Vermont is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and its waterfalls are no exception. From gentle streams to roaring cascades, each spot on this list offers up an enchanting retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read on to learn about the most beautiful waterfalls in Vermont!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the waterfalls?
It depends on what kind of experience you are hoping for! The spring is great because the waterfalls are full, the summer is great because you can go swimming at some of them, and the autumn is great because of the foliage. I personally love frozen waterfalls and thus will even visit them in the winter!
Can you go swimming at the waterfalls?
Some of them! I think the best swimming holes on this list are Bartlett Falls and Warren Falls.
Can you go hiking at the waterfalls?
Again, some of them! I think the best hiking spots on this list are Lye Brook Falls and Hamilton Falls.
Big Falls
Big Falls in Troy, VT is truly a force of nature. It sits near the Canadian border and is the largest undammed waterfall in Vermont.
The power of the water is breathtaking, and you can listen to it rushing and roaring through the narrow parts of the rocky gorge. It ends with a stunning 40-foot drop of churning white water that vanishes into the pool below.
Access to swimming is tricky here, so you will just have to settle for the amazing views. You can also go fishing or bird watching instead.
Big Falls is a bit of a drive but then only a short walk from the parking area.
Location: Big Falls State Park in Troy, VT
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Water source: Missisquoi River
Bingham Falls
Bingham Falls in Stowe, VT is a secluded gem and one of the best waterfalls in Vermont.
Tucked away in a rocky gorge, it features a single magnificent 25-foot drop that cascades into a deep pool of teal water.
The cool mist is refreshing, and the setting is incredibly picturesque. If you like photography, then make sure to bring a camera.
You can also swim here but exercise caution; the currents are strong and the water is freezing.
Bingham Falls is accessible for most people because the 0.5-mile hike is relatively easy. The area is popular in the summer, so get here early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Location: Mount Mansfield State Forest in Stowe, VT
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Water source: West branch of the Waterbury River
Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, VT is a testament to nature. It lies in the heart of the Green Mountains and is the tallest waterfall in Vermont.
The 125-foot drop has multiple tiers, including a plunge (the water loses contact with the rock), a horsetail (the water keeps contact with the rock), and a fan (the water starts narrow but spreads horizontally).
The pool below is not deep enough for swimming, but you can wade in it.
You can get to Moss Glen Falls after a short 0.2-mile hike that is mostly boardwalk, and there are often signs of beaver activity on the way!
Location: C.C. Putnam State Forest in Stowe, VT
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Water source: Moss Glen Brook
Bartlett Falls
Bartlett Falls in Bristol, VT is a must for those who love to swim and definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vermont.
The 15-foot drop is wide and flows over slabs of layered rock, creating a spacious recess behind it. This phenomenon is rather rare, and you can actually swim into it.
The water is a lovely greenish yellow, and the swimming hole is huge at 120 feet long and 40 feet wide.
It has a variety of depths and sandy areas on shore where you can lay out in the sun, picnic, or fish. We visited in the spring and even saw whitewater kayakers go over the drop!
Bartlett Falls is easily accessible, and crowds flock here in the summer.
Location: Bristol, VT
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Water source: New Haven River
Warren Falls
Warren Falls in Warren, VT is another must for those who love to swim. The water rushes over smooth rock formations and ends with a 20-foot drop into a gorgeous swimming hole.
A dip here is the very definition of refreshing, and you can go cliff jumping from heights like 10, 15, or 20 feet.
We stayed dry instead and just admired the striking gray boulders and clear emerald water.
Warren Falls is a short walk from the parking lot, but you also can hike a mile-long loop past it. The area is especially popular on weekends, so the earlier you arrive the better.
Location: Green Mountain National Forest in Warren, VT
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Water source: Mad River
Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Fall in Granville, VT is an absolute treasure and one of the best waterfalls in Vermont.
Thin streams of water pour over a rock face in a 25-foot drop and dissolve into a teal pool.
Unfortunately, the water is not deep enough here for swimming, but the incredible views more than make up for that.
Moss Glen Falls is located on scenic Route 100 and is even visible from the highway, though we used a short boardwalk for a closer look. If you are hiking averse, then this is the spot for you.
In the spring, a bonus cascade named Little Moss Glen Falls can emerge too, offering up a second photogenic spot.
Location: Granville Gulf Reservation in Granville, VT
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Water source: Deer Hollow Brook
Falls of Lana
Falls of Lana in Salisbury, VT is quite a sight to behold, tucked away in the serene depths of the formidable Green Mountains.
There are three cascades with a 100-foot drop, and the water winds through the gorge before ending with a deep swimming hole.
The hike here is less than a mile and filled with the sound of rushing water. You will also be surrounded by trees whose dense foliage is lush in the summer and bursting with colors in the autumn.
The Falls of Lana are popular, so expect others to be there if you go at peak times.
Location: Moosalamoo National Recreation Area in Salisbury, VT
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Water source: Sucker Brook
Texas Falls
Texas Falls in Hancock, VT is truly a wonder and definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vermont (you can often find it on postcards from the state)!
It began to form at the close of the ice age, and the nicest view is actually from a bridge over a pothole created by glacial melting.
The 35-foot drop has multiple tiers, including cascades and a punchbowl (where the water is forced through a narrow route and ends with a pool).
The pool in this case is full of inviting greenish-blue water that is unfortunately closed for swimming due to previous injuries.
Texas Falls is easily accessible with a very short hike, but we did a further 1.2-mile loop to hike more.
Location: Green Mountain National Forest in Hancock, VT
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Water source: Texas Brook
Lye Brook Falls
Lye Brook Falls in Manchester, VT is unique and captivating. It makes an appearance seasonally, and we visited in the spring when it was gushing with snowmelt from the mountains (it becomes a trickle in the summer).
The 125-foot drop is steep and flows over layers of mini-steps in the rock, creating a dazzling spectacle.
The shallows at the bottom are not suitable for swimming, but lovely all the same.
Lye Brook Falls is reached by a moderate 2.2-mile hike with about 750 feet in elevation. You take a path that is both shaded and dog friendly.
Location: Green Mountain National Forest in Manchester, VT
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Water source: Lye Brook
Hamilton Falls
Hamilton Falls in Jamaica, VT is a magical place and one of the best waterfalls in Vermont.
The 125-foot drop slides over rock that is sloped at a much lower angle than others on this list, and you can watch the water cut through deep slices in the gorge that have formed over many, many years.
Wading is only possible at the base (people have died swimming at the top), and you should be extremely cautious if climbing.
Hamilton Falls can now only be accessed with a 3-mile hike through Jamaica State Park, but the area is also great for other types of recreation.
You can make a day of it and go picnicking or stay even longer and go camping.
Location: Hamilton Falls Natural Area in Jamaica, VT
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Water source: Cobb Brook
Plan Your Trip
You can visit multiple waterfalls in Vermont on the same day or over a weekend. I organized a few trips below to help you plan!
- Northern Vermont: Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls are only 20 minutes away from each other. You can see them both in one day.
- Central Vermont: Bartlett Falls, Warren Falls, Moss Glen Falls, and Texas Falls are all close to each other. You can see them over a weekend.
- Southern Vermont: Lye Brook Falls and Hamilton Falls are 40 minutes away from each other but require a fair amount of hiking. You can see them over a weekend.