Best Waterfall Trips Near Vermont State Parks

Bingham Falls, Stowe 

Looking for waterfalls? The hills and mountain streams of Vermont are a great place to find them!

Here is a list of our favorite waterfalls near Vermont State Parks that also make a good day trip. There are also innumerable small falls that are lesser known favorite local spots- you don’t have to explore for too long before you find one by accident.

Hamilton Falls: Jamaica State Park

One of the most impressive waterfalls in southern VT, over 125 feet high. This is a popular spot for sunbathing and wading, but the rocks can be slippery and dangerous- please stay on the path and watch your step!

Directions: 

Falls of Lana near Branbury State Park

From Jamaica State Park, follow the West River Trail for 2 miles, to the junction of the Hamilton Falls Trail, which continues for another 1.1 miles to the falls. Follow the blue blazes.  

Bingham Falls & Moss Glen Falls: Smuggler’s Notch State Park

Two scenic waterfall hikes in the Stowe area near Smuggler's Notch State Park- neither is very difficult, but both waterfalls are worth the photo op.

Directions: 

To Bingham Falls, park on the left side of Route 108 and cross to the east side to the Bingham Falls Trails, a moderate hike of .08 miles. To Moss Glen, follow Route 100 north out of Stowe about 3 miles onto Randolph Road and then onto Moss Glen Falls Road. Parking is straight head, before the road makes a right-hand turn. 

Falls of Lana: adjacent to Branbury State Park

Moss Glen Falls in Stowe

Many people come to Branbury for the beach. Understandable, since the day use area on Lake Dunmore is spacious and attractive. But if you want a change of scenery, there is a very impressive waterfall a short hike away, as Sucker Brook cascades down solid rock cliffs to form the Falls of Lana.

Directions:

Cross Route 53 to the trailhead and start up the trail. After a short climb, there is a sign for the Falls and several viewing areas. From the trail and above they are not very visible, so spend some time at the viewing points (carefully) observing from different angles. 

Crystal Cascade Falls: Mt. Ascutney State Park

Hike the Weathersfield Trail at Mt. Ascutney, there are several small waterfalls along the way to the summit. These are mostly surface flow and vary by the time of year. The best time to see them is in spring and early summer, after spring rains and snow melt.

Directions: 

Park at the Weathersfield trailhead off of Route 131, follow Cascade Falls Road and signs for trail parking. The Weathersfield Trail is 2.9 miles to the summit and marked with white blazes. 

Thundering Falls: Gifford Woods State Park

Trail to Hamilton Falls at Jamaica State Park

This series of falls is one of the highest in Vermont when measured end to end. Follow the

Appalachian Trail (white blazes) from the park through the forest past Kent Pond, to falls. This is the first universally accessible portion of the Appalachian Trail, with a boardwalk leading to the falls. Wheelchair accessible parking is available on River Road in Killington.

Directions: 

Hike to the falls from the Appalachian Trail starting in Gifford Woods, or the accessible parking area
on River Road. 

Quechee Gorge: Quechee State Park

The waterfall here is only a small part of the fascinating geological history of this area. Years of glacial activity and erosion of tough metamorphic rock by an ancient waterfall has created the present day Quechee Gorge, the most impressive river gorge in Vermont. A trail system in Quechee village leads down to the gorge, pond, and by several picnic areas.

Directions: From Quechee State Park campground, 2 trails lead down to the gorge, visitor center, dam and Dewey’s Mill Pond. 

View of Quechee Gorge 

Honorable Mention: Waterfall at Muckross State Park 

For the adventurous! This is our newest state park- currently undeveloped and with no phone, visitor facilities or formal trail system. There is an impressive 80-foot waterfall on the property downstream from a small pond. Explore the park on foot to spot this one!

Directions: No parking currently on site. Park either at the Toonerville Trailhead parking or Exit 7 Park & Ride. 

Honorable Mention: Buttermilk Falls in the Okemo State Forest

This waterfall is near several hiking trails in the Okemo State forest not far from Coolidge State Park.

Directions: Parking area on Buttermilk Falls Road, off Route 103