Are there fees or permits required for Bingham Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bingham Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bingham Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Bingham Falls.

Live Conditions · 3 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Bingham Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bingham Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bingham Falls.

Vermont • 25 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Bingham Falls, see below

Mt. Mansfield State Forest SRMA · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

davidvparker CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

openprivacy CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

canopic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Bingham Falls

Bingham Falls sits just outside Stowe, Vermont, as a compact but striking cascade tucked into Mt. Mansfield State Forest. The falls tumble through a series of riffles before dropping about 25 feet into a clear plunge pool, a scene that draws hikers, photographers, and day-trippers looking for a quick dose of mountain water and forested scenery. The site lies on land managed by SPR within the Mt. Mansfield State Forest and is designated a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), so facilities and access are geared toward public use and enjoyment. The falls’ short approach and memorable drop make it an easy destination for families and casual hikers. Expect a popular, scenic spot with a defined viewing area and opportunities to explore the streamside rocks; visitors should take care on wet or slippery surfaces. With its convenient location and classic Vermont woodland setting, Bingham Falls is an inviting half-day stop on a Stowe outing or a quick nature escape between longer hikes in the area.

The Setting

Bingham Falls sits at 1,909 feet within Mt. Mansfield State Forest, fed by the W Branch Little R Abv Bingham Falls, in the hills of Vermont. The falls drop 25 feet.

Height: 25 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Moss Glen Falls, the tallest waterfall in Vermont at 125 feet, lies 9.7 miles to the east. Also nearby: Bingham Falls (25 ft, 2.6 mi).

Moss Glen Falls Bingham Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.5 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Bingham Falls is a short, 0.5-mile out-and-back with roughly 100 feet of elevation change and is rated easy. The path is generally well-maintained through mixed northern hardwood forest and features a gentle descent toward the falls, ending at a developed viewing area. From the official trail end a steeper, rockier scramble leads down to the base and pool; use caution on wet rock and wear appropriate footwear. Because the route is short and accessible, it’s a popular, family-friendly walk — plan for some foot traffic during peak times.

What to Expect

The falls drop a gentle 25 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bingham Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bingham Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear, and the waterfall flow is strong. Fall offers stunning foliage, while summer provides opportunities for swimming.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution when approaching the water. In winter, the trail may be icy and hazardous. Always supervise children near the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Barely Flowing

3 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 5 18 47

Based on 25 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

W BRANCH LITTLE R ABV BINGHAM FALLS NEAR STOWE, VT

USGS 04288225

2.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 5 sq mi

Altitude: 1,358 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge W BRANCH LITTLE R ABV BINGHAM FALLS NEAR STOWE, VT (4 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

3 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

3 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

4 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

4 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

4 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

4 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

4 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

4 cfs

6/10

Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

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

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.

The ground through the falls loses about 229 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 25 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,907 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 448 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 117 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bingham Falls near Jeffersonville, Vermont, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bingham Falls near Jeffersonville, Vermont, showing about 229 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,907 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 229 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Bingham Falls is located off Vermont Route 108, near Smugglers' Notch. The trailhead is accessible from a small parking area along the road, approximately 5.8 miles from Jeffersonville.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead along Vermont Route 108. Parking can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

1,909 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.550607° N, -72.796512° W

Land Management

Mt. Mansfield State Forest SRMA

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail and rocks near the falls can be slippery. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak foliage season. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.

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For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.