When you see water running down every hillside along the road, you know Vermont’s waterfalls will be glorious. This small waterfall was flowing down the hill next to our first hike’s parking area. The drop was only about 12 feet, but what a lovely start to our adventures. The winter saw heavy snow, rain has been falling for days at a time, and spring is about three weeks late. Even now, the end of May, we need both raincoats and heavier outerwear. For spectacular waterfalls, who could ask for more than spring snowmelt and continual rain. So grab your raincoat and mittens–let’t go!
We are exploring along and around VT-100, one of Vermont’s most scenic byways. Waterfalls abound from Killington to Stowe, but for lodging, we chose The Swift House Inn, a wonderful B&B in Middlebury, as our very relaxing home base–with a great restaurant too.
Outside Killington we search for Thundering Brook Falls. Ah, there’s the turn off. After enjoying that small waterfall flowing down the hillside at the parking area, we take a boardwalk toward the falls. The falls must be amazing because we can hear it roaring from here. Thankfully the boardwalk takes us over the marshes because there’s lots of standing water–and it is starting to rain. Because spring is late this year, many plants are not yet in bloom, but ferns are beautifully unfurling.
The overlook is about two-thirds down the 125-foot falls. We cannot see much of the lower third because of steep drops and edges, lots of trees, and very wet leaves and rocks making it dangerous to attempt the climb.
Since we can’t walk down, let’s walk up. What a gorgeous New England forest with the mosses, ferns, lichens, and big old trees. Just watch the wet leaves as we make our way up without an established trail.
One last look. What a gorgeous setting!
We were weighing the pros and cons of trying the Bailey Falls hike near Hancock. There is no established trail and directions are skimpy. Besides it is getting late and raining. Let’s see if we can find the access point and come back tomorrow. We stopped at every pullout along three miles–twice–and finally found the access. We are ready for a morning adventure.
With no trails to help, we will be bushwacking: finding our way through undergrowth, branches, rock outcrops, and other forest challenges. To begin, we cross a small bridge over a brimming stream and come to a wide-open clearing. This vivid green, grass-covered clearing is an isolated ski run of the Middlebury College Ski Bowl, a 125-acre family-friendly ski area. We’ll walk uphill along the forest edge listening for the falls–our only way of knowing how to proceed. We can hear the falls now, so into the woods we go.
OK, we can hear it but can’t see it. We’ll just follow the sound. It is steep going straight toward the falls, but let’s try it first. Looking uphill we have to climb around and over rocks, downhill is a seriously down with cliffs. Straight seems best. Ahh, a beautiful drop creating its own rock garden. This may not be the top of the falls though, so let’s climb up and check it out.
The rocks are too slick so going up is not an option. Let’s head down a bit further and see what we see.
Well, we didn’t see much of Bailey Falls. We did see lots of running water under our feet, mud, slick rocks, and lots of wet leaves hiding holes filled with water. This isn’t the best time of year to tackle this wooded area. That’s an understatement. Let’s head down and see if we can find an access to the base of the falls. Back to the clearing, there are lovely ferns getting a spring start–one with a firefly trying to hide from the rain. See his “light bulb” at the end of the wings?
After scoping out the lower area, probably walking at least half a mile back and forth and in circles, we found a way. It is muddy and steep, so hold onto tree branches and watch your step! Our walk in the woods was higher than what we see as the top of the falls here, but this is lovely and the forest is so green. Bailey Falls is about an 80-foot total drop. It is too dangerous now, but crossing the stream and walking up along the falls is so alluring.
It is said that the beauty of Bailey Falls lies in it obscurity. Can we attest to that?
What a treat as we head back! A red trillium (Trillium erectum), also called purple trillum or wake robin, is a sure sign spring is here.
Another cloudy day, but it isn’t raining! Let’s head to Texas Falls in the Green Mountain National Forest along Texas Brook.
We need a closer view of the drops and gorge along this short trail. The first drop.
The second drop with a grotto where pools form. Could not get a look inside, and no idea how it was formed. Let’s just imagine the possibilities–fairy tale anyone? You know, the giant stepped in the brook, got wet and angry, smacked the wall with his sledgehammer, the big rock popped out landing on his foot, so he kicked it downstream. OK, lame, onward.
Final drop for a grand total of 35 feet. I think it is the gorge and rock features that make this place special.
Again we see small streams flowing down hillsides almost everywhere we turn.
Walking down toward the end of the gorge there is a much larger stream. Lovely.
All this water flows into Texas Brook which feeds into the White River in Hancock about four miles east. The White River is a tributary of the Connecticut River, the longest river in the New England area. It travels about 406 miles from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound. For now, we are looking at this modest brook at it continues its journey.
Sun at last! Today we will be exploring Stowe. On the way, though, we must stop at Moss Glen Falls (Granville) right along the road. This is Little Moss Glen Falls which no one seems to pay much attention to. It is another bushwacking walk, but there is no good photo to be had anywhere along the way unfortunately. In summer the water flowing here is scant, but in spring it is grand, just too much debris in and along the falls and creek.
Here we are, Moss Glen Falls.
Another surprise, Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). Native to eastern North America, I have not seen one in years. Jacks also harken to spring.
This waterfall sets a record as the shortest walk I’ve ever taken to enjoy such beauty. Thirty-foot Moss Glen Falls.
Onward to Stowe, and their Moss Glen Falls, one of Vermont’s showcase waterfalls falling 125 feet. As we hike the trail to the falls, look! Guess what? Could not be a clearer double sign of beaver.
This is a steep climb, but hear the falls? Gorgeous mosses and lichens, but watch your step, the stairs are wet.
WOW! The top of Stowe’s Moss Glen Falls drops 20 feet into a pool then races down a cascade dropping 100 feet. This trail continues up along the falls coming to a small gorge on top, but it is a VERY steep hike. Normally you can walk down the creek to the base of the falls, but the water is too high and fast to attempt it this time of year. Today we are enjoying the view, the surroundings, and moving on.
Our last stop is Bingham Falls, one of the most visited waterfalls in Vermont. The walk to the falls is along a gorge being sculpted by the West Branch of the Waterbury River. So happy for the sunshine!
This long, tight gorge causes the water to create a deep, thunderous sound as it is forced downstream. The teal color of the water is stunning.
Looking back upstream.
Serious big drop downstream.
Out of the gorge and closer to Bingham Falls, we see small falls over rocks on the steep decline.
This is 25-foot Bingham Falls. Everything is so wet, getting closer would be dangerous. Does that look like a beautiful teal-blue pool? It is and very popular for summer soaks. Might be the main reason for the falls popularity. It is said Vermont has the finest swimming holes in the country. Take a look at a few yourself. You might want to take a vacation just to visit them.
I forgot to mention what a challenge it was getting here. The trail drops down significantly all along the gorge. There are heavy-duty rails to hold onto as you walk down the stone stairs which are currently covered with layers and layers of wet leaves. This walk was especially challenging due to all the rain lately. This is the “stairway” back up to where you can finally grab the railing. Muddy, mucky, running water, and slick–be careful!
Phew, made it, pulling ourselves up the railing most of the way! Let’s enjoy the meander to the car and then head to dinner in Stowe. What a great day!
Vermont boasts at least 200 waterfalls, but I think we saw a few of the more spectacular falls and their environs. If you head to the Green Mountain State, you may want to explore some waterfalls yourself–and the amazing swimming holes.
Until next time . . .
