 miles) but can be steep and slippery, so wear sturdy footwear. It's a popular spot for swimming in summer, but be cautious of strong currents and slippery rocks. The water often has a beautiful teal color.

While not explicitly detailed for all, the trail to Lye Brook Falls follows old logging railroad grades, and remnants of past industries can still be found, hinting at the area's history. Middlebury Falls is also listed as a historical site, suggesting a past connection to the town's development.