Tallest Waterfalls in New England

New England is home to some of the most scenic and underrated waterfalls in the United States. From the rugged peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the dense forests of Maine and the rolling hills of Vermont, the region offers an incredible variety of cascading waterfalls—many of which are surprisingly tall.

While New England may not be as famous for towering waterfalls as the Pacific Northwest, it still boasts an impressive collection of dramatic drops, multi-tier cascades, and hidden gems tucked deep within state parks and national forests. Some, like Arethusa Falls, plunge more than 150 feet in a single drop, while others—such as Silver Cascade—stretch for hundreds of feet down steep granite cliffs.

In this guide, we’ve ranked the tallest waterfalls in New England across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Because many waterfalls in the region are multi-tiered, some heights reflect total vertical drop rather than a single plunge—but each one offers its own unique beauty and experience.

Whether you’re chasing the tallest waterfalls, planning a scenic hike, or simply looking for inspiration for your next outdoor adventure, this list highlights the very best that New England has to offer.

Ranked by Vertical Drop

Rank	Waterfall Name	Vertical Drop (ft)	State	Notable Fact
1	Arethusa Falls	~160′	New Hampshire	Widely undisputed as the highest single-plunge waterfall in New England.
2	Moxie Falls	92′	Maine	One of the most powerful and high-volume vertical drops in the East.
3	Angel Falls	~90′	Maine	A stunning, near-vertical horsetail fall hidden in the mountains of Western Maine.
4	Lye Brook Falls	~80′	Vermont	The main vertical section of this fall is one of the highest in the Green Mountains.
5	Kent Falls (Upper)	70′	Connecticut	While the park has 250′ of total drop, the main plunge is a sheer 70′ wall.
6	Glen Ellis Falls	64′	New Hampshire	A very powerful, compressed plunge that shoots through a narrow rock cleft.
7	Bash Bish Falls	60′	Massachusetts	The tallest drop in Massachusetts; the water splits around a massive boulder at the top.
8	Moss Glen Falls	~50′	Vermont	The primary vertical drop of this dramatic fall near Stowe.
9	Sabbaday Falls	45′	New Hampshire	A three-tiered fall where the main vertical drop is approximately 45 feet.
10	Bingham Falls	40′	Vermont	A sheer vertical drop into a deep, cold basin popular for its turquoise water.

Ranked by Total Drop

Rank	Waterfall Name	Total Drop (ft)	State	Notable Fact
1	Dryad Fall	300′	New Hampshire	One of the highest total drops, though often dry in late summer.
2	Silver Cascade	250′	New Hampshire	A long, sliding series of cascades visible directly from Route 302.
3	Kent Falls	250′	Connecticut	A series of cascades dropping dramatically through a state park.
4	Nancy Cascades	180′	New Hampshire	A multi-tiered set of falls deep in the Crawford Notch area.
5	Arethusa Falls	160′	New Hampshire	Widely considered the tallest single-plunge waterfall in the region.
6	Lye Brook Falls	125′	Vermont	One of the highest waterfalls in Vermont, accessible via a popular trail.
7	Moss Glen Falls	125′	Vermont	A tall, narrow cascade located just outside of Stowe.
8	Ripley Falls	100′	New Hampshire	An impressive wall of water that slides down a smooth rock face.
9	Crystal Cascade	100′	New Hampshire	A two-tiered fall located near the start of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
10	Tannery Falls	100′	Massachusetts	A stunning series of drops located in the Savoy Mountain State Forest.
11	Moxie Falls	92′	Maine	Features one of the most powerful single vertical drops in New England.
12	Angel Falls	90′	Maine	Often cited as one of the most beautiful “hidden” falls in the region.
13	Beaver Brook Falls	80′	New Hampshire	A long, narrow sliding fall that is very accessible from the roadside.
14	Glen Ellis Falls	64′	New Hampshire	A powerful, direct plunge located in the Pinkham Notch region.
15	Bash Bish Falls	60′	Massachusetts	The highest single drop in Massachusetts, shared with New York.
16	Swiftwater Falls	60′	New Hampshire	A popular viewing spot on the Wild Ammonoosuc River.
17	Smalls Falls	54′	Maine	A scenic set of colorful falls and pools with multiple tiers.
18	Sabbaday Falls	45′	New Hampshire	Features a unique 90-degree turn in the rock flume.
19	Bingham Falls	40′	Vermont	Features deep turquoise pools and jagged rock formations.
20	Screw Auger Falls	30′	Maine	Famous for the deep, swirling potholes carved into the riverbed.