Highgate Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
About Highgate Falls
Highgate Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the town of Highgate, Vermont. The falls are part of the Missisquoi River and are known for their scenic beauty and historical significance, as the area was once home to mills and other industrial activity.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is limited information about a formal trail leading to Highgate Falls. Visitors may need to explore the area on foot, but the terrain is generally flat and accessible. Caution is advised as the area may have uneven ground or slippery rocks near the water.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene and scenic view of the Missisquoi River cascading over the falls. The area is quiet and offers a peaceful retreat, though it may not have extensive amenities or facilities.
Accessibility
The falls may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain and lack of formal trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Highgate Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Highgate Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery and currents may be strong. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or high water conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Rock River, 3.3 miles away, not on Highgate Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
0.89 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ROCK RIVER NEAR HIGHGATE CENTER, VT (5 km away).
Today
Strong
1 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Mon
Strong
1 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
1 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early 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 Highgate Center hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Highgate Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Highgate Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 40°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1 ft³/s
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.
The ground through the falls loses about 83 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 127 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 86 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 73 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 127 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 83 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Highgate Falls is located near the town of Highgate, Vermont. The falls can be accessed via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or local maps to navigate to the area. The exact access point may vary, so checking with local resources or visitor centers is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may be roadside. Visitors should exercise caution and ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.
Hours
Elevation
121 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.934766° N, -73.047631° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the area around the falls may be uneven or slippery. Bring a map or GPS device as signage may be limited. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the area more hazardous.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express St. Albans by IHG
Inn at Buck Hollow Farm
Suite-appartement 2 chambres à la campagne. Rez de jardin
Stunning South Hero Home on Lake Champlain w/ View
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking and birdwatching opportunities.
Wildlife
The area around Highgate Falls is home to various bird species and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the river.
Cities near Highgate Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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