Looking for the best waterfalls near Stowe, Vermont? This is our favorite scenic route—combining hidden cascades, easy hikes, dirt road views, and local food stops. Do it in one day or stretch it into two.

This route features some of the best waterfalls near Stowe, Vermont, including Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls, along with scenic drives and easy hikes near Worcester, Elmore and Morrisville.

My Favorite Waterfall & Scenic Dirt Road Tour

Elmore Store & Lake Elmore

Start your day by heading down Elmore Pond Road to the Elmore Store, one of those quintessential Vermont country general stores offering prepared food and other Vermont goodies. Grab a coffee and breakfast and take it outside on their deck—you’re right on Lake Elmore with Elmore Mountain rising behind it. It’s quiet, it’s serene, and it sets the tone for the whole day.

→ 1208 Montpelier Morrisville State Hwy(VT-12), Lake Elmore, VT 05657

Take Elmore Pond Rd straight there.

North Branch Cascades

This is just 10 minutes down the road from the Elmore Store, it is my favorite spot, it is a lesser known place and usually no one there. It is an easy stroll along a cascading gorge with several little lookout points and a swimming hole or two. There is a parking area on the left side, if you go over a bridge you went too far. Make sure you check the trail map and don’t miss the main waterfall right near the beginning. It is a short walk back toward the entrance and the rest of the trail is in the opposite direction—it’s one of the best parts and super accessible.

→ 1181 VT-12 Worcester, VT 05682

Elmore State Park (Optional, but worth it)

Head back toward the Elmore Store on Rt 12 and swing into Elmore State Park if you’ve got the time.

The Mountain Brook Trail—fits into the Waterfall day theme as it’s a gentle walk with little bridges as the trail zig-zags around a mountain brook cascading along the way.

Elmore State park also offers the Fire Tower Trail and Ridge Trail (combined they form a loop) . It is a challenging hike that takes at least three hours or more. It offers amazing views from several rock look out points and a 360 degree mountain view from the Fire Tower. It is probably a day activity in itself.

Elmore Mountain Road

After the park, take a left onto Rt 12 toward Morrisville but look for Elmore Mountain Road on the left hand side. This is one of those classic Vermont dirt roads—rolling, scenic, and quiet—with some of the best views of Mount Mansfield. In the fall, this stretch alone is worth the trip.

The road winds out to Randolph Road, and from there you’re just minutes from your next stop.

(This is an amazing view, but if you want skip another dirt road you can take route 12 into Morrisville and let your GPS guide you to Moss Glenn Falls)

Moss Glen Falls

No one should miss out on Moss Glen Falls. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont and it’s an easy walk from the parking area. There are an abundance of granite steps to climb but you can take your time. The falls are dramatic year-round, but especially after a good rain. You will often see families playing in the lower pools.

→ 513 Moss Glen Falls Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Lunch Stop

There are plenty of places to eat in Stowe and everyone has a suggestion. I am fond of:

The Backyard, Idletyme, and Piecassos. The outdoor seating at Idletyme is really cool.

Bingham Falls

Next up is Bingham Falls, right off Route 108 (Mountain Road). This is easy to miss but you will see a parking area on both sides of the road. There is a short steep hike down to the top of the falls, which is really worth it.

Keep in mind—you’ll be hiking back up.

There are incredible views from the top of the falls and in my opinion is worth the walk, but to see grandeur of the falls you have to head down the granite steps to the base where the scale of everything really hits you—the rock formations are massive, and the whole place feels larger than life. It is a bit of a challenge on the steps.

Good shoes help here, and hiking sticks are highly recommended.

→ 6524-6892 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Sunset at Oxbow Park (or wind down your way)

If the timing works, Oxbow Park in Morrisville is a great, quiet place to catch the sunset and slow things down after a full day.

If you’re ready to head in, you’ve got options:

10 Railroad Street is right near the park for a dinner and a drink.

The Bijou Movie Theater is right there as well to end the day with a movie in an old small town theatre.

A couple local tips from me

Take your time with this one—it’s not meant to be rushed, make it 2 days if needed.

Fall is incredible, but honestly this route is good any time of year. (Beware of dirt roads during Mud season)

Bring water, hiking boots, walking sticks and don’t be afraid to linger at the spots that hit you.

Gnome Shire Cottage is the starting point to this tour providing convenient, quaint Vermont farmhouse accommodations to explore the area.

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