Gnome Stairs Falls

Description

Gnome Stairs Falls is a small seasonal waterfall located in Barton, Vermont. The waterfall drops about 20 feet in total and it can be found along Wheeler Brook. This brook is extremely seasonal and on most days of the year features just a trickle of flow. For the best chance of seeing the brook in peak condition, it is wise to visit during the spring when the snow is thawing and fueling the brook. Ultimately, it is wise to visit the falls during the months of April, May, and June. Outside of the spring months, there really isn’t much to see.

The waterfall itself drops in a pretty formation consisting mainly of cascades and some small plunges too. The main drop is a 5-foot cascade and below it are about 15 more feet of cascades and plunges. Accessing the waterfall is pretty easy and rather quick. Gnome Stairs Falls is located on land owned by the Green Mountain Club. In Barton, the club operates the Wheeler Pond Camps and the trail leading to the waterfall.

Visitors of the falls can park just off Wheeler Mountain Road at the entrance to the campsite. From there, the hike to the Gnome Stairs Falls is 0.40 miles. The trail is family-friendly and dog-friendly too. Ultimately, the trail out and back to the waterfall is 0.80 miles and features just 120 feet of elevation gain.

Waterfall Specs

Height: 20 feet in total (the main falls drop about 5 feet)
Type: Cascades and small plunges
Water Source: Wheeler Brook
Swimming: Not possible / not allowed

Gnome Stairs Falls Location

Park: Green Mountain Club’s Wheeler Pond Camps
Address: Wheeler Mountain Road
Town: Barton
State: Vermont
GPS: 44.710194, -72.101121
Parking Notes: A small dirt parking area is located just off Wheeler Mountain Road. This is the same parking area used for visitors to Green Mountain Club’s Wheeler Pond Camps. Parking is free and there’s room for about 5 cars.
Parking Directions: HERE
Location Directions: HERE