Little Cascade Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Little Cascade Falls
Little Cascade Falls is a small, picturesque drop tucked into the woods of Ascutney State Park. Nestled on SPR-owned land and managed by a local NGO, the falls sit within a parcel carrying a CONE designation and offer a quiet, photogenic spot where cascading water meets a forested valley. The scene is especially lovely in spring runoff and during the vivid foliage of autumn, making it a favorite quick outing for nature lovers and photographers alike. Access to the falls is short and family-friendly, making it an easy add-on to a day at Ascutney State Park. For overnight stays, Stoughton Pond Recreation Area is about 6.63 km away, providing convenient camping if you want to turn your visit into a weekend trip. Little Cascade is ideal for a short hike, a picnic, and a peaceful nature break without a long approach.
The Setting
Little Cascade Falls sits at 1,785 feet within Ascutney State Park, in the hills of Vermont.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The hike to Little Cascade Falls is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 150 feet of elevation gain, rated easy and suitable for most visitors. The path follows a wooded route to the falls and can become muddy or slippery after rain, so sturdy, closed-toe footwear is recommended. There is no USFS trail number listed for this approach; local land-management information describes it as a short, gently graded walk that’s accessible for families and casual hikers.
What to Expect
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 Little Cascade Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Cascade Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, adding to the scenic beauty.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain, as the path may be slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 7.4 miles away, not on Little Cascade Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
72 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 68 years of record
2.02 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER AT NORTH SPRINGFIELD, VT (12 km away).
Today
Strong
75 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Strong
83 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
75 cfs
9/10Sun
Strong
68 cfs
9/10Mon
Strong
75 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
79 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
78 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late 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 Ascutney hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Little Cascade Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Little Cascade Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 74 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 139 feet of drop through Little Cascade Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,804 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 136 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 124 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,804 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 139 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Little Cascade Falls is located near the town of Stowe, Vermont. Access typically involves a short drive from the main road, followed by a brief hike. Specific directions may vary, so consulting a local map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,785 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.431461° N, -72.457035° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail may be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the picturesque surroundings.
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For this easy 0.8 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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort
Manchester View
Seesaw's Lodge
Brook Road Inn
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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Nearby Campground
Stoughton Pond Rec Area
4.1 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Stoughton Pond Recreation Area is a day use area located to the north of North Springfield Lake. Stoughton Pond is located off State Route 106 on Stoughton Pond Road in Perkinsville, Vermont. Recreation Stoughton Pond Recreation Area offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. Many people enjoy canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. The state of Vermont Department of Fish and Game annually stock the pond with rainbow trout, and the pond also offers excellent bass fishing. A b
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Nearby Attractions
Stowe, Vermont offers a variety of attractions, including hiking trails, scenic drives, and local shops. Smugglers' Notch State Park is also nearby.
Wildlife
The area around Little Cascade Falls is home to various bird species, small mammals, and forest wildlife. Visitors may spot chipmunks, squirrels, or even deer.
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