5 Must-See Waterfalls in Vermont (2026)
If you only have time for five Vermont waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Northern Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom, Central Green Mountains and Champlain Slope, and Southern Vermont and Connecticut River Tributaries.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Vermont waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
-
1. Moss Glen Falls
Morristown, VT · Lamoille County · Northern Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom
Why it is a must-see
With 313 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Vermont, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Scenic hiking trails offer sweeping views of this cascading waterfall, with gorges & pools below." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Bingham Falls and Bingham Falls. It is one of 11 named falls in the Northern Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom region. The nearest town is Morristown, about 5.2 miles to the north.
-
2. Texas Falls
Randolph, VT · Addison County · Central Green Mountains and Champlain Slope
Why it is a must-see
With 160 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Vermont, and it holds 4.7 stars. 3 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Bailey Falls and Moss Glen Falls. It is one of 7 named falls in the Central Green Mountains and Champlain Slope region. The nearest town is Randolph, about 12 miles to the east.
-
3. Buttermilk Falls
Chester, VT · Windsor County · Southern Vermont and Connecticut River Tributaries
Why it is a must-see
With 142 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Vermont, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "Cluster of 3 waterfalls in a wooded state park with a 1.1-mi. hiking trail & swimming holes." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Wymans Falls and Crystal Cascade Falls. It is one of 11 named falls in the Southern Vermont and Connecticut River Tributaries region. The nearest town is Chester, about 14 miles to the southeast.
-
4. Falls of Lana
Brandon, VT · Addison County · Central Green Mountains and Champlain Slope
Why it is a must-see
With 40 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Vermont, and it holds 4.9 stars. Older records also call it Sucker Brook Falls and Lana Falls. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Bailey Falls and Texas Falls. It is one of 7 named falls in the Central Green Mountains and Champlain Slope region. The nearest town is Brandon, about 7.4 miles to the south.
-
5. Big Falls
Newport, VT · Orleans County · Northern Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom
Why it is a must-see
With 18 Google reviews it is the 7th most visited waterfall in Vermont, and it holds 5.0 stars. It is one of 11 named falls in the Northern Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom region. The nearest town is Newport, about 9.1 miles to the east.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 121 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Big Falls (start, near Newport)
- Moss Glen Falls, about 36 mi south
- Texas Falls, about 40 mi south
- Falls of Lana, about 8.3 mi west
- Buttermilk Falls, about 36 mi southeast
When to Visit Vermont's Waterfalls
Spring snowmelt dominates Vermont's waterfall calendar. Flows usually peak from April into May, but that period coincides with mud season, when unpaved roads turn to mud and higher-elevation trails are vulnerable to damage, so many visitors focus on roadside falls in spring. By late May and June, trails dry out and falls still run well. Midsummer brings lower flows on smaller brooks, though summer thunderstorms can bring brief surges and swimming holes draw crowds. Fall foliage, generally from late September through mid October, is Vermont's busiest season, especially along Route 100 and around Stowe. Late autumn rains often revive the falls. Winter turns many falls into ice formations, but snow-covered approaches and short days require caution.
Before You Go
Vermont waterfalls are a mix of public and private land. The Green Mountain National Forest manages several in the central and southern mountains, and state forests and parks, such as Mount Mansfield State Forest, hold others. Many smaller falls are in towns, on private land with long-standing public use, or along rivers where access is informal; respect posted signs and parking rules. Roadside pullouts along Route 100 fill during foliage season. Hazards include cold water even in summer, strong currents and deep pools in narrow gorges, and slippery, moss-covered ledges. Gorge swimming holes have been the site of drownings and serious falls. Major floods in 2011 and 2023 reshaped some streams and trails, so conditions can differ from older descriptions.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Vermont Waterfalls
See all 29 waterfalls in the Vermont waterfall guide, or browse by town: Morristown, Randolph, Chester, Brandon, Newport.
More Vermont Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Vermont?
Moss Glen Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 313 Google reviews. It is near Morristown in Lamoille County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Vermont waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 121 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Vermont?
Our directory lists 29 named waterfalls in Vermont. See them all, sorted by town, in the Vermont waterfall guide.
Why are there two Moss Glen Falls in Vermont?
The name is used for two separate falls: one near Stowe in Lamoille County and one in Granville in Addison County. Both are in our directory and both are among the state's most reviewed.