Are there fees or permits required for Gages Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Gages Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Gages Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Gages Falls near North Westminster, Vermont, showing about 54 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 56 ft³/s · About average

Gages Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Gages Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Gages Falls.

Vermont

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Gages Falls

Gages Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into Vermont's tranquil, forested hills—a perfect short outing for photographers and anyone wanting a peaceful nature break. The falls sit amid the same heavily wooded landscapes that characterize the region; these are the kinds of forests described in accounts of the Saxtons River watershed, which is a 22.9-mile tributary of the Connecticut River with roughly 78 square miles of drainage and about 80% forest cover. That regional context helps explain the area’s quiet, wooded feel and why local streams support trout populations downstream. Access to the falls is commonly via a short hiking route (see trail details below) that gains about 350 feet over its length. Facilities are limited at the site—nearest developed camping is Surry Mountain Lake Beach, roughly 16.7 km away—so plan accordingly and pack out what you bring in. The setting and modest scale of Gages Falls make it an inviting stop on a day of exploring Vermont’s smaller waterfalls and forest trails.

The Setting

Gages Falls sits at 335 feet along the Williams River, in the coastal lowlands of Vermont.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. USFS trail name/number: not available. Surface, grade and official USFS trail class: not available from provided sources. Hikers should expect a moderate walk through forested terrain; check local maps or landowner signage for the most current access and parking information before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forest. The area may be less developed, so amenities are likely minimal or nonexistent.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gages Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Gages Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Exercise caution around the falls, as rocks may be slippery. Be aware of changing water levels, especially after heavy rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 40 minutes ago Roaring

56 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

17 24 81 161

Based on 39 years of record

2.42 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

WILLIAMS RIVER NEAR ROCKINGHAM VT

USGS 01153550

5.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 112 sq mi

Altitude: 303 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WILLIAMS RIVER NEAR ROCKINGHAM VT (9 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

56 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

61 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

58 cfs

8/10

Wed

Roaring

65 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

61 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

61 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

56 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

68 cfs

6/10

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

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

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 North Westminster 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 54 feet of drop through Gages Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 334 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 49 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 38 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Gages Falls near North Westminster, Vermont, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 334 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 54 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Gages Falls is located near Gage Road in Vermont. Access may require navigating rural roads, so visitors should ensure they have accurate directions before heading out.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pull-offs. Visitors should park responsibly to avoid blocking traffic or private property.

Elevation

335 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.116300° N, -72.456200° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS as cell service may be unreliable in rural areas. Wear sturdy footwear if exploring the area around the falls.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

SURRY MOUNTAIN LAKE BEACH

10.4 miles away · 3 sites

Reservable

Overview Surry Mountain Lake Beach is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use facility located on the Ashuelot River in Surry, New Hampshire.Recreation Swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, paddling and fishing are just a few of the favorite activities enjoyed at Surry Mountain Lake Beach. A boat ramp is available for small boats, kayaks and canoes. There are picnic tables and grills located throughout the park, as well as a playground.Facilities Surry Mountain Lake Beach has restrooms with flush toil

Book on Recreation.gov