Cavendish Gorge Falls

Cavendish Gorge is a nice lowkey waterfall located in Cavendish, Vermont. There are two separate waterfalls that make can be found at the gorge. The main waterfall drops about 80 feet and can be found along the Black River. There is another waterfall that drops about 35 feet and can be found along a tributary of the Black River. Wonderful cascades and small plunges make up both falls. The tallest plunge is about 10 feet.

In terms of water flow, the Black River flows well year-round. The tributary features just a little watershed. It is best to visit the falls during the springtime when the snow is thawing and the water is fueling the rivers. 

Accessing the waterfall is pretty easy. The waterfall is located in the Cavendish Hydroelectric Recreation Area. Visitors can park at the trailhead just off Cavendish Gulf Road and then hike 0.40 miles to the falls. Much of the trail is made up of an old overgrown road. This dirt road is actually part of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) trail network. The trail will get visitors close to the waterfall, but some bushwhacking is required to get great views. Hopefully someday soon the gorge will become more visitor-friendly and built out. 

Ultimately, the hike out and back to the Cavendish Gorge waterfalls is 0.80 miles and features very little elevation gain. The route is rated as easy.

Waterfall Specs

• Height: 80-foot total drop
• Type: Cascades and small plunges
• Water Source: Black River and an unnamed tributary
  
• Swimming: Not possible / not allowed

Cavendish Gorge Location

• Park: Cavendish Hydroelectric Recreation Area
• Address: Cavendish Gulf Road
• Town: Cavendish
• State: Vermont
• GPS: 43.381656, -72.597158
• Parking Notes: Parking is available at the start of a small unpaved road located off Cavendish Gulf Road. After parking, walk past the gate and then hike about 0.40 miles to the falls. Parking is free.
• Parking Directions: HERE
• Location Directions: HERE