Bingham Falls

9/10 Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

https://www.stowelandtrust.org/conserved/properties/binghamfalls 

6524-6892 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 

Stowe, VT 05672

The hike here is great.  It starts out level with a long corridor of tall trees making for a gorgeous walkway and then, the decline comes.  It spirals down a natural rock staircase toward the river for quite a while.  Once at the base, there is an enormous gushing river and a 40-foot waterfall that does not disappoint.  There are paths and walkways on both sides of the river.   The gorges and unique rock formations here make for beautiful views.   The hike downhill to the water is easy, but of course, that means there is a slower, back-of-the-leg burn uphill returning back to your parked car.  I was winded and tired but, my son decided he needed a break and simply laid with his belly pressed over a rock to rest a bit.  He’s such a character!  This short hike is worth the payout for us but, I will say, the trek back up is no joke.  When we visited, my son had already been to the short yet amazing Moss Glen Falls earlier that day (also with a steep climb for his little legs).  Although this trail has an inclined trek, I bet your kids will enjoy the water and be astonished at its beauty and power.  So take them to Bingham Falls and plan for a slow climb back to the car with frequent breaks.  It’s worth the workout for such stunning views.  Because this is a New England location, visiting in the various seasons offers a plethora of activities.  We went in fall so swimming was not in our plans, but this is a popular swimming hole during warmer months.  We hope to find out in the near future.  Have you been swimming here?  If so, let us know how it is.

 

The Skinny:

• Weather :  Visit on a day that is comfortable to be outside because you will be completely in the elements here
• Parking and Admissions: There’s plenty of free parking in the 2 pull offs on both sides of Route 108.  You can find more parking at the Mill Trail Property located at  Notchbrook Road in Stowe.  Admission is FREE to hike this trail.
• Location : An out and back 0.5 mile hiking trail on 72 acres of land in Mount Mansfield State Park.  It is rated easy on Alltrails but, I would say its easy going down and not as easy going up, so save some gas in your tank to schlep back up to the car.  The kids and I visited in fall so we didn’t see anyone in the water, however, this area is known for being a natural swimming hole.  The current looked very strong for that, but maybe finding still pools of water or being further from the falls helps when looking to take a dip during warmer months.
• Hours : Open around the clock
• Duration :  We spent 2 hours or so here
• Tips and Recommendations :  The rocks are slippery when wet so use caution

Jewel : She didn’t go with us here but, she would have enjoyed the hike and the falls

Jamison Approved: 👍🏼

While in Stowe, be certain to check out Laughing Moon Chocolate, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream (mostly for the awesome playground and beautiful grounds, obviously you can get ice cream too but the super market has that so for us, that’s not the draw), Cabot Factory for cheese samples along with yummy culinary ideas and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for their delicious cider and cider donuts.   If you like waterfall hikes, be sure to check out Moss Glen Falls which is pretty close with a gorgeous waterfall to see after a short walk.  New Hampshire has some spectacular hikes with trails that rivers flowing nearby. For some recommendations, check out The Basin and Flume Gorge.