Vermont does waterfalls exceptionally well. The state’s steep ravines, shaded forests, and mountain-fed streams create cascades that feel dramatic in spring runoff, lush and cool in summer, and downright cinematic in early fall. If you’re staying in Stowe, you’re already close to a few of the most photographed classics—but it’s also easy to expand your waterfall day into a scenic loop that shows off a quieter side of the Green Mountains.
Edson Hill makes a comfortable home base for a day like this: explore in the morning, then come back for cocktails in the Tavern and dinner in our Dining Room before settling into your guest room or suite.
Note: As always with waterfalls: expect slick rock, shifting water levels after rain, and uneven footing near gorges—good footwear makes a big difference.
The Best Waterfalls in Vermont: 5 Worth the Drive (Near Stowe + Beyond)
1) Moss Glen Falls (Stowe)
Moss Glen Falls is the quintessential Stowe waterfall: close to town, accessible, and deeply “Vermont” in feel. The approach is short and wooded, and the payoff is immediate—water dropping in a long cascade through a mossy gorge that feels secluded even though it’s one of the region’s most visited falls. The main viewpoint is reached by a brief walk (roughly a quarter mile), which makes it an easy addition to a day that also includes village exploring or a stop at a gallery.
What sets these falls apart is its sense of scale for such a short outing. In spring, it feels powerful and loud; in summer, it’s shaded and cool; and in foliage season, the setting becomes a perfect frame of color and stone. It’s a classic for good reason.
2) Moss Glen Falls (Granville)
The Granville Moss Glen Falls feels like a cousin to Stowe’s version; similar name, similarly pretty cascade, but with a different rhythm. This one pairs beautifully with a scenic drive through central Vermont, especially if you’re looping Route 100 through the Mad River Valley. It’s less of a “plan your day around it” destination and more of a perfect stop to break up the drive: a short walk, a clear viewpoint, and that satisfying sense of discovering something quietly impressive just off the road.
Because it’s so easy to access, it’s a great pick for travelers who want the waterfall moment without a longer hike. And if you visit during peak flow seasons, it has that misty, fresh, just-rained energy that makes Vermont feel like Vermont.
3) Bolton Potholes (Bolton)
Bolton Potholes is a very different experience from the classic “single waterfall view.” Here, the river has carved a series of sculpted rock basins and drops…more like a sequence of watery rooms than one big cascade. In summer, the emerald pools draw swimmers and sunbathers; in shoulder seasons, the same rock formations feel wild and rugged, with the water doing most of the drama.
This is a place that rewards slow looking: the geology is the story. You’ll notice how the river has polished the rock into smooth curves, how the pools vary in color and depth depending on light, and how the sound of falling water changes as you move along the stream. It’s one of the most visually striking “water + stone” landscapes near Stowe, and it feels distinctly New England in its rawness.
4) Blake Falls (Woodbury)
Blake Falls is often described as a hidden gem, and it earns that label because it feels less “tour stop” and more “find.” The setting is quiet, the surrounding woods feel unmanicured, and the experience is immersive, especially after rain when the creek and falls really come alive. Rather than a single dramatic plunge, Blake Falls feels like a small waterfall system: you’re following moving water through a natural corridor, then arriving at a cascade that feels tucked into the forest.
What makes Blake Falls compelling is how intimate it is. You don’t arrive to a grand overlook—you arrive to a living piece of the landscape. If you enjoy the feeling of being “in” Vermont instead of “visiting” Vermont, this is a great addition to your list.
5) Bingham Falls (Stowe)
Bingham Falls is a Stowe classic with a gorge-and-pool feel that makes it especially popular in summer. The walk in is short (about a half mile), and then the landscape opens into that dramatic mix of rock walls, cool water, and shaded ledges that feels like the Green Mountains distilled into one spot.
It’s a great choice for travelers who want a waterfall that feels adventurous without requiring a big time commitment. In warm weather, it’s also a natural picnic stop, and an easy “go for a swim, then head back for dinner” kind of outing. If you time it right (earlier in the day is usually calmer), the gorge can feel surprisingly peaceful.
Make a Day of It (Without Overplanning)
If you want a simple rhythm for a waterfall day out of Stowe:
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Start with Moss Glen Falls (Stowe) in the morning
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Add Bingham Falls in the afternoon
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If you want a longer scenic loop, head farther afield to Granville or Woodbury
Then come back to Edson Hill for a relaxed evening—cocktails in the Tavern, dinner in the Dining Room, and a quiet night on the hill.
If you’re building a longer itinerary, our seasonal packages can be a simple way to round out your stay.