Saxtons River Falls
Vermont • 8 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Saxtons River Falls
Saxtons River Falls is a small set of cascades, about 8 feet in total, on the Saxtons River in the village of Saxtons River in Rockingham, Vermont. The falls sit below the Westminster Street bridge and are seen head-on from a short paved lane off River Street, a two-minute walk from VT 121.
The Setting
Saxtons River Falls sits at 456 feet in the coastal lowlands of Vermont. The falls drop 8 feet.
Height: 8 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Great Falls (52 ft) lies 3.5 miles to the east. Also nearby: Twin Falls (30 ft, 3.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Saxtons River Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No trail is needed. From VT 121 in the village, walk about 150 feet south on River Street (about 200 feet east of the white church with an 1836 sign), then turn right onto a short paved lane that looks straight at the falls. The walk is under 0.1 mile and descends about 20 feet.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 8 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Saxtons River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on the village streets; keep them under control near the river.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Saxtons River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Saxtons River Falls, as the 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 near the riverbanks, as they may be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or flooding conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Williams River, 3.9 miles away, not on Saxtons River Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
47 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 40 years of record
2.33 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WILLIAMS RIVER NEAR ROCKINGHAM VT (6 km away).
Today
Low
47 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
46 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
48 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
49 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
51 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
48 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
50 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Saxtons River hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Saxtons River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 10 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Saxtons River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 48 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 51 feet through Saxtons River Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 8 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 458 feet.
The ground changes about 28 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 14 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 458 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 51 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
From I-91 exit 5 in Westminster, follow Westminster Street east 0.7 mile to US-5, go north 2.5 miles, then turn left on VT 121 west for 4.4 miles into Saxtons River village. From I-91 exit 6, take VT 103 east 0.2 mile, US-5 south 3.6 miles, then VT 121 west 4.4 miles.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park in the village within a few hundred feet of the white church at the west end of Saxtons River village; spaces are usually available across from where River Street meets VT 121. The paved lane to the falls is closed to non-emergency vehicles.
Elevation
456 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.137742° N, -72.509622° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Be cautious near the riverbanks, as they may be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery.
Where to Stay
Manchester View
Seesaw's Lodge
Brook Road Inn
The Upper Pass Lodge
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Townshend Lake Recreation Area
11.3 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Townshend Lake is a flood control project operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving communities within the West River Valley, and those downstream. In addition to protection from floods, the lake provides many recreational opportunities, including picnicking, hiking, and fishing. Recreation Townshend Lake offers ample recreation opportunities. A boat ramp provides access for canoeing, kayaking and small motor boats (10hp or less). The lake is stocked once a year with Rainbow
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Bellows Falls, Vermont
Sand Spring
Sand Spring surfaces at 75°F in Williamstown, Massachusetts — one of the few thermal features in New England. At just 670 feet ...
Lebanon Spring
Lebanon Spring discharges at 72°F at 663 feet elevation in Columbia County, flowing 24 degrees above ambient air temperature ju...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Bellows Falls, Vermont on SoakingSprings.
Explore Vermont springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The village of Saxtons River offers charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Nearby hiking trails and scenic drives in the surrounding area provide additional opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature common Vermont wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer.
Cities near Saxtons River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Writing about Saxtons River Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.