Beecher Falls waterfall

Beecher Falls

Vermont

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
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Difficulty

Drive Up

About Beecher Falls

Beecher Falls is a set of rapids on the Connecticut River at the village of Beecher Falls in Canaan, in Vermont's northeast corner on the New Hampshire border and just south of Canada. It is a roadside view from VT 253 rather than a hiking destination, and waterfall guides rate its scenery as modest.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Beaver Brook Falls (80 ft) lies 6.5 miles to the southeast.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Beecher Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

There is no trail. The rapids are seen from VT 253 and the Beecher Falls bridge to Stewartstown, New Hampshire.

What to Expect

River rapids rather than a vertical waterfall, seen from the road in a small mill village.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beecher Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Beecher Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer may offer the best views of the waterfall due to higher water flow from snowmelt and rain.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially during wet or icy conditions. The area may lack guardrails or other safety features.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Beecher Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Beecher Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Beecher Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
no gauge

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Vermont.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 71 feet of drop through Beecher Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,062 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 106 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 100 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Beecher Falls near Beecher Falls, Vermont, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Beecher Falls near Beecher Falls, Vermont, showing about 71 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
1,062 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 71 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northwest
Glows in afternoon and evening light.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Drive VT 253 to the village of Beecher Falls in Canaan; the rapids are visible from the road and from the bridge across the Connecticut River to Stewartstown, New Hampshire.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is no designated parking for the rapids. Use legal roadside or village parking and do not stop on the bridge.

Elevation

1,066 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.006991° N, -71.509806° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Combine the stop with a drive along the upper Connecticut River.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

The nearby town of Canaan offers small-town charm, and the Connecticut River provides opportunities for scenic views and outdoor activities. The Canadian border is also close by for those interested in exploring international destinations.

Wildlife

The area around Beecher Falls may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings.

Cities near Beecher Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

9.3 km away
Quebec
Easy
1.8 km 69 m
6.2 miles away
New Hampshire
Drive Up
Unknown Unknown

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