15 Amazing Waterfalls in New Hampshire
Imagine a place where the ancient mountains whisper tales through cascading waters, where the air is crisp with the scent of pine and mist, and every turn reveals a new, breathtaking spectacle. Welcome to New Hampshire, the Granite State, a true paradise for waterfall enthusiasts! Beyond its iconic fall foliage, New Hampshire boasts an incredible array of waterfalls, from easily accessible roadside marvels to remote, towering giants hidden deep within the White Mountain National Forest. You’ll discover a unique blend of adventure and tranquility here, whether you’re seeking a challenging hike to a secluded cascade or a gentle stroll to a family-friendly swimming hole.
The best time to chase these watery wonders is typically in late spring, when snowmelt swells the rivers, or after a good rain in summer, making the falls truly roar. Early fall also offers stunning scenery with vibrant autumn colors. Pack your waterproof hiking boots, layers of clothing, and definitely bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through New Hampshire’s most amazing waterfalls!
💰 Travel Cost Overview
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $80 – $120 (motels, basic inns) | $150 – $250 (boutique hotels, comfortable B&Bs) | $300 – $600+ (resorts, high-end lodges) |
| Food & Dining (per day) | $40 – $60 (groceries, diners, fast food) | $70 – $120 (casual restaurants, pub fare) | $150 – $250+ (fine dining, gourmet experiences) |
| Transportation (per day) | $50 – $80 (economy car rental, gas) | $80 – $120 (mid-size car rental, gas) | $120 – $180+ (SUV rental, premium gas) |
| Parking (per day) | $5 – $10 (state park/forest fees) | $10 – $15 (state park/forest fees, some paid lots) | $15 – $20 (state park/forest fees, private lots) |
| Activities & Attractions (avg. entry fees) | $0 – $10 (most free or WMNF pass) | $10 – $20 (some specific attractions like Flume Gorge) | $20 – $30+ (guided tours, premium attractions) |
| Total Daily Budget (Low) | $175 | $315 | $585 |
| Total Daily Budget (Medium) | $210 | $405 | $715 |
| Total Daily Budget (High) | $250 | $500 | $850+ |
| Weekly Budget Estimates | $1225 – $1750 | $2205 – $3500 | $4095 – $5950+ |
Arethusa Falls – Harts
Arethusa Falls, located in Harts Location, is a majestic sight and one of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls, plunging an impressive 200 feet down a sheer rock face. What makes this place truly unique is its commanding presence and the relatively challenging but rewarding hike required to reach it, making the view all the more satisfying. As you traverse the well-maintained but rocky path, following the gurgling Bemis Brook, you’ll be enveloped by the dense, serene forest, feeling a sense of anticipation grow with every step.
Upon arrival, you can stand at the base, feeling the cool mist on your face, or explore various vantage points along the trail for different perspectives of its grandeur. This attraction is perfect for active solo travelers, couples seeking a romantic and adventurous outing, and families with older children who are accustomed to hiking. The falls are particularly spectacular after heavy rains or during spring melt, when the water flow is at its peak, creating a powerful, roaring display. Its history is tied to the early logging days of the White Mountains, a testament to the enduring power of nature.
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Nancy Cascades – Livermore
Nancy Cascades, nestled in Livermore, offers a more secluded and adventurous waterfall experience compared to some of its more popular counterparts. This series of cascades tumbles down the mountainside, forming numerous smaller falls and pools along the Nancy Pond Trail. What makes Nancy Cascades unique is the journey itself – a longer, more remote hike that rewards you with a sense of wilderness and discovery. You’ll traverse diverse forest terrain, cross streams, and gain elevation, truly immersing yourself in the New Hampshire backcountry.
Visitors can expect to see multiple tiers of waterfalls, each with its own character, inviting quiet contemplation or a refreshing dip on a hot day. This is an ideal spot for experienced hikers, nature photographers, and those seeking solitude away from the crowds. The trail can be challenging, especially after rain, so proper footwear is essential. Its remote nature means you’re more likely to encounter wildlife and enjoy a truly undisturbed natural setting.
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Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls, located directly off the scenic Kancamagus Highway, is a true gem known for its exceptional accessibility and captivating beauty. What sets it apart is its multi-tiered structure, featuring a deep pothole at its base and a series of smaller drops, all easily viewed from well-maintained boardwalks and viewing platforms. You’ll be able to stroll a short, paved path through a lush forest, making it one of the most family-friendly waterfall experiences in the state.
Visitors can expect to enjoy the mesmerizing flow of water, marvel at the smooth, sculpted rock formations created by centuries of erosion, and take stunning photographs without a strenuous hike. This attraction is perfect for families with young children, seniors, and anyone looking for a quick, impactful stop along the Kancamagus. The short loop trail offers interpretive signs explaining the geology and ecology of the area, adding an educational element to your visit. Its ease of access makes it a popular stop for all types of travelers.
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Glen Ellis Falls – Jackson
Glen Ellis Falls, near Jackson, is a powerful and dramatic waterfall that plunges 64 feet into a deep, turquoise pool. What makes this fall unique is its sheer force and the impressive chasm it has carved into the rock over millennia. To reach the falls, you’ll descend a series of steps and a short, paved path that leads you directly to the viewing area at the base of the cascade. The sound of the rushing water is immense, and the mist creates a refreshing microclimate, especially on a warm day.
Visitors can expect to feel the raw power of nature, marvel at the vibrant blue-green color of the water, and capture stunning photos from the safety of the viewing platforms. This attraction is ideal for all ages, though the descent requires some physical ability due to the steps. It’s a fantastic spot for nature lovers and photographers. The falls are part of the scenic Pinkham Notch, an area rich in natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities, making it a perfect quick stop on a scenic drive.
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Silver Cascade – Harts
Silver Cascade, located in Harts Location, offers one of the most easily accessible and visually striking waterfall experiences in New Hampshire, as it cascades gracefully down the mountainside right alongside US-302. What makes it unique is its immediate roadside visibility and its long, multi-tiered descent, especially impressive after heavy rains. You can literally pull over and admire its beauty from your car or step out for a closer look.
Visitors can expect to see a beautiful ribbon of water flowing over rocky slopes, often appearing like a silver thread against the dark rock face. It’s a fantastic spot for a quick photo opportunity or a stretch break on a scenic drive through Crawford Notch. This attraction is perfect for everyone – families with small children, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility, as no hiking is required. Its proximity to the road also means it’s a popular spot for travelers exploring the Crawford Notch area, offering stunning views without any effort.
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Crystal Cascade Falls – Pinkham Grant
Crystal Cascade Falls, located in Pinkham Grant near the base of Mount Washington, is a picturesque waterfall that offers a relatively short and rewarding hike. What makes it unique is its elegant, tiered descent through a rocky gorge, culminating in a beautiful pool. The trail, though short, is part of the famed Tuckerman Ravine Trail, giving you a taste of the grandeur of the Presidential Range. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by lush forest, with the sound of the cascading water growing louder as you approach.
Visitors can expect to see a charming waterfall that invites contemplation, perfect for a peaceful moment in nature. You can often find people enjoying a quiet picnic nearby. This attraction is ideal for families, casual hikers, and photographers looking for a beautiful natural scene without an overly strenuous commitment. Its connection to the iconic Mount Washington makes it a popular side trip for those exploring the region.
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Ripley Falls – Hart
Ripley Falls, situated in Hart (part of Crawford Notch), is a magnificent 100-foot horsetail cascade known for its impressive height and unique sloping rock face. What makes this waterfall truly special is how the water seems to slide gracefully down the smooth, slanted granite, creating a delicate, veil-like appearance rather than a forceful plunge. The hike to Ripley Falls is moderate, leading you through a beautiful, tranquil forest along the Ripley Falls Trail, offering a serene escape.
You’ll cross small streams and navigate some rocky sections, feeling fully immersed in the wilderness. Visitors can expect to stand at the base of this elegant waterfall, feeling its gentle mist and admiring the unusual way the water flows. This attraction is perfect for hikers of moderate ability, nature photographers, and those seeking a peaceful, less crowded waterfall experience. Its distinctive character sets it apart from other falls in the region, making it a memorable stop.
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Cloudland Falls – Lincoln
Cloudland Falls, located in Lincoln, is part of the picturesque Zealand Trail system, offering a stunning cascade within a serene, verdant setting. What makes Cloudland Falls unique is its multi-tiered structure and the way it tumbles over moss-covered rocks, creating a truly enchanting scene that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and mostly flat, following the Zealand River through a beautiful forest, making it accessible to many.
You’ll pass through lush wetlands and enjoy the calming sounds of the flowing river. Visitors can expect to witness a series of graceful drops, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. This attraction is ideal for families with children, casual hikers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful and visually rewarding experience. It’s often combined with a visit to Zealand Falls and the AMC Highland Center, offering a comprehensive natural outing.
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Diana’s Baths – Conway
Diana’s Baths, situated in Conway, is less of a towering waterfall and more of a series of captivating cascades, pools, and smooth granite ledges carved by the rushing waters of Lucy Brook. What makes this spot incredibly unique and popular is its natural beauty combined with its recreational opportunities – it’s a beloved swimming and wading spot on warm summer days. Visitors can expect to explore various small waterfalls, relax on sun-warmed rocks, and cool off in the refreshing pools.
The short, flat walk from the parking lot makes it incredibly accessible. This attraction is absolutely perfect for families with children, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a unique outdoor experience that combines scenic beauty with a chance to play in the water. Its historical significance lies in its name, linked to the early 19th-century Diana’s Baths resort, adding a touch of bygone charm to this natural wonder.
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Jackson Falls – Jackson
Jackson Falls, located right in the heart of the charming village of Jackson, is a series of easily accessible cascades and swimming holes along the Wildcat River. What makes these falls unique is their urban accessibility – you can literally drive right up to them, and they stretch out along the roadside for a considerable distance, offering numerous spots to explore. Visitors can expect to find smooth, granite ledges perfect for sunbathing, shallow pools for wading, and small waterfalls that create a soothing backdrop.
It’s a popular spot for picnicking, photography, and simply enjoying the sounds of nature without a strenuous hike. This attraction is ideal for families with young children, seniors, and anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic stop. Its integration with the village makes it feel like a natural extension of a pleasant stroll through Jackson, offering both beauty and convenience.
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Avalanche Falls – Franconia
Avalanche Falls, a spectacular plunge within Franconia Notch State Park, is a highlight of the famous Flume Gorge trail. What makes this waterfall truly unique is its dramatic setting within a narrow, towering granite gorge, where the water thunders down into a basin below. You’ll experience the raw power of nature as you walk along boardwalks that hug the gorge walls, feeling the spray and hearing the roar of the falls.
Visitors can expect an immersive journey through a geological marvel, with opportunities to admire unique rock formations, lush mosses, and several other smaller cascades within the gorge. This attraction is perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates dramatic landscapes and a well-maintained, accessible trail. Its history is tied to the discovery of the gorge in 1808 by a local fisherman, making it one of New Hampshire’s oldest and most beloved natural attractions.
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Georgiana Falls – Lincoln
Georgiana Falls, nestled in Lincoln, offers a two-tiered waterfall experience that rewards those willing to venture a bit further into the woods. What makes this spot unique is the distinction between the lower falls (Georgiana Falls) and the more impressive upper falls (Harvard Falls), each offering its own character. The hike begins easily but becomes steeper and more rugged as you ascend towards the upper cascade, providing a sense of accomplishment.
Visitors can expect to see a series of beautiful, smaller drops at the lower level, perfect for a quick stop, before continuing to the taller, more dramatic Harvard Falls. This attraction is ideal for families with older children, moderate hikers, and those who enjoy a bit of a challenge to reach a more secluded gem. The journey through the forest, following the brook, is peaceful and offers a true immersion in nature.
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Garfield Falls – Pittsburg
Garfield Falls, located in the remote wilderness near Pittsburg, is an adventure in itself, making it unique due to its remote location and the commitment required to reach it. This powerful, multi-tiered waterfall plunges impressively into a deep pool, surrounded by pristine, untouched forest. What makes it special is the feeling of true wilderness you experience – it’s a destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Access often involves driving on unpaved roads and potentially a longer hike or ATV ride, truly earning its status as a hidden gem. Visitors can expect to find a powerful, beautiful waterfall in an unspoiled natural setting, far from the typical tourist crowds. This attraction is perfect for seasoned hikers, ATV riders, and adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine backcountry experience. Its isolation means you’ll likely have the falls to yourself, offering an unparalleled connection to nature.
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Profile Falls – Bristol
Profile Falls, located in Bristol, is a highly accessible and picturesque waterfall known for its wide, curtain-like cascade over a rocky ledge into a peaceful pool. What makes this waterfall unique is its ease of access combined with its beauty, making it a perfect spot for a quick, refreshing stop. You can park just steps away and immediately enjoy the view.
Visitors can expect to see a graceful sheet of water, often with opportunities for wading in the shallow areas below the falls or enjoying a picnic by the river. It’s a popular spot for local families to cool off during summer. This attraction is ideal for families with young children, seniors, and anyone looking for a beautiful natural setting without a strenuous hike. Its location near the Newfound Lake region makes it a great addition to a day of exploring the area’s natural beauty.
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Beede Falls – Sandwich
Beede Falls, nestled in Sandwich, offers a serene and easily accessible waterfall experience within the White Mountain National Forest. What makes this waterfall unique is its charming setting, where the water flows over a wide, sloping rock face into a tranquil pool, surrounded by a peaceful forest. The short, gentle walk to the falls makes it a delightful destination for all ages.
Visitors can expect to enjoy the soothing sound of the cascading water, explore the surrounding woods, and perhaps even dip their toes in the cool, clear water. It’s a wonderful spot for a quiet picnic or a moment of reflection in nature. This attraction is perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into New Hampshire’s natural beauty without a strenuous trek. Its location offers a taste of the less-traveled side of the White Mountains.
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Plan Your Visit
New Hampshire truly is a wonderland for waterfall chasers, offering an astonishing diversity of cascades, from the towering majesty of Arethusa Falls to the serene beauty of Beede Falls, and the playful pools of Diana’s Baths. You’ve now discovered that whether you crave a challenging backcountry adventure or a leisurely stroll to a roadside marvel, the Granite State delivers. Each waterfall tells its own story, carved by time and nature, inviting you to connect with the raw power and peaceful tranquility of the mountains.
So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be mesmerized. With our detailed cost breakdown, you can plan your budget effectively, ensuring a trip filled with awe-inspiring sights without any financial surprises. Don’t just dream about these natural wonders – come experience the magic of New Hampshire’s amazing waterfalls for yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime!
