One of the best hikes in Vermont doesn’t end at a mountain summit. It ends at a waterfall.
If you’re looking for a Vermont hike with a huge payoff and relatively little effort, Moss Glen Falls in Stowe belongs near the top of your list. Just a short drive from Stowe Village, this popular trail leads through the woods to one of Vermont’s tallest and most photographed waterfalls, where water plunges more than 100 feet down a dramatic rock face surrounded by forest.
Even better? You don’t have to commit half your day or climb a mountain to see it.
The shorter walk to Moss Glen Falls Local favorite: Moss Glen Falls is approximately 0.6 miles round trip with about 150 feet of elevation gain, making this one of my favorite recommendations for travelers looking for an easy hike near Stowe with a seriously impressive reward at the end.
Hiking to Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, Vermont
Moss Glen Falls is located just a few miles from the center of Stowe, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring town.
From the parking area, follow the trail toward the falls through a forested landscape that quickly makes you feel much farther from town than you actually are. For most visitors, the waterfall is the destination, and you can reach the viewing area without committing to a lengthy hike.
Plan on approximately 20 minutes round trip for the short version, although I’d give yourself extra time once you reach the falls. This isn’t really a place you want to immediately turn around and leave.
The trail does include some elevation gain, roots and natural terrain, so “easy” doesn’t mean completely flat or universally accessible. Wear appropriate shoes and use extra caution when the trail is wet.
How Long Is the Moss Glen Falls Hike?
One of the best things about hiking Moss Glen Falls is that you can choose how much time you want to spend on the trail.
If you’re primarily visiting to see the waterfall, the shorter option is approximately 0.6 miles round trip with around 150 feet of elevation gain. For many visitors, that’s plenty. You get the forest walk and the waterfall without devoting several hours to a hike.
If you want a longer adventure, you can continue beyond the falls for a more substantial hike. The extended route can take approximately two to three hours and involves significantly more climbing, with roughly 600 feet of elevation gain.
That makes Moss Glen Falls particularly useful if you’re traveling with a group that wants a memorable outdoor experience but isn’t necessarily looking to tackle one of Vermont’s bigger mountain hikes.
How Tall Is Moss Glen Falls?
Moss Glen Falls drops more than 100 feet through a narrow gorge, making it one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls.
The combination of the height, exposed rock and thick surrounding forest is what makes the falls so impressive, particularly considering how little hiking is required to reach them.
It’s also an incredibly photogenic spot. Depending on recent rainfall, the season and water levels, the appearance of the falls can change considerably from one visit to the next.
And that gives you a pretty good excuse to come back.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Moss Glen Falls?
I especially love Moss Glen Falls after a stretch of summer rain, when there’s plenty of water moving through the gorge and the surrounding forest is at its greenest.
Fall is another spectacular time to visit. During foliage season, the waterfall is surrounded by changing leaves, turning an already worthwhile Stowe hike into one of those quintessential Vermont fall scenes.
Keep in mind that rainfall can also mean wetter, muddier and more slippery trail conditions. Never climb onto wet rocks or leave established viewing areas simply to get a better photo.
If you’re visiting during peak foliage season, I’d also recommend going earlier in the day. Moss Glen Falls is hardly a secret, and its combination of proximity to Stowe and short hiking distance makes it an understandably popular stop.
Add Moss Glen Falls to a Day in Stowe
One of the reasons I recommend Moss Glen Falls so often is how easily it fits into a larger Stowe itinerary.
You don’t have to choose between hiking and spending the day exploring town. Head to the falls in the morning, then return to Stowe Village for coffee, lunch, shopping or whatever else you have planned.
It’s also a great option when you want to get outside but don’t have the time, equipment or desire for a major mountain hike.
Vermont has plenty of spectacular summit views, but not every outdoor adventure needs to involve hours of climbing.
Sometimes the payoff is waiting at the bottom.
Where Is Moss Glen Falls in Stowe?
The Moss Glen Falls trailhead is located on Moss Glen Falls Road in Stowe, Vermont, a short drive from Stowe Village. Parking is available near the trailhead, but space can be limited during busy summer and fall weekends.
As with any Vermont trail, conditions can change due to weather, rainfall, mud and seasonal closures or maintenance. Check current trail information before heading out, stay on designated paths and pack out anything you bring with you.
Then give yourself a few extra minutes at the falls.
For a hike this short, the view at the end is pretty hard to beat.
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