Fairfax Falls

Fairfax Falls , Lamoille County, VT , USA

Also Known As:
Great Falls

The falls in moderately high water (this was about 14000 cfs)

Fairfax Falls is a large waterfall on a fairly powerful river. Because of this, it has a large hydroelectric station. The dam is located at the top of the falls, and from below is only slightly noticeable. In low water, the Lamoille River drops over and around a jumbled and rocky series of ledges. In high water, it is a seething mass of white water. I prefer low water. The rocks are rather easy to climb and you have more opportunity for intimate explorations.

The falls make their way over a jagged ledge of Greywacke banded with micaschist and quartzite.

The Great Falls on the River Lamoille, are situated in the southeast part of the town. The valley above, which is wide and fertile, is here intercepted by a range of hills running N. E., and narrowed to a space just sufficient for the river and a road to pass on either side. Here, in the distance of 30 rods (495 feet--DG), the water attains a fall of 88 feet, not one continuous descent, but a series of small cascades, over which the waters leap and sparkle. The roar of the waters can be heard as the distance of 5 or 6 miles, and in the coldest days of winter, the vapor arising from them looks as though the nymphs of the Lamoille had there assembled, and, were boiling a huge tea-kettle for a social party. It is very picturesque as it is approached from the west; the Green Mountains, with old Mansfield rearing its head over all, stand out in relief for the back-ground. On either side, the hills are dotted with the flocks of the farmer, or covered with their native forests. And there is a simple quiet loveliness, that charms the beholder, and paints a picture which he ever afterwards delights to recall. These Falls afford an excellent privilege for manufacturers, but have never yet been improved to half their capacity. A ledge of rocks, passing across at the head, forms a natural dam of great capacity, which is much increased by an artificial data; built across the channel worn through the rocks by the wear of ages. By blasting through this ledge on either side, some 15 or 20 feet, a canal is formed for conducting the water to the driving of machinery, which floods will not carry off, nor rut destroy. --History of the Town of Fairfax By John A. Ufford

The falls aren't going to be the subject of any great art shots. They present well from the base, particularly in high water when the swirling mists make for some ethereal visions in telephoto shots of the jagged rocks at the base. A cooling filter might be more useful than a warming filter here. The falls have a great western exposure and tend to be well and evenly lit on sunny days. The north side of the river at the base of the falls has many rocks and boulders to explore.

Fairfax Falls is just below the Goose Pond Road bridge over the Lamoille River, adjacent to Route 104 east of Fairfax. Upon crossing the iron bridge, turn left and look for a primitive dirt road on the left leading to the base of the falls. The road is passable ONLY to a high clearance vehicle. Cars should be parked on the side of Goose Pond Road so as not to block traffic. The falls can also be shot from the south side of the river. There is a small parking area right next to the dam, and by carefully following a few rough fisherman's trails, some wide open vantage points can be obtained. The 7th photo was taken from the concrete penstock pylon that juts out in front of the falls. In order to replicate the shot, you'd need a VERY wide lens and spray is a huge issue.

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