Hiking Dog’s Head Falls - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in the Dog’s Head Falls: trails, map and practical info

Central Vermont • Vermont

4.6 Appreciated by 22 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
300 ft
Duration
0.5-1 heure

Discover the unique rock formations resembling a dog's profile at this 300m elevation gain waterfall hike in Wilmington, Vermont. Allow 1 to 2 hours to reach the cascading falls through lush woodlands along the scenic route.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Dog’s Head Falls? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Dans la section 'What Makes This Spot Stand Out', remplacer: 'Dog's Head Falls offers a more accessible route to a genuinely impressive natural feature.' par 'Dog's Head Falls offers a more accessible route to a genuinely impressive natural feature — the hike covers approximately 2.4 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of just 88 feet, typically taking 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.' Dans la premiere paragraphe, remplacer 'accessed by a relatively short hike' par 'accessed by a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail via the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail that typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.'

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Johnson, VT 05656, USA
GPS coordinates
44.6225079, -72.6773524
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Dog's Head Falls trails are located in the town of Wilmington, Vermont. To get to the start of the trails, take Route 9 west from Wilmington and turn left onto Dog's Head Falls Road. The trailhead is located at the end of the road.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.6225079, -72.6773524
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.6
12 Reviews
S
Sarah
Nov 22, 2025
This waterfall trail near Wilmington offers a solid morning hike with manageable elevation gain. The 1.6 km distance makes it accessible for most fitness levels, though the 300m climb does provide a decent workout. Access requires a fee and parking isn't complimentary, but the scenic waterfall views at the destination justify the investment for those exploring Central Vermont.
S
Sarah
Nov 12, 2025
This waterfall trail near Wilmington offers a solid morning hike with rewarding views at the destination. The 1.6 km distance combined with 300 meters of elevation gain provides a good workout without being overly strenuous. Be aware that parking requires payment and there's an entrance fee, but the scenic waterfall makes it worthwhile for those visiting the area.
M
Michael
Sep 28, 2025
Decent waterfall destination accessible from Dog's Head Falls Road in Wilmington. The trail itself is manageable with moderate elevation gain, though the paid parking and entrance fee may discourage some visitors. If you're already in the region, it's worth the trip to see the falls, but plan accordingly for the additional costs involved.
M
Michael
Aug 15, 2025
Dog's Head Falls delivers a rewarding waterfall experience with straightforward trail conditions. The elevation gain is moderate and the hike duration fits well into a morning schedule. Keep in mind that both parking and trail access involve fees, which may influence your decision. The falls themselves are worth seeing if you're already in the Wilmington area.
J
Jennifer
Jul 15, 2025
Beautiful waterfall hike that delivers stunning views after a moderate climb. The elevation gain provides a satisfying workout, and the falls themselves are genuinely impressive. Just remember that dogs aren't permitted on this trail, and you'll need to budget for both parking and access fees when planning your visit to this Central Vermont gem.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
300.00
0.5-1 heure
No
No
Yes, Dog's Head Falls is rated as an Easy trail, making it suitable for beginners and hikers of all skill levels. With only 1.6 km of distance and 300 m of elevation gain, it's an accessible hike that doesn't require advanced hiking experience.
Yes, Dog's Head Falls is an excellent choice for families with children due to its Easy difficulty rating and short 1.6 km distance. The 1h15 estimated duration makes it manageable for younger hikers, though individual pace and fitness levels may vary.
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Update : June 2026