Are there fees or permits required for Moss Glen Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Moss Glen Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Moss Glen Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moss Glen Falls.

Live Conditions · 18 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Moss Glen Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moss Glen Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Moss Glen Falls.

Vermont • 125 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Moss Glen Falls, see below

C.C. Putnam State Forest SRMA · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

nate hughes CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

scottmccracken CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Bre LaRow CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

found_drama CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Moss Glen Falls

Moss Glen Falls is a striking 125-foot cascade tucked just outside Stowe, Vermont, where a curtain of water drops through a mossy, forested gorge. Nestled within the bounds of C.C. Putnam State Forest and located on land owned by SPR, the falls are managed as a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), making this one of the most photographed and accessible waterfall views in the region. The surrounding northern hardwoods and exposed rock create dramatic seasonal color and long photographic opportunities, especially in spring runoff and autumn foliage. The site is welcoming to families and casual hikers thanks to its short approach and obvious viewing areas. Expect a steady flow of visitors during peak months; the path to the base is well-trod but can be slippery or muddy after rain, so bring sturdy footwear and use caution near slick stone and wet ledges. The combination of easy access, scenic height, and forested setting makes Moss Glen Falls a rewarding stop for a short outing or a picnic break while exploring the Stowe area.

The Setting

Moss Glen Falls sits at 988 feet within C.C. Putnam State Forest, fed by the Little River, in the foothills of Vermont. At 125 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Vermont.

Height: 125 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bingham Falls (25 ft) lies 7.5 miles to the west. Also nearby: Bingham Falls (25 ft, 9.7 mi).

Bingham 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

This is a short, easy out-and-back hike of approximately 0.5 miles with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows a well-defined footpath through mixed forest to a comfortable viewing area near the base of the falls. Surface conditions are generally stable but can become muddy and slippery after rain; the grade is gentle overall, making the route suitable for most visitors. Proper footwear is recommended, and exercise caution near wet rocks and steep edges.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 125 feet. 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 Moss Glen Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Moss Glen Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, making it another great time to visit.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Be aware of changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

18 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

17 29 109 182

Based on 10 years of record

0.76 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.

LITTLE RIVER NEAR STOWE, VT

USGS 04288295

5.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 67 sq mi

Altitude: 608 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE RIVER NEAR STOWE, VT (9 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

18 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

20 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

20 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

20 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

18 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

17 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Morrisville 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 228 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 125 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 985 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 23 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 136 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Moss Glen Falls near Morrisville, Vermont, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Moss Glen Falls near Morrisville, Vermont, showing about 228 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 985 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 228 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

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

Moss Glen Falls is located off Moss Glen Falls Road, just a short drive from Stowe, Vermont. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

988 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.482193° N, -72.624127° W

Land Management

C.C. Putnam State Forest SRMA

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Be cautious near the falls, as rocks can be slippery.

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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.