Vermont is one of the best New England states for waterfall hikes, with short roadside cascades, peaceful forest trails, swimming holes, boardwalk routes, mountain streams, and longer hikes to dramatic falls tucked into the Green Mountains. Whether you are planning a quick waterfall stop near Stowe, a family-friendly boardwalk walk near Killington, or a longer woodland hike near Manchester, Vermont has waterfall trails for nearly every kind of hiker.
The Green Mountain Club highlights several Vermont waterfall hikes, including Gnome Stairs in Barton, Mill Trail in Stowe, Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, Thundering Falls in Killington, and Lye Brook Falls in Manchester. These trails show how varied waterfall hiking in Vermont can be: some are short and accessible, some are tucked into forest, and others require a longer hike before reaching the falls.
This guide to the best waterfall hikes in Vermont focuses on trails where moving water is the main reason to go. Some are easy scenic walks, some are classic waterfall photography spots, and others are better for hikers who want more mileage. For more Vermont trail ideas, explore our full Vermont hiking guide, our list of the 20 best hikes in Vermont, and related guides to mountain hikes, scenic view hikes, dog-friendly trails, family-friendly hikes, easy hikes, and fall foliage routes across the state.
Waterfall hikes are some of the most rewarding trails in Vermont because they combine forest scenery, moving water, shade, photography opportunities, swimming-hole atmosphere, and memorable destinations. Many waterfall hikes are especially strong in spring and early summer when snowmelt and rain feed the streams, but they can also be beautiful during fall foliage season when colorful hardwood forest surrounds the cascades.
Another reason Vermont is great for waterfall hiking is accessibility. You do not always need a major summit climb to find a scenic payoff. Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, Thundering Falls, Texas Falls, and Buttermilk Falls all offer big scenery without the commitment of a full mountain day. At the same time, longer options like Lye Brook Falls give hikers a more traditional forest-hike experience with a waterfall reward at the end.
The key is choosing the right waterfall hike for your day. Some trails are short but steep or slippery near the falls. Others are longer but more gradual. Wet rock, gorge edges, stream crossings, and informal side paths can all make waterfall hikes more dangerous than they look, so stay on marked routes and use extra caution around water.
Length: About 0.5 to 0.6 miles round trip to the falls; longer options possible
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Easy
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate near the falls
Best Season: Spring, summer, and fall
Dogs: Trail Finder lists pets as permitted on leash
Parking: Small trailhead parking area
Address: Moss Glen Falls Road / Stowe Hollow area, Stowe, VT
Moss Glen Falls in Stowe is one of the most famous waterfall hikes in Vermont and one of the easiest high-reward waterfall stops near Stowe. Go Stowe describes Moss Glen Falls as a short, scenic hike to a spectacular waterfall located only about a five-minute drive from Stowe’s historic village.
The main waterfall is reached quickly, which makes this a strong choice for families, photographers, visitors short on time, and hikers who want a scenic stop without a long climb. Trail Finder lists the hike as a 0.5-mile round trip, with packed dirt and boardwalk or bog-bridging surfaces, and notes that pets are permitted on leash.
Moss Glen Falls is best in spring, after rain, and during fall foliage season when the surrounding forest adds color to the gorge. The area near the falls can be slippery and crowded, so wear shoes with grip and avoid climbing on wet rock for a better photo angle.
Length: About 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Short but steep near the bottom
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current Smugglers’ Notch State Park rules; leash recommended
Parking: Roadside parking on Route 108; limited space
Address: Smugglers’ Notch State Park / Route 108, Stowe, VT
Bingham Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in Vermont for visitors who want a short trail, dramatic gorge scenery, and a classic Stowe-area swimming-hole atmosphere. Stowe Land Trust notes that Bingham Falls is part of Smugglers’ Notch State Park and has become one of Vermont’s most popular waterfall hikes because of its easy access, impressive geology, and photographic nature.
The hike itself is short, but the lower section is steeper and can be wet, slick, and uneven. Certain parts of the trail pass close to the gorge edge, so this is not a place to wander casually in flip-flops or let children or dogs run ahead.
Bingham Falls is best for hikers who want one of Vermont’s most scenic short waterfall trails. Visit early or outside peak summer afternoons if you want a quieter experience, because this spot is very popular in warm weather.
Length: About 4.4 to 4.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current Green Mountain National Forest rules; leash recommended
Parking: Lye Brook Falls Trailhead
Address: Manchester, VT
Lye Brook Falls Trail is one of the classic longer waterfall hikes in Vermont. The U.S. Forest Service says the blue-blazed trail enters the 18,122-acre Lye Brook Wilderness and follows Lye Brook, giving the hike a true southern Green Mountains forest feel.
This route is better for hikers who want more than a quick roadside stop. The trail moves through wooded terrain near Manchester and leads to one of the most well-known waterfalls in southern Vermont. Compared with Moss Glen Falls or Bingham Falls, Lye Brook Falls feels more like a real hike with a destination.
Lye Brook Falls is especially good in spring and after rain when flow is stronger. Because the trail is several miles round trip, bring water, snacks, traction-friendly footwear, and enough time to enjoy the falls without rushing back.
Length: Short boardwalk route
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current trail rules; leash recommended
Parking: River Road / Appalachian Trail access near Killington
Address: Killington, VT
Thundering Falls is one of the best easy waterfall hikes in Vermont because it combines a short approach, an accessible-style boardwalk, wetland scenery, and a waterfall viewpoint near the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail corridor. The Green Mountain Club includes Thundering Falls Boardwalk as an easy waterfall-view hike near Killington.
This is a strong choice for families, casual hikers, and visitors who want a scenic stop without committing to a rugged mountain trail. The boardwalk setting also makes the hike feel different from many other Vermont waterfall routes, because you pass through open wetland scenery before reaching the falls area.
Thundering Falls is best when you want a quick, scenic, low-effort waterfall hike near Killington. Stay on the boardwalk and marked path to protect the wetland habitat and keep the trail accessible for future visitors.
Length: Short-to-moderate streamside route
Elevation Gain: Easy
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current property rules; leash recommended
Parking: Stowe-area trail access
Address: Stowe, VT
Mill Trail in Stowe is a good waterfall-style hike for visitors who want a gentler woodland walk with streamside scenery, historic character, and peaceful Green Mountain atmosphere. The Green Mountain Club includes Mill Trail among its recommended Vermont hikes for a waterfall view.
This trail works well for hikers who want something quieter than Bingham Falls or Moss Glen Falls. Instead of one dramatic roadside cascade, Mill Trail is more about the experience of walking beside water, moving through forest, and enjoying a lower-key Stowe hike.
Mill Trail is best for families, casual hikers, and anyone who wants a scenic stream walk without a major climb. It also makes a useful backup if the better-known Stowe waterfalls are too crowded.
Length: Very short roadside walk
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current local rules; leash recommended
Parking: Roadside pull-off area
Address: Route 100, Granville, VT
Moss Glen Falls in Granville is one of Vermont’s easiest scenic waterfall stops and one of the best waterfall destinations along Route 100. It is different from Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, so it is worth being specific when planning your route.
The appeal here is simplicity. You can see a beautiful waterfall with very little hiking, making it a great stop during a Vermont road trip, fall foliage drive, or day exploring the Mad River Valley and central Vermont.
Granville’s Moss Glen Falls is best for travelers who want a quick scenic stop rather than a full hike. It is especially photogenic in fall, when the Route 100 corridor is lined with autumn color.
Length: Varies by route
Elevation Gain: Moderate depending on approach
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current rules; leash recommended
Parking: Jamaica State Park / West River Trail access depending on route
Address: Jamaica / Windham area, VT
Hamilton Falls is one of southern Vermont’s most powerful and serious waterfall destinations. It is beautiful, but it is also a place where safety matters. Waterfall ledges, pools, and steep rock around the falls can be dangerous, especially after rain or when visitors leave established routes.
This hike is best for people who want a more substantial waterfall outing and understand that not every scenic waterfall is safe for swimming or scrambling. The falls are impressive, but visitors should stay on official trails, avoid wet ledges, and never climb around the lip of the falls.
Hamilton Falls is a strong choice for experienced hikers exploring southern Vermont, especially when combined with nearby forest trails and Jamaica State Park area hiking.
Length: Short loop and viewing-area walk
Elevation Gain: Easy
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current Green Mountain National Forest rules; leash recommended
Parking: Texas Falls Recreation Area
Address: Green Mountain National Forest, Hancock, VT
Texas Falls is one of the best easy waterfall and gorge walks in Vermont. Located in Green Mountain National Forest near Hancock, the area features cascades, potholes, footbridges, and scenic stream-carved rock formations in a compact setting.
This is a great choice for families, road-trippers, photographers, and anyone who wants a scenic waterfall stop without a strenuous hike. The combination of moving water and rock makes it feel more dramatic than the short distance suggests.
Texas Falls is best in spring, after rain, and during fall foliage season. Stay on marked paths and bridges because polished rock near cascades can be extremely slippery.
Length: Short hike
Elevation Gain: Easy to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: Spring through fall
Dogs: Check current trail rules; leash recommended
Parking: Barton-area access
Address: Barton, VT
Gnome Stairs in Barton is one of the Vermont waterfall hikes highlighted by the Green Mountain Club, and it is a good option for hikers looking beyond the more famous Stowe and Manchester waterfall destinations.
This trail works well for readers who want a quieter waterfall-view hike in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom region. Because it is less nationally known than places like Moss Glen Falls or Bingham Falls, it can feel more local and less crowded.
Gnome Stairs is best for hikers already exploring northern Vermont or the Northeast Kingdom and looking for a shorter scenic outing with waterfall character.
Length: Short walk
Elevation Gain: Easy
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Summer and fall
Dogs: Check current local rules; leash recommended
Parking: Local parking access
Address: Ludlow, VT
Buttermilk Falls near Ludlow is one of the best easy waterfall and swimming-hole stops in southern Vermont. The short access, forested setting, and series of falls make it a popular warm-weather destination.
This is not a long hike, but it belongs on a Vermont waterfall list because it offers exactly what many readers are looking for: quick access, pretty moving water, and a classic Vermont swimming-hole feel.
Buttermilk Falls is best for a relaxed summer stop or a short scenic outing while visiting Ludlow, Okemo, or southern Vermont. Use caution around slick rock and avoid jumping or climbing where conditions are unsafe.
The best time for waterfall hikes in Vermont is usually spring through early summer or shortly after meaningful rain. Spring snowmelt and seasonal rain make waterfalls stronger, louder, and more photogenic. Fall is another excellent time because cooler weather and colorful hardwood forest make waterfall trails especially scenic.
Usually the best season for strong waterfall flow. Trails can be muddy, so avoid damaging soft routes during mud season and choose durable lower-elevation trails when needed.
Great for swimming-hole atmosphere at places like Bingham Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and some Stowe-area waterfalls, but expect more crowds and lower water during dry periods.
One of the most photogenic times for Vermont waterfall hikes because the cascades are surrounded by red, orange, and yellow foliage.
Some waterfalls become beautiful ice formations in winter, but icy trails, frozen rock, and limited access can make conditions more serious. Use winter traction and check local access before going.
Waterfall hikes often look simple, but wet rock, gorge edges, slick roots, and social trails can make them riskier than standard forest walks. A little caution makes the day much better.
Many waterfall injuries happen when people leave official trails for photos, swimming holes, or better views. Use marked routes, boardwalks, bridges, and established viewpoints whenever possible.
Wet ledges near Moss Glen Falls, Bingham Falls, Hamilton Falls, Texas Falls, and Buttermilk Falls can be slick even when the rest of the trail feels dry. Avoid climbing near the lip of waterfalls.
Waterfall trails often include mud, roots, stairs, ledges, and damp rock. Good traction matters even on short hikes.
Waterfalls are often most impressive after rain, but that is also when trails and rocks are slickest. Enjoy higher water from safe viewpoints.
For the most famous Stowe waterfall, choose Moss Glen Falls. For a gorge and swimming-hole feel, choose Bingham Falls. For a longer forest hike, choose Lye Brook Falls. For an easy boardwalk, choose Thundering Falls. For a quick Route 100 stop, choose Moss Glen Falls in Granville.
Waterfall hikes are only one way to explore Vermont. Browse our full Vermont Hiking Trails guide for mountain hikes, easy trails, dog-friendly routes, scenic overlooks, family-friendly outdoor adventures, lake hikes, and fall foliage routes across the Green Mountain State. You can also explore our full list of the 20 best hikes in Vermont for broader trail ideas beyond waterfalls.
Moss Glen Falls in Stowe is one of the best overall waterfall hikes in Vermont because it is short, scenic, and easy to reach. Lye Brook Falls is one of the best choices for hikers who want a longer forest route, while Bingham Falls is one of the best short waterfall hikes near Stowe.
Thundering Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Vermont because it uses a short boardwalk route near Killington. Moss Glen Falls in Stowe and Texas Falls are also strong easy waterfall options.
Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls are the two best waterfall hikes near Stowe. Moss Glen Falls is best for a short scenic waterfall stop, while Bingham Falls is better for gorge scenery and a swimming-hole atmosphere.
Lye Brook Falls near Manchester is one of the best longer waterfall hikes in Vermont. The route follows a blue-blazed trail into the Lye Brook Wilderness and offers a more traditional forest-hiking experience.
Spring and the days after rain usually bring the strongest waterfall flow. Fall is also excellent because cooler weather and foliage make Vermont waterfall hikes especially scenic.
Many are, including Thundering Falls, Texas Falls, Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, and Moss Glen Falls in Granville. Families should still watch children closely near water, ledges, boardwalks, and slippery rock.
The best waterfall hikes in Vermont show how much scenic variety the Green Mountain State offers beyond its famous summit trails. From Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls near Stowe to Lye Brook Falls near Manchester, Thundering Falls near Killington, Texas Falls in Green Mountain National Forest, and smaller scenic stops like Buttermilk Falls and Gnome Stairs, Vermont has waterfall hikes for nearly every type of outing.
Whether you want a short scenic stop, a family-friendly boardwalk, a swimming-hole hike, a fall foliage waterfall, or a longer forest route, Vermont has a waterfall trail that fits. For more trail ideas across the state, explore our Vermont hiking guide and our full list of the 20 best hikes in Vermont.
Vermont waterfall conditions can change quickly with rain, snowmelt, mud season, road access, and trail closures. Before heading out, check official trail resources, especially for Green Mountain National Forest routes, state park areas, and popular swimming-hole destinations.
For official planning, visit the Green Mountain Club waterfall hike recommendations, the U.S. Forest Service Lye Brook Falls Trail page, Trail Finder, and the Vermont Forests, Parks & Recreation trail information.
Use those resources alongside this guide to confirm trail conditions, dog rules, mud-season guidance, parking access, closures, and current waterfall safety information.
Looking for more Vermont hiking ideas beyond waterfall trails? Explore mountain hikes, scenic viewpoints, dog-friendly trails, easy walks, family-friendly routes, fall foliage hikes, lake hikes, and the best statewide hiking destinations across Vermont.
Start with our main Vermont hiking guide, then continue with our complete list of the 20 best hikes in Vermont. You can also explore related guides to scenic view hikes, mountain hikes, dog-friendly hikes, easy trails, family-friendly hikes, and fall foliage routes in Vermont.
Vermont has excellent waterfall hikes, but every New England state offers a different kind of waterfall experience, from White Mountain cascades in New Hampshire to Berkshire falls in Massachusetts, rocky gorges in Connecticut, and dramatic forest waterfalls in Maine.
Continue exploring our New England waterfall hiking guides for more waterfall trails across Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and beyond.
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