Best Roadside Waterfalls in Vermont
These Vermont waterfalls are good picks when you want scenery without committing to a long hike.
Use the list for quick detours and easy add-ons, then open each guide for parking, trail notes, and on-site conditions. “Roadside” is about access, not a promise that swimming is appropriate.
Rank 1: Thundering Brook Falls — Killington area
Viewing only, not a swim stop
An easy accessible boardwalk walk in Killington to a dramatic waterfall viewing platform.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- Thirty to forty-five minutes round-trip on the accessible boardwalk loop to the viewing platform
Rank 2: Texas Falls — Hancock
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Forest cascade. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- Thirty to fifty minutes round-trip on the Texas Falls Nature Trail, or five minutes to the falls viewpoint from the lot
Rank 3: Big Falls — Troy
A short walk in North Troy to a high-volume Missisquoi River waterfall and gorge overlook (North Troy, Vermont).
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 3-10 min
Rank 4: Bartlett Falls — Bristol
A classic roadside Bristol waterfall and swimming hole with deep water, jump culture, and big summer crowds.
- Walk
- 1-3 min
Rank 5: Bristol Memorial Park Falls — Bristol
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Forest cascade. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 2-5 min
Rank 6: Buttermilk Falls — Ludlow
Tiered Falls Brook cascade with cold pools and granite ledges, a short woods walk from the road.
- Can you swim?
- Swim allowed in season. Check posted rules
- Walk
- 10-20 min
Rank 7: Moss Glen Falls — Granville
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Moss Glen Falls in Granville Gulf is the roadside-friendly waterfall that many Route 100 drivers stop for, with a short…
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- Five to ten minutes round-trip from the roadside lot along the boardwalk to the viewing area
Rank 8: Moss Glen Falls — Stowe
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Moss Glen Falls in Stowe is one of the quickest big-payoff waterfall walks in Vermont, with a short trail, a wide multi-tier…
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- About twenty minutes round-trip from the lot to the falls overlook
Rank 9: Middlebury Falls — Middlebury
Vermont waterfall near Middlebury. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 10: Warren Falls — Warren
Stacked Mad River pools and ledges off VT 100 — popular jump spot when flow is settled.
- Can you swim?
- Swim allowed in season. Check posted rules
- Walk
- Fifteen to twenty minutes from the VT 100 lot on a steep bank path to the stacked pools and falls
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