Written by Kristen, Writer/Photographer
On the hunt to check out the most beautiful and unique waterfalls in New England?! There are so many waterfalls to choose from here in the Northeast, big and small!
Here I share my favorites along with the most distinctive waterfalls in the Northeast including the tallest waterfalls in all of the states (except Maine! 😱) along with some not-so-popular (secret!) waterfalls.
In this post, I include the link to each waterfall hike on AllTrails, hike details like length, difficulty, elevation gain, and everything you need to know to get to them including parking reservations which a few require! 🚙
Choose one that matches your level and the area you’re in with the New England and New York waterfall map below that pins them all!📍
WATERFALL HIKING ADVICE 🙂
⚠️For any waterfall hike I suggest wearing your waterproof hiking boots. (Here is a link to my favorite and most comfortable Merrell Waterproof boots!)
Even if the trail is only half a mile long, rocks and trails around a waterfall are, obviously, wet and therefore, slippery. You’ll want to navigate around the falls with a sturdy boot that has some grip so you can explore safely. 🥾
WHY GO IN SEARCH OF WATERFALLS?! 🤔⬇️
Not only are they fun to look at and take pictures of but I found out that the sound of the water is known as pink noise and provides numerous benefits along with simply helping us relax. 🧘🏽♂️
According to a 2021 study found here,Water sounds, such as that gurgling brook or a steady waterfall, tended to be the most effective at improving positive affect (the psychological term for a more positive outlook or disposition and the experience of joy and interest), while bird sounds were best for lowering stress.
SO WHAT ARE THE BEST WATERFALL HIKES IN NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK?!
⬇️AN ORGANIZED LIST BY STATE. ⬇️
VERMONT WATERFALL HIKES
1. BINGHAM FALLS, STOWE, .5 MILES, 147 FT, EASY
I loved this one! It felt like a little oasis in the middle of the woods. This trail takes you to the Bingham Falls Viewpoint and if you want to get down closer you have to carefully traverse wet rocks and a steep section so be careful if you choose to do this after some rain and wear hiking boots or boots with a grip!
This waterfall isn’t huge, a 40-foot drop, but it is still one of the most popular waterfalls in Vermont and you can see why from the pictures. If you want a slightly longer walk and one that’s less popular you can walk along the other side of the West Branch Little River and take this trail here that’s 1.3 miles long.
2. VERMONT MOSS GLEN FALLS, STOWE, .25 MILES, EASY (VERMONT’S TALLEST!)
Moss Glen Falls is the tallest waterfall in Vermont with an 85-foot drop! The link to this trail on AllTrails shows that it’s 5+ miles but to get to the falls it is only a quarter-mile walk. You can easily view the falls from down below or walk up a steep section to a viewing level that puts you at eye level with the fall.
Or, you can do what I did and walk up the fall a little bit. Be careful along those slippery rocks, though! If you are in Stowe be sure to pop by Bingham Falls, number one on the list, in Stowe as well!
3. TEXAS FALLS, HANCOCK, 1 MILE, 200-FOOT LOOP, EASY
Texas Falls is a popular stop along the way from Woodstock, Vermont to Stowe. It is a very pretty and accessible family-friendly walk that takes you across a bridge at first where you can witness the cascades and falls below.
Then you walk a wide dirt path along these unique falls that flow over potholes in the rock created by glacial meltwater. The holes make this a really unique visit and waterfall to visit.
