Moss Glen Falls at low water in September 2010

It’s interesting to me how some waterfalls are so clear in your mind, while others are a little more fuzzy. I actually remember Moss Glen Falls, as it was the background on my phone for a while. I also remember that it can be a fun waterfall to explore. I couldn’t recall how far it was to the falls, but after looking it up, it’s only about 0.2 miles to the falls, which might be why the hike is so forgettable? I think I was able to get some pretty good photographs of the hillside though, and while short, I feel like you do climb pretty quickly in that short distance.

Once at the falls, you can begin to explore. You’re actually pretty high above the river to start. The trail seems to lead uphill, following the stream, though the view of the falls deteriorates pretty quickly. There’s one specific point at which you’ll have the best views of the whole falls. To get closer to the falls, you can climb/slide down what I remember was a pretty steep incline. I was still able to get back to the trail ok, which is not always the case. Once you’re at the base of the falls, though, the upper half completely disappears from sight due to the angles. I think this picture was taken about half-way down the hill.

Directions:

1. From Stowe, Vermont, head north on VT-100.
2. At the intersection of VT-100 and Randolph Road, turn right on Randolph Road.
3. After a very short distance, turn right onto Moss Glen Falls Road. Go for about one-half mile to a parking area for C.C. Putnam State Forest. The trail begins here.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 125′
Length of Hike: 0.4 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Moss Glen Falls?