Vermont is full of beautiful waterfalls nestled in the woods. Many of these falls are easy to access with just a short hike. If you’re looking for some popular and spectacular waterfalls to see on your next RV trip, be sure to stop by some of the falls on this list!
Waterfalls in Vermont
1. Moss Glen Falls Granville
2. Moss Glen Falls near Stowe
3. Texas Falls
4. Lye Brook Falls
5. Warren Falls
6. Bingham Falls
7. Hamilton Falls
8. Bolton Potholes
9. Bartlett Falls
10. Thundering Brook Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in Vermont
Read on for 10 of our favorite waterfalls to visit in Vermont.
1. Moss Glen Falls Granville
There are two Moss Glen Falls in Vermont and the first is near Granville. You don’t need to hike very far to see this waterfall, simply walk the short path from the parking area to the wooden viewing platform. It’s right off of Rt 100 and is very easy to access. Depending on the time of year and how much rain has happened, the 35-foot waterfall can range from a horsetail to a robust cascade.
Things to do near Moss Glen Falls Granville: Another waterfall on our list, Warren Fall, is located just 6 miles up Rt 100. Vermont’s state capital, Montpelier, is 32 miles from the falls.
2. Moss Glen Falls near Stowe
The second Moss Glen Falls is near the town of Stowe, Vermont. This waterfall is taller than the previous one at 125 feet and can be found down a short but very scenic hiking trail. The Moss Glen Falls Trail is a 5 mile out and back trail through the woods that passes the waterfall. But if you’re just looking to see the falls, you only need to walk a quarter mile from the trailhead, making it a half mile there and back hike. There’s a bit of climbing over steep rocks at the end to overlook the falls, but the view is gorgeous.
Things to do near Moss Glen Falls near Stowe: You’re just a few minutes from the historic town of Stowe. Mount Mansfield and Mount Mansfield State Forest are also nearby with hiking trails and views.
3. Texas Falls
Located in the Green Mountain National Forest in Hancock, Texas Falls is another waterfall that is easy to see after a short hike. The one mile loop trail takes you to a boardwalk trail and a bridge that spans the brook which will give you the best views of the falls. It’s a fairly easy hike to the falls that is great for kids and is even dog friendly as long as your dog is on a leash.
Things to do near Texas Falls: There’s a picnic area in the park just a few minutes from the falls if you’d like to enjoy lunch. Looking to explore more of Vermont? Montpelier is 43 miles to the northeast and Burlington and Lake Champlain is 52 miles to the northwest.
4. Lye Brook Falls
Lye Brook Falls is a steep horsetail waterfall in the Green Mountain National Forest. This gorgeous waterfall has approximately a 125-foot drop over a series of mini steps of rock. The amount of water on these falls varies depending on the time of year and how much rain has recently fallen, but it’s one of the highest waterfalls in Vermont. To see the falls you’ll have to explore a 4.6 mile round trip hike through the woods. It’s a moderate trail that’s dog friendly but pups must be kept on a leash.
Things to do near Lye Brook Falls: Lye Brook Falls is right outside Manchester, Vermont. Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is only a few miles away for a beautiful drive to the summit of the tallest peak in the Taconic Mountain Range.
5. Warren Falls
A favorite natural swimming hole, Warren Falls is more than just a waterfall. Situated in the Mad River Valley, this waterfall has several pools that are perfect for cooling off in the summer. The waterfall is a series of small plunges with beautiful blue green pools in between the drops. It’s a popular place for both swimming and cliff jumping, but there are also several overlook spots if you’d rather view the falls than swim in them. The waterfall is easily accessible a few hundred feet from the parking lot.
Things to do near Warren Falls: This waterfall is located outside of Warren, VT on Route 100. Nearby is the town of Warren and the historic covered bridge. Montpelier is also only 26 miles away.
6. Bingham Falls
Like many of the waterfalls on this list, Bingham Falls is a tiered waterfall that is also easy to access. Located off of State Route 108, this waterfall can be reached by a short trail. There are parking areas on either side of the road, and a short half mile trail leads you down to the falls. It’s another popular place for swimming, as the 25-foot waterfall has a series of refreshing pools. If you decide to swim, be cautious of the strong current and slippery rocks.
Things to do near Bingham Falls: Bingham Falls is located in Mt. Mansfield State Forest, a 72-acre forested preserve with plenty for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. The town of Stowe with shopping and dining is also nearby. And Moss Glen Falls near Stowe is a few miles away if you want to visit another waterfall.
7. Hamilton Falls
Located near the tiny town of Jamaica in Hamilton Falls Natural Area, Hamilton Falls is a 125-foot drop waterfall down a series of large steep rocks. Part of Cobb Brook, this waterfall can be accessed via Jamaica State Park by following a 3-mile one way trail. While the waterfall creates several pools, swimming here is not recommended and is very dangerous. If you’re looking to cool off in the water, there are great natural swimming holes elsewhere in the state park.
Things to do near Hamilton Falls: Visit the rest of Jamaica State Park to explore the fantastic hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Swim at Salmon Hole, cast a line for fish in the West River, and hike or mountain bike through the trails. There’s even camping in the park so you can stay a few days.
8. Bolton Potholes
There are several waterfalls that make great swimming holes in Vermont, and Bolton Potholes is one of them. Situated in the town of Bolton, this waterfall is a series of three drops into pools of emerald water. There’s a small parking area near Route 2, and a quick 0.2 mile walk will take you to the falls. There are pools to swim in, rocks to sunbathe on, and a shallow pool at the bottom to splash in. It’s a popular place to swim, but there are no facilities or trash cans, so remember to pack out everything you bring in.
Things to do near Bolton Potholes: There are plenty of activities nearby for outdoor enthusiasts. Camel’s Hump State Park is close for hiking, as well as Little River State Park. Historic Waterbury is also just down the road if you’re looking for shopping and dining.
9. Bartlett Falls
Also known as Bristol Falls, Bartlett Falls is nestled on the New Haven River and is another popular waterfall and swimming spot. Parking for this waterfall is located off River Road, about two miles from the town of Bristol, and it’s a quick walk from the parking area to the falls. The falls have a 14-foot drop that plunges into a large pool of varying depths. There are deep and shallow spots, making it a great swimming hole for the whole family.
Things to do near Bartlett Falls: These waterfalls are close to Mt Ellen, the third tallest mountain in Vermont with great hiking trails. You’re also only 30 miles from Burlington and Lake Champlain and 38 miles from Montpelier.
10. Thundering Brook Falls
The last waterfall on our list is said to be the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. Thundering Brook Falls is located along the Appalachian Trail and can be reached by a short walk along a wooden boardwalk to a viewing platform for great views of the falls. With a 140-foot cascade, these falls are an impressive sight! There’s a small parking area where the boardwalk begins, and a short trek through the marsh is the perfect opportunity to watch for birds and wildlife. The Appalachian Trail continues past the falls if you’re looking to hike a bit of this famous trail.
Things to do near Thundering Brook Falls: This waterfall is located in Killington, Vermont near Kent Pond and Gifford Woods State Park. And if you happen to visit in winter, not only does this waterfall look spectacular, but Killington Peak is just down the road with excellent skiing opportunities.
Planning an RV Trip to Vermont
An RV trip is an excellent way to see the amazing waterfalls in Vermont, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation. And remember, when hiking to any of these falls be sure leave no trace and pack out everything that you bring in so we can keep the natural areas pristine.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Vermont, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
