Right now
Status note (Nov 10, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell (Nov 10, 2026). The Forest Service road status list (updated Oct 9, 2026) shows Warren Falls Parking open. A standing order bans fires, camping and public nudity. What the status labels mean
Warren Falls is on the Mad River in the Green Mountain National Forest, just south of Warren village on Route 100. The Forest Service calls it a heavily used site with high cliffs, fast water and deep swimming holes. A gentle 0.1 mile trail leads to an accessible overlook. Fires, camping and public nudity are banned.
About Warren Falls
The Forest Service lists Warren Falls under its Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District. It says the site is "located along Route 100, just south of the Village of Warren."
"Warren Falls is a heavily used observation site with high cliffs, fast water, deep swimming holes, and multiple footpaths," the Forest Service says.
The Forest Service publishes no height for the falls, so we list none.
About our map pin
Our map pin is the OpenStreetMap waterfall point, because USGS GNIS lists no Warren Falls in Vermont. The trailhead pin is the OpenStreetMap parking area on Route 100.
For more Vermont falls, see Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls near Stowe, or browse all Vermont waterfalls.
Getting there and parking
Warren Falls is on VT Route 100, just south of Warren village, per the Forest Service. Trail Finder says the trailhead is "just less than 2 miles south of the village of Warren on VT-100."
Parking
The Forest Service road status list shows Warren Falls Parking as open, listed under Rochester as number 466. That list was last updated Oct 9, 2026.
Trail Finder says the parking area is on the west side of the highway. It warns that parking on the highway puts motorists, bicyclists and visitors at risk.
Fees
Trail Finder answers "No" under Fees, and the Forest Service pages we read mention none. Check signs at the lot.
Contact
Middlebury/Rochester Ranger Station: (802) 767-4261.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Warren Falls trail: a 0.1 mile walk to the Mad River
"A gentle, short (0.1 mile) trail leads to an accessible overlook that provides views of the cascading Mad River," the Forest Service says.
It adds: "Other trails are marked as access points to viewpoints or to wade in the river."
Site improvements (2025)
In May 2025 the Forest Service said improvements had been made "to provide safer access to the lower falls and enhance resource protection."
Site rules
Forest Order 2010-12 bans fires (including camp and stove fires), camping and being publicly nude in the Warren Falls Area. The order stays in effect until the Forest Supervisor withdraws it. The alert page, updated June 15, 2026, lists no end date.
The order says violations can bring a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual, up to six months in prison, or both.
Trail Finder asks visitors not to build rock dams in the river and to pack out all garbage.
Dogs
Trail Finder says dogs are permitted on leash.
When to visit
The Forest Service publishes no best month for Warren Falls.
Status checks
On Nov 10, 2026, the Forest Service road status list (updated Oct 9, 2026) showed Warren Falls Parking open. Its list of damaged or closed trails did not include Warren Falls.
The Forest Service says most Green Mountain National Forest roads close from December 15 to May 1, with some exceptions. Call the ranger station at (802) 767-4261 before a winter visit.
Crowds
Expect company: the Forest Service calls Warren Falls a heavily used site.
| Trail | "A gentle, short (0.1 mile) trail leads to an accessible overlook" of the cascading Mad River (USFS). Other marked paths lead to viewpoints or to the river. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy. The Forest Service calls the 0.1 mile overlook trail gentle and short, and Trail Finder rates it Easy. |
| Entry fee | Trail Finder answers "No" under Fees. The Forest Service pages we read mention none. |
| Permit / reservation | No permit listed. A standing Forest Service order bans fires, camping and public nudity in the Warren Falls Area. |
| Parking | Forest Service lot on Route 100 (listed open) |
| Dogs | Trail Finder says dogs are permitted on leash. |
| Swimming | The Forest Service describes deep swimming holes and marked access points to wade in the river. It publishes no swimming rule we found, and warns of high cliffs and fast water. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | The Forest Service says the 0.1 mile trail leads to an accessible overlook. |
| Best time to visit | No official best month. The Forest Service says most forest roads close Dec 15 to May 1, with some exceptions. |
| Crowds | The Forest Service calls it "a heavily used observation site". |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain National Forest (Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District) |
Safety and swimming
The Forest Service warns of high cliffs and fast water at Warren Falls. Stay back from cliff edges.
The Forest Service describes deep swimming holes but publishes no swimming rule we found. If you wade, use the marked access points and stay out of fast water.
Do not park on Route 100. Trail Finder says highway parking puts motorists, bicyclists and visitors at risk.
In an emergency, call 911. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Warren Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Warren.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
Warren Falls FAQ
Is Warren Falls open now?
As far as we can tell, yes (Nov 10, 2026). The Forest Service road status list, updated Oct 9, 2026, shows Warren Falls Parking open.
How long is the walk to Warren Falls?
The Forest Service says a gentle, short 0.1 mile trail leads to an accessible overlook of the Mad River.
Can you swim at Warren Falls?
The Forest Service describes deep swimming holes and marked paths to wade in the river. It publishes no swimming rule we found, and it warns of high cliffs and fast water.
Is there a fee at Warren Falls?
Trail Finder answers "No" under Fees, and the Forest Service pages we read mention none.
Are dogs allowed at Warren Falls?
Trail Finder says dogs are permitted on leash.
Can you camp or have a fire at Warren Falls?
No. Forest Service Order 2010-12 bans fires, camping and public nudity in the Warren Falls Area.
Nearby waterfalls
Moss Glen Falls (Granville)5 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Falls of Lana16 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Moss Glen Falls29 mi straight-line, by our mathOpenPLUS 100FT
Bingham Falls30 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Hamilton Falls66 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonal125FT
Lye Brook Falls67 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonal125FT
Sabbaday Falls73 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonal
Arethusa Falls73 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen140FT
Sources
- USDA Forest Service: Explore the Forest! (Warren Falls entry, Middlebury/Rochester day hikes; read Nov 10, 2026)
- USDA Forest Service: Warren Falls Occupancy Restrictions, Order 2010-12 (read Nov 10, 2026)
- USDA Forest Service: Current Conditions (road status list updated Oct 9, 2026; read Nov 10, 2026)
- USDA Forest Service: Green Mountain National Forest Memorial Day press release (May 19, 2025)
- Vermont Trail Finder: Warren Falls (length, dogs, fees, parking; read Nov 10, 2026)
- OpenStreetMap: Warren Falls waterfall node 6700677385 (map pin)
- OpenStreetMap: Warren Falls parking way 1107139759 (trailhead pin)
Last verified Nov 10, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain National Forest (Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.