Top 10 Waterfalls in Vermont
If you want the strongest all-around Vermont waterfall trips, start here. These picks balance scenery, access, and what makes a stop feel worth the drive.
Use the list to compare stops, then open the full guide for parking, walk time, seasonal flow, and swim context where it applies. Looking for places to swim too? See Vermont swimming holes for freshwater spots with published swim access details.
Rank 1: 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 2: Bingham Falls
A popular short-hike waterfall near Stowe with a dramatic gorge and slick rock (Stowe, Vermont).
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 15-25 min
Rank 3: Lye Brook Falls
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Tall seasonal cascade reached by a moderate Manchester forest hike — flow drops sharply by mid-summer.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- About an hour to the falls for most hikers, and roughly the same back
Rank 4: Warren Falls
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
Rank 5: Thundering Brook Falls
Viewing only, not a swim stop
An easy accessible boardwalk walk in Killington to a dramatic waterfall viewing platform (Killington, Vermont).
- 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 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: Falls of Lana
A short walk near Lake Dunmore to a layered Sucker Brook cascade and classic Vermont waterfall view.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10-20 min
Rank 8: Hamilton Falls
Vermont waterfall. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 9: 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 10: Bartlett Falls
A classic roadside Bristol waterfall and swimming hole with deep water, jump culture, and big summer crowds (Bristol, Vermont).
- Walk
- 1-3 min
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