Big Falls Eddy: New and Improved River Access in North Troy, VT

Safe access to the highest undammed waterfall in Vermont? Yes please! 

Big Falls of the Missisquoi is the highest undammed waterfall in Vermont, and is on a stunning stretch of the federally designated Wild & Scenic Missisquoi River. The lands immediately surrounding the upper reaches of the roaring falls have been part of Big Falls State Park since the mid-1990’s, and while the state park is a great spot to view the falls, snap photos, or have a picnic, the falls’ steep cliffs would be incredibly dangerous for would-be swimmers or anglers. 

That’s why with the generous donation of the land from Anne and Bruce McKay we were able to protect the large pools just downstream. The McKays donated this 2.8-acre parcel to Vermont River Conservancy, protecting access to swim and fish below Big Falls. We protected the land several years ago and local residents have been visiting these pools to picnic, fish, and splash, but without a clear parking area, sign, or maintained trail, it wasn’t obvious that visitors are welcome to enjoy the protected riverfront. Last year we worked with local community members to choose a name for the site – Big Falls Eddy – to showcase the large quiet pool below the falls. Then we got to work on improvements that will wrap up this fall: a new parking area, road sign, an informative kiosk, benches, a wide flat path to the rivers’ edge, and large stone steps that bring you to the river.     

We are grateful to work with the Town of Troy and the Village of North Troy to create this special place. With these new improvements we are excited to see local residents who have loved this place for generations get to experience the falls safely, and we are excited to welcome new visitors who can now enjoy the large pool at the base of Big Falls. 

In early November come check out this beautiful spot for its official re-opening with all its new updates: