Moss Glen Falls

Moss Glen Falls in Stowe is one of Vermont's most dramatic waterfalls, cascading 125 feet in a horsetail formation over a series of moss-covered rock ledges in the Green Mountains. The water fans out across a wide face of dark schist rock, creating a shimmering curtain that catches the light beautifully in the morning hours. The surrounding old-growth forest of birch, maple, and hemlock creates an intimate, cathedral-like setting that feels worlds away from the nearby resort village of Stowe.

The trail to the falls is remarkably short — just a quarter-mile walk from the trailhead on Moss Glen Falls Road, about three miles north of Stowe Village off Route 100. The path follows a gentle grade through the forest before arriving at a viewing area at the base of the falls. While the trail is short, the terrain is somewhat uneven with exposed roots and rocks, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Fall foliage season in late September through mid-October is the prime time to visit, when the surrounding hardwoods blaze with color against the dark rock face. Spring snowmelt produces the most dramatic water flow. The falls are accessible year-round, though the road may not be maintained in winter. Combine with a visit to nearby Bingham Falls for a full day of waterfall exploration in the Stowe area.