Winooski Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Winooski Falls
Winooski Falls sits on the Winooski River in the heart of Winooski, Vermont, where a short, dramatic cascade meets an intimate urban waterfront. The falls offer a striking contrast of natural waterpower against a backdrop of mixed residential, commercial, and recreational development — a reminder of the city’s industrial past while serving as a pleasant focal point for downtown activity. Winooski is a compact city (population 7,997 as of the 2020 census) and is the most densely populated municipality in northern New England, so the falls are easy to reach from nearby neighborhoods and businesses. Because the falls are integrated into the cityscape, they’re enjoyed as part of casual strolls and short outings along the river. Public walkways and viewpoints near the river provide accessible places to watch the current and photograph the cascade, making Winooski Falls a quick, rewarding stop for visitors exploring Burlington’s northside and the surrounding Chittenden County communities.
The Setting
Winooski Falls sits at 144 feet along the Winooski River, in the coastal lowlands of Vermont.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Winooski Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no wilderness trail to Winooski Falls; the falls are best accessed from urban walkways and public riverfront paths (for example the Winooski River Walk) and nearby streets. For visitors looking for more of a hike, a nearby out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain is commonly used for a moderate walk or run; the route is rated moderate in difficulty and typically follows riverfront paths and public sidewalks rather than backcountry tread. Expect an urban setting, easy access points, and short distances between parking, viewpoints, and the falls.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Winooski Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Winooski Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the water, as the river can have strong currents. Stay on designated walkways and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
173 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
1.46 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WINOOSKI RIVER NEAR ESSEX JUNCTION, VT (4 km away).
Today
Low
187 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
185 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
182 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
176 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
191 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
182 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
204 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Winooski 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 34 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 145 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 26 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 145 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 34 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Winooski Falls is easily accessible from downtown Winooski. The falls are located near the Winooski River Walk and can be reached by car or on foot from nearby parking areas.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is parking available in downtown Winooski, including public lots and street parking. Availability may vary depending on the time of day.
Hours
Elevation
144 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.488938° N, -73.183739° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains to see the falls at their most powerful. Be cautious near the water, as the river can have strong currents. Consider exploring the nearby restaurants and shops in downtown Winooski.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Burlington - Colchester
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Burlington Williston
Green Mountain Suites Hotel
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
Downtown Winooski offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Winooski River Walk provides additional scenic views and walking opportunities.
Wildlife
Visitors may see birds and other small wildlife typical of river environments, though the urban setting limits larger wildlife sightings.
Cities near Winooski Falls
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