If you’ve been wanting an excuse to visit the Granite State, here are 10 waterfalls in New Hampshire that will take your breath away.
1. Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls is New Hampshire’s tallest single cascade, at 160 feet tall. The falls are located in Hart’s Location, a small town surrounded by the White Mountains and White Mountain National Forest. There is a spot at the end of the Bemis Brook where you can watch the water flow down after hiking for a mile and a half. However, the terrain is a bit steep in places, so be careful as you hike.
2. Nancy Cascades
For one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire, head to Nancy Cascades. The Nancy Cascades is located in the White Mountain National Forest in the town of Livermore. Together, the upper and lower falls total about 300 feet, making them among New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls. When you finally reach the lower falls, you can observe Nancy Brook’s water flowing down magnificent chutes, slides, horsetails, and little plunges.
3. Glen Ellis Falls
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in New Hampshire is Glen Ellis Falls, located in the White Mountain National Forest. A half-mile-long hike is all that is required to reach this 64-foot waterfall in the Pinkham Notch section of the White Mountains. This waterfall cascades into an emerald-green pool, but swimming is prohibited and there is a warning about the force of the river, so be cautious when visiting.
4. Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in New Hampshire. In addition to many of the waterfalls on this list, this waterfall is located within the White Mountain National Forest – right in the town of Waterville Valley. It flows from Sabbathy Brook and is a 35-foot waterfall with multiple tiers, two plunges, and a punchbowl at its top. In case you do not want to hike all the way to the falls, you can still see them from the road. Sabbaday Falls is a popular tourist stop along the Kancamagus Highway.
5. Silver Cascade
Not interested in a long and tiring hike in order to view a waterfall? Then you’re going to want to check out Silver Cascade. The Silver Cascade waterfall is located at Harts Location, within Crawford Notch State Park. The waterfall cascades down the slope of Mount Jackson into the Saco River. From Highway 302, Silver Cascade plunges 250 feet over several cascades to a total drop of 600 feet. This waterfall is best seen in the fall when the foliage is at its best.
6. Ripley Falls
Ripley Falls is 0.6 miles away, but the trail is riddled with rocks and roots. Because the trail is so narrow, it can be challenging and time-consuming. The good news is that the 100-foot descent is totally worth it. While approaching the falls, you will hear the sound of water gurgling down the slippery rocks.
7. Avalanche Falls
Avalanche Falls is located in Lincoln’s Franconia Notch State Park. This waterfall is 45 feet high and located along The Flume, a two-mile hike that offers hikers some of New Hampshire’s most stunning scenery. On The Flume route, visitors can see numerous waterfalls, covered bridges, and the famed “Pool,” a 40-foot-deep and 150-foot-wide pool in the Pemigewasset River. Because of its size and the beautiful way the water flows over its walls, many people stop to marvel at it. Therefore, expect the area to be crowded when you visit.
8. Crystal Cascade
A must-see waterfall in New Hampshire, Crystal Cascade may be one of the most underappreciated waterfalls you will ever see. Crystal Cascade is a 100-foot waterfall located in the White Mountain National Forest. The trail can be reached by taking a short detour from the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, one of Mount Washington’s most popular trails. Crystal Cascade is divided into two distinct sections that range in height yet are equally lovely.
9. Diana’s Baths
Diana’s Baths, located within the White Mountain National Forest, is one of the best waterfalls for swimming in New Hampshire. Diana’s Baths consists of cascades and slides measuring 75 feet high. This is a great place for hiking with friends and family. Only a half-mile walk separates you from the waterfall, and the route is quite straightforward.
10. Cloudland Falls
Among the most popular walks in the Franconia Notch area, the Falling Waters Trail has a number of waterfalls, as well as access to the higher summits of the White Mountains. The third and largest waterfall seen is Cloudland Falls, which is without a doubt the most popular spot for casual hikers. The water descends an amazing 80 feet in a cool yet deep wilderness environment. It’s definitely worth a visit!
