Southern Vermont hides some of the best waterfall hikes in New England – and most of them sit within a 45-minute drive of Mount Snow. From quick 10-minute walks to half-day adventures with swimming holes, these seven cascades range from family-friendly strolls to legit backcountry treks.
We keep a running list of favorites for guests at Valley View Villa, and waterfalls are always at the top. Here are seven worth building a day around.
Lye Brook Falls – Manchester (40 min)
🥾 4.6 miles round trip | Moderate | 934 ft elevation gain
At 125 feet, Lye Brook Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont. The trail follows blue blazes through the Green Mountain National Forest, starting wide and flat before climbing gradually through shaded hardwoods. The falls cascade over multiple tiers of rock – dramatic after spring rain, gentler in late summer. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there’s a large shaded parking area at the trailhead. No fee. Plan about 2–2.5 hours round trip.
Hamilton Falls – Jamaica State Park (35 min)
🥾 6 miles round trip | Moderate | 708 ft elevation gain
Hamilton Falls drops 125 feet over three dramatic tiers inside Jamaica State Park. The hike in follows the scenic West River Trail before turning uphill on Switch Road Trail for the final push to the falls. It’s a longer outing – budget 2.5–3 hours – but the payoff is one of Vermont’s most photogenic cascades. A day-use fee applies at the park entrance. Important: swimming is prohibited at Hamilton Falls due to dangerous currents and slippery rock. Twelve lives have been lost here – admire from the viewing areas only.
Pikes Falls – Jamaica (40 min)
🥾 300 feet from parking | Easy | Minimal elevation
If you want a waterfall you can actually swim in, Pikes Falls is the spot. A 32-foot cascade tumbles into a crystal-clear plunge pool that measures about 40 by 25 feet and runs 10 feet deep – perfect for a cold dip on a hot day. There’s even a natural rock waterslide. The walk from the informal roadside parking is barely five minutes. No facilities, no fee, and open dawn to dusk. Take Pikes Falls Road south from Jamaica village for about 4 miles.
Buttermilk Falls – Ludlow (50 min)
🥾 0.5 miles round trip | Easy | 55 ft elevation gain
Three waterfalls in half a mile – that’s the deal at Buttermilk Falls in Okemo State Forest. The lower falls pour into a deep olive-green pool, while the upper drops create a crystal-clear swimming hole with a pebble bottom. This is one of the best waterfall-and-swim combos in the state, and the short trail makes it accessible for families with young kids. Find the trailhead off Buttermilk Falls Road, just off Route 103 in Ludlow. No fee.
East Putney Falls – Putney (50 min)
🥾 15-minute walk | Easy | Minimal elevation
Two steep 20-foot drops crash into a deep natural swimming hole surrounded by smooth rock ledges – perfect for sitting, sunbathing, and jumping in. East Putney Falls stays beautiful from April through November, and because it’s slightly off the tourist track, you’ll often have the place to yourself on weekday mornings. A short trail leads down from roadside parking on Westminster West Road.
Jamaica State Park River Swimming – Jamaica (35 min)
🥾 Short walk from campground | Easy
Even if you skip the Hamilton Falls hike, Jamaica State Park offers excellent river swimming along the West River. Sandy banks and calm pools line the river near the campground, and on summer weekends families stake out picnic spots along the shore. The water warms up by July and the setting – surrounded by forest with mountains in every direction – feels genuinely remote. Day-use fee applies.
Cascade Falls – Near Route 9 (30 min)
🥾 Short hike from road | Easy to Moderate
A lesser-known cascade accessible from the Route 9 corridor between Wilmington and Bennington. The falls run strongest in spring and after heavy rain – locals say the best time to visit is May and early June when snowmelt feeds the brook. You can wade in the pool below the cascade if you can handle water in the 50–60 degree range. This one rewards the adventurous types who don’t mind a less-marked trail.
Planning Your Waterfall Day
🗺️ Most of these falls cluster along a corridor from Wilmington north to Jamaica and west to Manchester – you can easily hit two or three in a day trip.
🕐 Spring (April–June) delivers the most water volume. Summer is best for swimming holes. Fall brings foliage and smaller flows.
🐕 Dogs are welcome at most falls on leash. Jamaica State Park and Buttermilk Falls (Okemo State Forest) both allow leashed dogs.
📸 For the best photos, visit early morning when light filters through the forest canopy.
After a day of chasing waterfalls, Valley View Villa is 5–10 minutes from Mount Snow with a hot tub, fire pit, and plenty of space to dry off and decompress. Check out more outdoor adventures on our blog.
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Best Hiking Trails Near Mount Snow — The best trails and outdoor adventures nearby
- Mountain Biking at Mount Snow – Lift-Served Trails and Downhill Runs — Outdoor adventures in Vermont
- Somerset Reservoir – Remote Wilderness Lake for Kayaking and Camping in Vermont — Remote wilderness lake for kayaking
- Best Restaurants Near Mount Snow — Refuel after your outdoor adventure
