Molly’s Falls Pond State Park
Vermont State Park

Molly’s Falls Pond State Park

5229 U.S. Route 2, Cabot, Vermont 05658
Available Activities
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing

🌤 Weather at Molly’s Falls Pond State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
14–66 °F48–80 °F23–70 °F3–31 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Plainfield, 8 mi away, elevation 800 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

Vermont’s Remote Reservoir Wilderness — 411-Acre Fishing Pond, 9 Primitive Boat-In Campsites, Concrete Boat Ramp, Trout & Bass Angling, Shore Fishing Platforms & Undeveloped Shoreline in Cabot & Marshfield

Molly’s Falls Pond State Park is an undeveloped day-use and primitive camping park surrounding the 411-acre Molly’s Falls Pond (Marshfield Reservoir) in Cabot and Marshfield, Vermont. The park features a concrete boat ramp with trailer access, 9 remote primitive campsites (most accessible only by boat), 2 shore fishing platforms, 10 remote picnic sites, swimming along the shoreline, and excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and yellow perch.

Molly’s Falls Pond is one of Vermont’s premier primitive camping and fishing destinations. The 411-acre reservoir offers a genuine backcountry-on-water experience — most of the 9 campsites are accessible only by boat, giving paddlers the rare opportunity to camp on a remote, undeveloped shoreline far from roads and crowds. The concrete boat ramp at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife access area accommodates trailered boats, while two dedicated shore fishing platforms provide accessible angling without a boat. The pond is stocked and supports a diverse fishery including rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and yellow perch.

Things to Do

Fishing

  • Rainbow trout
  • Brown trout
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Northern pike
  • Chain pickerel
  • Yellow perch
  • 2 shore fishing platforms: Accessible angling without a boat
  • Boat fishing: Trolling and casting across the 411-acre pond
  • Vermont fishing license required

Boating & Paddling

  • Concrete boat ramp: At the VT Fish and Wildlife access area (northern end)
  • Trailer access: Full-size trailered boats welcome
  • Canoe/kayak: Excellent paddling on 411 acres of open water

Primitive Camping

  • 9 remote primitive campsites
  • Most accessible only by boat (one site accessible by foot)
  • First-come, first-served: Self-register at contact station
  • No potable water at campsites

Swimming

  • Swimming permitted: Along the shoreline
  • ⚠️ NOT allowed at the boat launch area
  • No lifeguards

Picnicking

  • 10 remote picnic sites: Some with tables and fire rings
  • Accessible by boat or foot

Park Information

FeatureDetails
Pond Size411 acres
Campsites9 primitive (most boat-in only)
Picnic Sites10 remote sites
Fishing Platforms2 shore platforms
Boat RampConcrete — trailer access at northern end
SeasonMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
ReservationsFirst-come, first-served — self-register at contact station
Potable WaterNOT available — bring your own
RestroomsPortable toilet near boat launch
PetsWelcome — must be leashed at boat launch
ContactVermont State Parks Barre Regional Office: 802-476-0170

Best Time to Visit

SeasonHighlightsConsiderations
Summer (Jun–Aug)⭐ PEAK: Boat-in camping; warm water swimming; fishing for bass/pike/perch; paddling; long days; full accessMosquitoes; thunderstorms; sites fill on holiday weekends; no shade at some campsites
Late Spring (May)⭐ Trout fishing excellent; opening weekend camping; uncrowded; spring birdingCool water; variable weather; bugs emerging; bring layers
Early Fall (Sep)Fall foliage beginning; uncrowded camping; warm water; cooling days; photographyPark closes Labor Day; shorter days; cooling nights — bring warm sleeping gear
Off-Season (Oct–Apr)Park CLOSEDNo access during off-season

Visitor Tips

  • Boat-in camping: Most of the 9 campsites are accessible only by boat — bring a canoe, kayak, or motorboat to reach them.
  • Bring everything: There is no potable water at the campsites. Bring all water, food, and supplies you’ll need.
  • Self-register: Camping is first-come, first-served — self-register at the contact station near the entrance.
  • Shore fishing: If you don’t have a boat, the 2 shore fishing platforms provide excellent angling access.
  • Trout fishing: The pond holds rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and yellow perch — bring varied tackle.
  • No swimming at launch: Swimming is NOT permitted at the boat launch area — use the shoreline instead.
  • Portable toilet: The only restroom is a portable toilet near the boat launch — plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Molly’s Falls Pond State Park?

Yes — Molly’s Falls Pond State Park in Cabot and Marshfield, Vermont, offers 9 primitive campsites. Most sites are accessible only by boat (canoe, kayak, or motorboat), with one site accessible by foot. Camping is first-come, first-served — self-register at the contact station near the entrance. There is no potable water at the campsites, so bring all water and supplies. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. A portable toilet is available near the boat launch.

What fish are in Molly’s Falls Pond?

Molly’s Falls Pond (411 acres) in Vermont supports a diverse fishery including rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, and yellow perch. The park features a concrete boat ramp with trailer access at the northern end and two shore fishing platforms for anglers without boats. A Vermont fishing license is required. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with the best trout fishing typically in late spring (May–June).

Last updated: May 2026

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with New Discovery State Park (a short drive away) or Kettle Pond State Park (a short drive away).

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Molly’s Falls Pond State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected

Are dogs allowed at Molly’s Falls Pond State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 3, 2026

Park Location

5229 U.S. Route 2, Cabot, Vermont 05658

Plan your gear for Molly’s Falls Pond State Park

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