This is one of the Best waterfalls in the Northeast

 Magnitude:

38

 Abs Mag:

53

 Beisel Rating:

4.63 (Class 5)

 Height:

40 feet

 Tallest Drop:

25 feet

 # of Drops:

3

 Type:

Tiered

 Stream:

Missisquoi River

 Latitude:

44.9726

 Longitude:

72.386

 Maps:

USGS North Troy 7 1/2"

 

Aerial Photography

 Delormes:

53 A11
 

 

The main drop from downstream, click to enlarge

The lower tier from the east bank, click to enlarge

The middle drop and the top of the lower drop from the clifftop overlook, click to enlarge

An old postcard image from the archive, click to enlarge

An old postcard image from the archive, click to enlarge

An old postcard image from the archive, click to enlarge

An old postcard image from the archive, click to enlarge
 

 

Big Falls

Troy , Orleans County, VT , USA

 

No Known Alternate Names

 

 

An old postcard image from the archive

 

Details:

This large waterfall is perhaps the largest undammed waterfall in the state in terms of water volume. The narrow confines of the gorge would certainly allow easy construction of a dam, but so far no utility has succeeded. Hopefully, none ever will. The Missisquoi River flow over and around a wide ledge, then falls through a very narrow gap and crashes through a tight and very deep gorge. The best view of the falls can be had from three places: The ledges next to the pool and upper drop, the clifftop overlook, and the rocks downstream of the gorge. It is important to note: the clifftop overlook is not fenced. If you have any doubts about your ability to grapple with cliffs, please stay back. It is a level surface up to the cliff, but it is a sheer 80' drop into the gorge. In July of 2008, I got the following good news from Ed O'Leary: "You will be happy to know that though this property was once owned by Citizens Utilities Company, for just such a use, but it ultimately decided to not proceed and it eventually donated the parcel to the State of Vermont. It is now managed as a State natural Area by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation." Thanks Ed for the good news!
 

Geology and Bedrock Structure:

There are two bedrock formations found here, the Stowe Formation (schist), and the Ottaquechee Formation (Phyllite, Greywacke).
 

History:

 

Photography Notes:

This is a large falls in a deep wooded gorge. Sunlight can be an issue here. I suggest shooting on an overcast day, or later in the afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky. A polarizer (which should always be in your camera bag) is definitely beneficial. A zoom lens is definitely helpful here. I made most of these shots between 80 and 300mm.
 

Directions:

The falls are located on River Road, about 1.5 miles south of Route 105. There is a fairly large turnout on the side of the road, and the falls are about 200 feet from the parking area.
 
 

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