Discover the Tallest Waterfall in Vermont

Vermont is a mountainous state in New England beloved by skiers and leaf peepers alike. The numerous areas like Mount Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont, make it possible for waterfalls to form. Although this state is not known for having large waterfalls, it does have a few. Take a look at the tallest waterfall in Vermont, and find out how tall it is, where it is located, and how it compares to the largest in the country. 

What Is the Tallest Waterfall in Vermont?

The tallest waterfall in Vermont is Moss Glen Falls, a waterfall with a total drop between 125 to 130 feet. This waterfall is in Stowe, Vermont. These falls are considered horsetail falls, meaning that the flow is long and thin while keeping in contact with the underlying rocks. The falls don’t plunge off a cliff and into a body of water.

However, another, shorter waterfall that goes by the same name is found to the south in Granville, Vermont.

Many people travel to this area since Stowe is a well-known ski town in this state. People stopping near Stowe or looking at the foliage can take a quick stop to find Moss Glen Falls and see the tallest waterfall in the state.

Where Is Moss Glen Falls on a Map?

Moss Glen Falls is located in Stowe, Vermont. Stowe is a small ski town in Lamoille County, an area in the central part of the state. Mount Mansfield, the largest mountain in the state, is to the northwest of the town. However, Moss Glen Falls is to the northeast of the town.

The tallest waterfall in Vermont is about 3.2 miles northeast of Stowe as the crow flies. Despite being in a rural area in the state, getting to the trail that leads to Moss Glen Falls is simple. People can leave from Stowe or Morrisville to the north to reach the falls.

Traveling from either place starts by taking Vermont Route 100. People leaving Stowe will take Vermont Route 100 northeast out of the town. From there, a person can turn right onto Brush Hill Road and take that to Brownsville Road. Eventually, that roadway turns into Moss Glen Falls Road and takes the individual directly to a small parking area.

People traveling from Morrisville will take Vermont Route 100 to the south until they reach an intersection with Randolph Road. At that point, the driver will need to take a left. About a quarter mile later, Moss Glen Falls Road will appear on the right. The driver will turn right there, park at the small lot, and get ready for a hike.

After traveling a few miles on a hiking trail, people will find themselves near one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Vermont. The hike from the parking station to the actual waterfall can be taxing, so prepare for the trip beforehand.

What Else Is Near Moss Glen Falls?

Once someone is finished basking in the beauty of the waterfall, they can head to other nearby attractions. They can start by exploring the rest of the nearby CC Putnam State Forest which stretches far to the south and includes the beautiful Stowe Pinnacle Overlook. People visiting the falls can quickly go see the tallest mountain in the state Mount Mansfield. They can also hike in the Mount Mansfield State Forest. Both locations are very close to the waterfall.

If someone wants to compare both of the Moss Glen Falls, then they can travel to the Green Mountain National Forest. Getting there is a matter of taking Vermont Route 100 south for about an hour. The falls are located about 2 miles north of the town of Granville, but the falls are very easy to find.

The falls are essentially on the side of the road as the Deer Hollow Brook comes tumbling down to cross below the roadway. Although there is no parking allowed on the actual road lane, one can see the waterfall from the road.

Comparing the Tallest Waterfall in Vermont to the Tallest in the United States

The taller of the two Moss Glen Falls is the tallest waterfall in Vermont at 125 to 130 feet tall depending on the measurement source. Many other waterfalls in the United States are taller than this one. Take a look at the following table to see how this natural formation measures up to the biggest in the United States.

While Moss Glen Falls is a beautiful natural formation in the state, it is not nearly among the tallest in the country. Still, it is worth the journey because people already flock to Stowe and its nearby parks to enjoy the small-town atmosphere, foliage, and skiing.

What Wildlife Lives Near Moss Glen Falls?

Moss Glen Falls is in a fairly rural part of the state. The waterfall is also tucked away in a state park. As a result, many different animals live in the area. Consider the following list of animals that people may encounter when they are hiking to see the falls.

The wild animals in this part of the state include:

• American toad
• White-tailed deer
• Spotted salamander
• American crow
• North American porcupine
• American black bear
• Canada lynx
• Purple finch
• Common garter snakes

Most of this assortment of animals is nothing to worry about. However, encounters with black bears can prove fatal. Always make sure to prepare for an accidental encounter with these animals in the wild by bringing the right knowledge and equipment to the trails.

The tallest waterfall in Vermont is still beautiful and impressive even if it is not the biggest the country has to offer. Still, the remote area in which the falls are located is worth visiting for numerous reasons, including the fall foliage. Always remember to prepare physically before hiking and to bring along the right equipment to make the hike safe and easy.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Elizabeth M. Ruggiero