If you plan to visit waterfalls please remember to wear sturdy, flat, rubbersoled walking shoes and take care during your explorations. Rocks and water make for slippery and sometimes even dangerous terrain. Changing water levels during or after heavy rainfall can create unexpected conditions. Use caution near water.
Swim only where allowed, and never drink the water. We ask that you help keep these special places beautiful by packing out everything you pack in. Stay on marked trails so the area surrounding the falls is not impacted.
There are over 100 waterfalls located throughout the White Mountain Region. You can get more information about waterfalls on the White Mountain Attractions website.
Beaver Brook Cascades
Long, picturesque cascades next to a very steep section of the Beaver Brook Trail starting half-a-mile south of NH Route 112 at Kinsman Notch, 6 miles west of US Route 3, North Woodstock.
Nancy Cascade
The Nancy Pond trail starts off at Rt. 302, south of Crawford Notch. The 2.4 mile hike in, which is of moderate difficulty, brings you to a series of lovely cascades that are shady and cool. The total drop is thought to be about 400 feet.
Flume & Silver Cascades; Beecher & Pearl Cascades; Gibb Falls
North of Rt. 302 in Crawford Notch, Flume and Silver Cascades can be seen from your car window, but to really appreciate them, take a closer look. To reach Beecher and Pearl Cascades, park behind the Crawford Depot (further west on Rt. 302) and make the easy .5 mile hike in beginning on the Avalon Trail, then following signs. If you'd like to see a fifth falls, head up Crawford Path to 35 ft. Gibb Falls, which begins across Rt. 302 from Crawford Depot for a .4 mile hike.
Crystal Cascade
70 feet high, in 2 drops. . 3 mile trail from Pinkham Notch Camp of AMC, off Rt. 16 in Gorham is an especially dramatic falls. The last part of the path is somewhat steep, but leads to an excellent view point.
Fletcher's Cascades
Spectacular falls, especially during spring runoff. Accessible by a 1.7 mile hike via Drakes Brook and Fletcher's Cascade Trails in Waterville Valley. Park at the lot on NH Route 49, 10 miles east of I-93, Exit 28.
Falling Waters Trail
Begins on the east side of Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93), opposite Lafayette Campground. This moderately steep trail passes five picturesque waterfalls: Stair Falls, 20 feet high, Swift Water Falls, 60 feet high, Cloudland Falls, 80 feet high, and two more falls facing each other, about 25 feet high.
Franconia Falls
Melting glaciers eroded about an acre of granite ledge as they receded northward, forming Franconia Brook and creating one of the most unusual and finest falls in the White Mountain Region. The area can be dangerous, however, and visitors should use caution. Sunbathing is popular on this large expanse of smooth rock. Access to these falls is by an easy three-mile hike along the Lincoln Woods Trail. Park at the Lincoln Woods Information Center lot on the Kancamagus Highway, 5 miles east of Lincoln.
Gordon Fall
One of several cascades along the easily-hiked Gordon Pond Trial, 3.9 miles north of NH Route 112. Parking is 1.7 miles west of North Woodstock, US Route 3.
Glen Ellis Falls & Picnic Area
This historic recreation area, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930's, is located on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch. The walkway to the falls has over 200 fieldstone steps.
Lower Falls
Is located on the Kancamagus Highway Lower Falls 7 miles west of Conway and is a busy spot on hot summer days. It has pools, sandy beaches, picnic tables, parking and changing rooms.
Rocky Gorge is 8 miles west of Conway along the Kancamagus Highway and requires an easy .1 mile easy walk in. Rocky Gorge has picnic tables, drinking water and parking. Swimming is prohibited in the Gorge.
Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is located 3.5 miles west of where Bear Notch Road joins the Kancamagus. Swimming is not allowed, but the 25 ft. falls' beauty is well worth the easy .3 mile hike in.
The Cascades
A series of beautiful waterfalls on Cascade Brook, Waterville Valley. Start at Snow's Mountain parking lot on NH Route 49, 12 miles east of I-93, exit 28 and follow the Cascade Path 1.5 miles to the Falls.
Norway Rapids
Avalanche Brook tumbles over flat rocks forming the rapids that are reached by an easy 2 mile walk along Livermore Road. Start at the parking lot adjacent to Tripoli Road 1.8 miles north of NH Route 49, Waterville Valley.
Otter Rocks
Small cascade over smooth ledge on Hancock Branch beside Otter Rocks Rest Area along the Kancamagus Highway, 7 miles east of Lincoln.
Smart Brook Cascades
A series of large pools and wide, smooth granite with gently flowing stream and tumbling cascades beside Smarts Brook Trial, 1.1 miles fro NH Route 49. Parking lot is located 5.5 miles east of I-93, exit 28.
Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
On Old Cherry Mountain Road, off Rt. 302 between Twin Mountain and Fabyans. Take an immediate left (before the railroad tracks) and park in the area at the end of this paved road. Walk down the dirt road at the end of the parking lot (about a .1 mile hike).
Thirteen Falls
A series of scenic falls and cascades at the headwaters of Franconia Brook. The falls are named for their close proximity to old logging Camp 13. They are accessible by an 8-mile hike along old logging railroad beds. Start at the parking area on the Kancamagus Highway 5 miles easy of I-93, Exit 32, and follow the Lincoln Woods Trail, 2.9 miles to Franconia brook Trail, and then proceed 5.1 miles north to the falls.
Thompson Falls
These are actually a series of falls along Thompson Brook at Wildcat Ski Area, Rt. 16 in Pinkham Notch. To reach the falls, take the Way of the Wildcat Nature Trail from the ski area's parking lot; at the far end of the trails' loop, you'll find the path to the falls. Stay on the east side of the brook when you cross the service road which leads to parking lot C. It is .7 miles to the falls.
Thoreau Falls
Cascading North Fork tumbles down a long section of exposed granite which is quite picturesque when there is a good flow of water. Accessible from the parking area at the end of Zealand Road that is located 2.5 miles east of Twin Mountain and 3.5 miles from US Route 302. Follow the Zealand, Ethan Pond and Thoreau Falls Trail 4.7 miles to the falls.
Zealand Falls
A beautiful series of falls near the headwaters of Whitewall Brook beside Zealand Falls Hut (AMC), take the Zealand Trail from the parking area at the end of Zealand Road 2.5 miles to the junction of Twinway rail. The falls are reached by a 10 minute walk.
Diana's Baths
200 yards of granite terraces. .5 miles form the turn-off to Cathedral Ledge on West Side Rd. Bartlett. An easy .5 mile walk in takes you to cascading falls, waterspouts, and granite basins along Lucy Brook. |
