Moss Glen Falls

Moss Glen Falls in Granville Gulf is a picturesque 35-foot cascade that tumbles down a wide face of moss-covered rock directly alongside VT-100, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls in all of New England. The falls are fed by a small brook that spills over a layered cliff of green schist, and the thick blanket of emerald moss that covers the rock face gives the falls their name and their distinctive, almost tropical appearance. In winter, the falls freeze into an elaborate sculpture of blue and white ice.

No hiking is required — the falls are visible from the road and a small pulloff provides parking for a handful of cars. A very short walk of about 50 feet brings visitors to the base of the falls. The setting is intimate and peaceful, tucked into the narrow Granville Gulf Natural Area, a protected corridor of old-growth forest along the White River headwaters. The dense canopy of hemlock, spruce, and northern hardwoods keeps the area cool and shaded even on the hottest summer days.

The falls are beautiful in every season. Spring snowmelt creates the most dramatic flow. Summer brings lush green moss and ferns. Fall foliage in the Gulf is spectacular, with the narrow valley framing a corridor of brilliant color. Winter ice formations draw photographers. VT-100 through Granville Gulf is one of Vermont's most scenic drives, and Moss Glen Falls is the highlight of the journey.