8 Wonderful Waterfall Hikes in Vermont (With Waterfall Map)

Looking for waterfall hikes in Vermont?

Searching for one of Vermont’s great waterfall hikes can be a difficult task.

Resources like AllTrails list lots of very short waterfall trails that only take a few minutes to complete. The “waterfall” filter also includes any trails that pass seasonal or unnamed falls, which aren’t very useful results.

I put together this list of waterfall hikes in Vermont so you don’t have to wade through dozens of unhelpful listings in order to find a hike.

All of the hikes on the list are at least a mile roundtrip or include options to extend your hike if the trail to the waterfall is shorter than that.

Ready to choose a trail? Here are 8 wonderful waterfall hikes in Vermont

Map of Waterfall Hikes in Vermont

Here is a map indicating where each of the waterfall hikes begins for a visual reference of where each trail is located in the state.

List of Waterfall Hikes in Vermont

1. Thundering Brook Falls

Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip (with option to extend)
Elevation gain: 32 feet

Thundering Brook Falls is in the northern section of Green Mountain National Forest near Killington, VT.

This 80-foot waterfall is a spectacular sight for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy.

The trail to reach Thundering Brook Falls makes for one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Vermont since the path is short and nearly flat.

Hikers who prefer more difficult trails should note that Thundering Brook Falls is located off of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. Therefore, anyone who wants to put in some extra miles can pop over to the waterfall before continuing on the Appalachian Trail for as long as desired.

The section of the Appalachian Trail that leads to Thundering Brook Falls begins as a wooden boardwalk.

Eventually the trail comes to a fork with signs indicating AT North, AT South, and a turn off to the right. Turn right and follow the blue blazes to detour off of the Appalachian Trail and reach the waterfall.

The trail ends at an observation deck where this beautiful waterfall can be enjoyed at a great vantage point. Choose your own adventure after admiring the falls: return to your vehicle or continue on the Appalachian Trail for a longer hike.

2. Moss Glen Falls (near Stowe)

Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip (with option to extend)
Elevation gain: 100 feet

There are two waterfalls in Vermont named Moss Glen Falls.

One of the Moss Glen Falls is near Granville, VT. This waterfall only requires walking for a tenth of a mile.

The other Moss Glen Falls allows for more hiking and is a bigger waterfall. In fact, this Moss Glen Falls is the tallest waterfall in Vermont!

The Moss Glen Falls that makes for a better waterfall hike is near Stowe, VT in C.C. Putnam State Forest.

This trail starts out level but increases in steepness towards the waterfall.

The trail eventually comes to a fork and it’s recommended that hikers go to the left at this point. This direction is steeper and has lots of roots but it leads to an excellent viewpoint of this tall waterfall. Furthermore, the path to the right is less safe and requires hikers to get wet since it follows the river to the base of the falls.

The trail does connect with the VAST 100 trail beyond Moss Glen Falls, but know that the waterfall really is the highlight of the trail.

The rest of the trail follows an old road and doesn’t have a viewpoint at the end. Just know that the VAST 100 trail is there if you’re eager to add on some mileage to the hike.

3. Bingham Falls

Distance: 0.5 or 1.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 150 feet

Bingham Falls is a popular waterfall near Stowe, VT. It’s located in Smuggler’s Notch State Park.

This short but pretty waterfall ends in a beautiful blue pool of water that attracts hikers of all skill levels.

There are two trails that lead to Bingham Falls.

The short and steep Bingham Falls Trail is a quick way to head down to the waterfall. Reserve some energy to climb back up the hill on the way out!

Alternatively, the Mill Trail offers a longer route to Bingham Falls with a more gentle incline.

Either route makes for a short and sweet waterfall hike.

4. Abbey Pond Cascades

Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip (with option to extend)
Elevation gain: 220 feet

The trail to Abbey Pond Cascades is not typically considered a “waterfall hike” since the waterfall is seen early on in the hike. However, hikers who want to see one of Vermont’s decently large waterfalls while taking a longer hike should consider this trail.

Abbey Pond Cascades is found along the Abbey Pond Trail. This trail is near Middlebury, VT in Green Mountain National Forest.

This waterfall is split into upper and lower falls with a total drop of about 80 feet.

The full Abbey Pond Trail is 4.3 miles roundtrip with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Hikers who continue on past Abbey Pond Cascades will be treated to views of a lovely pond surrounded by the rolling hills of the Green Mountains.

With two pretty water features and a few miles of moderate hiking, the Abbey Pond Trail should be considered by anyone looking for a solid day hike with a waterfall.

5. Texas Falls

Distance: 1 mile loop
Elevation gain: 200 feet

Texas Falls is in Green Mountain National Forest near Hancock, VT.

This waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot so there isn’t actually much hiking required to see it. However, there is a nature trail beyond Texas Falls for anyone who wants to combine an easy hike with the waterfall.

Texas Falls is split into two tiers that drop over a combined 35 feet.

The waterfall is visible from several vantage points so take it in from all angles before continuing on to the nature trail.

6. Falls of Lana

Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation gain: 200 feet

The Falls of Lana are a series of waterfalls in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area.

Hikers should not assume that the route to Falls of Lana is easy just because it’s a short waterfall hike.

To find the Falls of Lana, begin on the Silver Lake Trail. This former carriage road goes all the way to the namesake Silver Lake. Hikers will take a detour early on in the trail in order to reach Falls of Lana.

The path that leads from the main trail down to Falls of Lana is rough and steep. If you’re looking for an easy waterfall hike to take the kids for a dip, this is not a suitable trail.

The Falls of Lana drop 100 feet over the three waterfalls that make them up. The middle falls are scenic while the upper falls end in a deep pool that strong swimmers may wish to cool down in.

7. Lye Brook Falls trail

Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 920 feet

Lye Brook Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in Vermont.

This trail is what most hikers think of when they’re looking for a waterfall hike.

Moderate, mid-length hike? Spectacular tall waterfall? Check and check!

At over 100 feet tall, Lye Brook Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls not only in Vermont but in all of New England. It is certainly a beautiful spectacle to reward hikers who put in the effort to reach it.

Lye Brook Falls is in the southern section of Green Mountain National Forest.

Take the trail to Lye Brook Falls and turn off the main trail when you see the sign for “Falls”. If you miss this turnoff, you’ll continue up the trail for several miles until you reach Bourn Pond.

The trail ends at some steep cliffs at the base of Lye Brook Falls. Be very careful with your footing as you look for a place to admire the waterfall.

Note that this waterfall does not have a strong flow. In the summer, Lye Brook Falls can mostly dry up. Hikers may want to save this hike for a different time of year.

8. Hamilton Falls

Distance: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 750 feet

Note: as of July 2023 the Hamilton Falls Trail is closed due to historic flooding in the area. Check the Jamaica State Park website to see when trails have reopened to hikers.

Hamilton Falls is in Jamaica State Park in southern Vermont.

Hikers can find several trails online that lead to Hamilton Falls. The best route is the nearly 6-mile roundtrip trail that begins near the state park’s campground.

This hike begins on a flat rail trail for the first two miles. The elevation gain comes in at the last mile to the waterfall.

Hamilton Falls drops over 100 feet before ending in wading pools.

Although many hikers suggest pushing on to reach the top of the waterfall, swimming is prohibited up in this area. It is not safe and people have lost their lives here.

Tips for Waterfall Hikes

Now that you have some waterfall hikes to choose from, here are a few tips and things to keep in mind before you head to the trail.

The time of year and recent weather will affect how full the falls are flowing. If it hasn’t rained in a while, some waterfalls may dry up and not look as impressive.
I’ve included a link to the AllTrails listing for each hike. Read recent reviews to see the latest conditions and determine whether the trail sounds appropriate for your needs.
Waterfalls are beautiful, but can also be dangerous. Be cautious walking and swimming around waterfalls.
New to hiking? Here’s what I bring on every hike.
Learn the leave no trace seven principles to avoid harming the local ecosystem and fellow visitors during your hike.

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As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.