There’s a reason Warren Falls is one of the most popular swimming holes in Vermont.
It’s not just the waterfalls themselves. It’s the hours people spend stretched out on warm rocks, cooling off in the emerald pools, sharing picnic lunches, and coming back for “just one more swim.”
If you’re visiting the Mad River Valley and staying at our Lodging in Vermont this summer, here’s how to turn a stop at Warren Falls into a full-day adventure.
Start with Breakfast at Warren Store
Before heading to the falls, make one stop in the village.
The Warren Store has been part of the community for generations and is the perfect place to grab breakfast before your day begins. Order a breakfast sandwich or pastry with coffee, then pick up sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks for a picnic by the river later on.
One thing we’ve learned? Once you find your spot at Warren Falls, you probably won’t want to leave for lunch.
Arrive Early at Warren Falls
With your cooler packed, make the short drive to the well-marked parking area for Warren Falls, located right off Route 100. Because this is easily one of the most popular waterfalls in Vermont, the small parking lot can fill up fast on hot summer days. Arriving earlier in the morning usually means easier parking and more space to claim one of the larger rocks overlooking the pools.
The walk from the parking area is short, only a few minutes, but the sound of rushing water lets you know you’re getting close before the falls come into view.
Find Your Spot
Warren Falls is the kind of place where everyone settles in a little differently. Some visitors head straight for the deep pools, while others claim a sunny rock with a towel and a book before ever dipping a toe in the water.
The falls are made up of a series of cascades and natural pools carved into the rock by the Mad River over thousands of years. Depending on the water level, you’ll find calm places to wade, deeper pools for swimming, and plenty of flat rocks perfect for stretching out in the sun.
The upper pools tend to attract stronger swimmers and the experienced cliff jumpers you’ve probably seen in photos. The lower pools are often a little calmer, making them a better place to wade, cool off, or simply enjoy the scenery.
If you’re unfamiliar with the falls, it’s best to admire the cliff jumping rather than join in. River conditions change throughout the season, and even locals take time to check the water before jumping.
Whether you spend the morning swimming, reading, or simply listening to the sound of the water, don’t be surprised if the hours slip by.
A Few Important Safety Tips
Warren Falls is beautiful, but it’s also a natural river environment where conditions can change quickly.
- Avoid entering the water if it has rained heavily within the last 24 hours.
- If the river looks cloudy or muddy, stay out.
- Check the USGS river gauge before visiting. High water can make the falls dangerous even when they look calm.
- Never jump unless you know the water depth and current conditions.
- Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes with good traction, as the rocks can become slippery.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a dry bag if you’re carrying a phone, camera, or book.
Enjoy a Picnic by the River
By lunchtime, you’ll probably be ready for a break.
Find a shady spot beneath the trees or spread out your blanket on one of the smooth rock ledges and enjoy the picnic you picked up at the Warren Store. There aren’t concession stands or picnic tables here, but it’s hard to beat a sandwich by the river with the sound of waterfalls in the background.
Read a few chapters of your book, dip your feet back in the water, or take one more swim before packing up. Just remember to pack out everything you bring with you so Warren Falls stays as beautiful as you found it.
Stop by the Warren Covered
Before leaving town, make the short drive to the historic Warren Covered Bridge, one of the many iconic covered bridges in Vermont. Built in the late 1800s, it’s one of those classic Vermont landmarks that feels especially photogenic surrounded by summer greenery. It only takes a few minutes to visit, but it’s well worth adding to the day. Walk through the bridge, watch the Mad River flow beneath it, and snap a few photos before continuing on your way.Cool Off with a Vermont Creemee
No summer day in Vermont feels complete without a Vermont creemee. If you’re heading back toward Waitsfield, stop at Canteen Creemee Co., just a few minutes away. Their classic maple creemee is always a good choice, but if you’re feeling adventurous, order the Bad Larry’s Maple Madness. It comes stacked with maple drizzle, maple crystals, a maple cookie, and maple cotton candy. For a quicker stop, Village Grocery has self-serve creemees with maple, vanilla, chocolate, and rotating seasonal flavors. Simple but every bit as delicious.Return to Your Lodge
After a full day outside, you’ll find comfort in the fact that you’re only a few minutes from “home base.” Warren Lodge is just under five minutes from Warren Falls, and sits right along the Mad River, making it easy to go from river shoes back to dry clothes in no time and settle in for the evening. Fire up one of the on-site grills, enjoy dinner outside, or simply relax by the water and let the day wind down.
If you’re staying at Mad River Lodge, White Horse Lodge, or Tucker Hill Lodge, you’re still just a short drive away. Close enough that Warren Falls can naturally become part of your day without much planning at all.
One of the things we love most about Warren Falls is that it rarely feels like a quick stop. You come for the waterfalls, but you end up staying for the afternoon, swimming until you’re hungry, lingering over lunch on the rocks, and fitting in one last swim before stopping for a creemee on the way home.
Those are the kinds of summer days people remember long after vacation ends, and they’re even easier when you’re staying just minutes away in the heart of the Mad River Valley.
Book your stay and discover why so many of our favorite summer days begin, and somehow end, with a trip to Warren Falls.
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