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.
#1 Thundering Brook Falls — Killington area
Short boardwalk falls on Thundering Brook—viewing only, not a swim hole.
- Swim
- Not possible
- Walk
- 10-20 min
#2 Texas Falls — Hancock
GMNF picnic loop to a rocky gorge—no swimming; stay on the trail.
- Swim
- Not possible
- Walk
- 15-25 min
#3 Big Falls — Troy
A short NEK gorge trail with big-river energy and real payoff.
- Swim
- Wading and swimming below the falls in lower flow
- Walk
- 5-10 min
#4 Bartlett Falls — Bristol
Lincoln Road falls near Bristol—swimming happens, but hazards are real.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 2 min
#5 Bristol Memorial Park Falls — Bristol
A compact Bristol gorge waterfall with a strong short-stop payoff.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5 min
#6 Buttermilk Falls — Ludlow
Falls Brook tiers near Ludlow—cold pools, granite ledges, and a short woods walk from the road.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- About half a mile each way from typical roadside parking to the falls
#7 Moss Glen Falls — Granville
A short Granville Gulf waterfall stop with classic roadside appeal.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5 min
#8 Moss Glen Falls — Stowe
A fast Stowe waterfall stop with a big photo payoff.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 10-15 min
#9 Middlebury Falls — Middlebury
Vermont waterfall near Middlebury. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
#10 Warren Falls — Warren
Swim: allowed. Roadside-access waterfall and swimming area on the Mad River in Warren, Vermont (Mad River Valley), with…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 5 min