Sterling Gorge Falls
Conditions
Swim: may occur informally in pockets you judge safe. Risk level: moderate (unguarded open water). Weather and river trend lines for planning—live NWS and USGS merge when available, on top of manual editorial sections.
On this page
Snapshot
Quick read for weather, water, trail, and season.
Weather and river readings may show recent public-service data; other fields stay from the guide for this place.
Weather
Partly Cloudy, 28°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Apr 6, 10:28 PM.
Rain read
Rain chance in the next several hours may reach about 57% in that outlook.
Compare with the forecast you use for travel.
River flow
2690 cfs
LAMOILLE RIVER AT JEFFERSONVILLE, VT · updated Apr 6, 9:15 PM · USGS
Clarity
Storm-dependent
Heavy rain adds color and debris in mountain streams.
Crowd & parking
Busy on fair weekends
Trailhead parking fills; arrive early or carpool.
Mud index
Moderate after rain
Gorge tread stays rocky; spray keeps stone slick.
Nature pulse
Typical northern hardwood gorge
Songbirds and moving water dominate the soundscape.
Timing
Morning calmer
Afternoons bring more hikers in peak season.
Mosquitoes
Seasonal bump
Moving air helps; repellent smart in June.
Ticks
Check after hiking
Stay on trail; tuck socks.
Daily pulse
Moderate-risk water if you wade or swim
Cold gorge water, slick ledges, and changing flow mean you should read the live river trend and forecast, then still decide on site. No lifeguards; children need close supervision.
Air & rain
| Time | Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 PM | 28°F | 7% chance |
| 10:00 PM | 28°F | 7% chance |
| 11:00 PM | 27°F | 7% chance |
| 12:00 AM | 26°F | 8% chance |
| 1:00 AM | 25°F | 10% chance |
| 2:00 AM | 24°F | 12% chance |
| 3:00 AM | 24°F | 15% chance |
| 4:00 AM | 24°F | 19% chance |
| 5:00 AM | 23°F | 22% chance |
| 6:00 AM | 22°F | 36% chance |
| 7:00 AM | 23°F | 50% chance |
| 8:00 AM | 24°F | 57% chance |
Tonight
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Snow Showers
~22°F
Tuesday
Snow Showers Likely
~28°F
Tuesday Night
Mostly Clear
~15°F
Wednesday
Sunny
~39°F
Wednesday Night
Mostly Clear
~28°F
Regional radar + NWS when live merge succeeds. Live forecast: National Weather Service.
Water
Gauge context
USGS 04292201 (discharge)
Gauge is on the Lamoille River downstream of Brewster River; use for regional flow trends, not exact swimming conditions.
Flow feel
2690 cfs
LAMOILLE RIVER AT JEFFERSONVILLE, VT · USGS · updated Apr 6, 9:15 PM
Clarity
Storm-dependent
High water can push color and debris.
People
Parking
Trailhead pressure
Small lot—carpool when you can.
Trail
Short but real
Roots and stone; crowding at overlooks.
At the water
Moderate swim risk
Cold water, slick rock, uneven depth—enter only if skilled and cautious.
Trail
Mud index
Low to moderate
Wet stone dominates hazard more than mud.
Rest between steep bits; turn back if ice or high water appears.
Rock, roots, and spray-slick ledges near the gorge.
Closed-toe shoes with grip.
Nature
Gorge context
Spray and cold pools
Respect closures for wildlife or maintenance when posted.
- Songbirds
- Common forest mammals
Timing
Earlier is quieter
Weekends add people at the rim.
Not a wildlife guarantee—observe from a distance.
Bugs
Bug watch
Seasonal
Ticks and mosquitoes follow Vermont’s usual curve.
Mosquitoes
Evening bump possible
Breeze off moving water helps.
Ticks
Present
Check after the hike.
Sun
UV
Variable by season
Tree cover helps; glare off water still reaches skin.
Midday sun
High arc in summer
Gorge shade shifts through the day.
Height feel
Strong mid-season
Spring and fall angles are lower.
Peak window
Roughly 11 a.m.–3 p.m. mid-summer
Planning hint only.