Waterfalls Near Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch
These Vermont waterfalls pair well with a Stowe or Smugglers’ Notch base, with a mix of notch favorites, quick roadside views, and a few worthwhile Mad River Valley add-ons.
Use the list to compare stops, then open each guide for parking, walk time, and seasonal closures. Think of it as a smart short list for the area, not a strict ranking of difficulty.
#1 Moss Glen Falls — Stowe
A fast Stowe waterfall stop with a big photo payoff.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 10-15 min
#2 Bingham Falls — Stowe
Waterfall and swimmable pool on Mountain Road. Dirt pull-offs by the signed trailhead.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 10-15 min
#3 Sterling Gorge Falls — Stowe
Gorge cascades near Stowe—moderate-risk swim and wade context only.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 15-30 min
#4 Hell Brook Cascades — Stowe
A steeper Mansfield-side cascade page for serious hikers.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 20-30 min
#5 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
#6 Lye Brook Falls — Manchester
A popular Manchester hike to one of Vermont's tallest waterfalls, with a real walk-in and a viewing-first payoff.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 45-60 min
#7 Thundering Brook Falls — Killington area
Short boardwalk falls on Thundering Brook—viewing only, not a swim hole.
- Swim
- Not possible
- Walk
- 10-20 min
#8 Hamilton Falls — Jamaica
A high-payoff Jamaica waterfall with a moderate hike, a dramatic setting, and a serious safety story.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 1 hr
#9 Falls of Lana — Salisbury
Sucker Brook tiers near Lake Dunmore—limited wading, not a rope-off pool.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 45-75 min
#10 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