Waterfalls

No where in New England are waterfalls as abundant and accessible for viewing. Year-round there are great options for seeing and photographing amazing falls.

Sabbaday Falls:
This natural surface (dirt) trail leads to a picturesque series of cascades in a narrow flume. There are three drops in the falls, pretty pools and a pothole formed by the swirling waters. You can’t swim here, but it‘s a great spot for pictures. There is a mini loop above the falls with wooden stairs and rails.

Directions: Take the Kancamagus Highway from Conway. The Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area is about 3.5 miles west of where Bear Notch Road joins the Kanc. The falls are a short 0.33-mile hike in.

Flume Cascade and Silver Cascade:
These falls are easily viewable from the car, but you can get close for a better look.

Directions: On Route 302, just below Crawford Notch Depot.

Jackson Falls:
These are one of the popular swimming holes for locals and tourist on a hot summer day. Easily accessible, and part of the federally-designated and protected wild and scenic Wildcat River, they offer wonderful pools and small falls. A few picnic tables and benches offer the perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty and sounds of the running water.

Directions: Take Carter Notch Road about 3/10 mile from Route 16A in Jackson.

Diana’s Baths:
This series of small falls and pools offer a great place to cool off in the summer. You’ll walk about ½ mile in, following a well-marked trail to find them. Boulders and picnic tables offer relaxing spots to stay awhile.

Directions: Access the trailhead from a parking area located on West Side Road, about a half-mile beyond the point where West Side Road turns toward Conway.

Be aware: The popularity of this site in summer has led to parking problems along West Side Road, and parking is no longer permitted along the roadside outside the trailhead parking area. If the parking area is full, it’s best to go elsewhere and save this small hike for another day.

Glen Ellis Falls:
The Ellis River plunges 64 feet to the basin below in a torrent of white water here. Make sure to stop and read the signs that describe the geology and history of the area.

Directions: The turn-off to the falls is 0.7 miles south of Pinkham Notch on Route 16. This is also the parking area for the Glen Boulder and Wildcat Ridge Trails. A tunnel takes you to the other side of the highway where you turn right to reach the falls. It’s a relatively easy 0.2-mile walk to the falls.

Crystal Cascade:
This is a two-tiered spectacular fall, with a dramatic 60-foot wall of water, followed by a 20-foot plunge, ending with the river making a 90 degree turn at the bottom.

Directions: Park at the AMC Pinkham Notch Camp and take the path on the left of the Trading Post — the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. The falls are a 0.3-mile walk up.

Thompson Falls:
This is actually a series of falls along Thompson Brook at Wildcat Ski Area. The views to Mount Washington from the highest ledge are worth the trip.

Directions: Take Route 16 to Wildcat Ski Area. To reach the falls, take the “Way of Wildcat” Nature Trail from the ski area’s parking lot. At the far end of the trail loop, you’ll find the path to the falls. It’s a 0.7-mile easy trek to the falls.

Arethusa Falls:
Measuring in at about 176 feet, these are the highest single falls in New Hampshire. A bonus here is Bemis Brook Falls, Fawn Pool and Coliseum Falls can all be visited at the same time.

Directions: Take Route 302 from North Conway toward Bretton Woods and look for Crawford Notch State Park entrance. Turn onto a paved road just beyond the park and park on the short side road below the railroad tracks. The trail starts to the left of the private road above the railroad tracks and it’s about 1.3 miles to the falls (2 miles if you take the trail to Bemis Brook Falls, Coliseum Falls and Fawn Pool).

Ripley Falls and Kendron Flume:
An easy hike with swimming holes at the top of the falls and pools upstream. It’s not safe, however, to climb the face of the falls.

Directions: The Arethusa-Ripley Falls trail is off Route 302 at the old Wiley House station.