12 Beautiful New Hampshire Waterfalls

Did you know New Hampshire is home to many beautiful waterfalls? New Hampshire is known for its beautiful fall foliage and mountain views, and most people do not realize it has incredible waterfalls throughout the state.

I grew up exploring New Hampshire and hiking to its many stunning waterfalls, allowing me to create this guide for you to use! This guide has everything you need to know about the best waterfalls in New Hampshire!

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Best Seasons to Visit the New Hampshire Waterfalls

Spring

Late spring is by far the best time to explore the best waterfalls in New Hampshire. After the winter snow melts, the waterfalls are GUSHING, which makes it one of my favorite times to visit the waterfalls in New Hampshire. The White Mountains tend to be quieter in the spring than in other seasons, so you are less likely to share the waterfall with a lot of people.

One thing to note is that many of the waterfalls in New Hampshire require a hike, and winter conditions in the White Mountains can last through June. I recommend reading recent trail reviews and packing layers and proper hiking gear.

Summer

The beginning of the summer is a great time to visit the best waterfalls in New Hampshire. After the snowmelt and early summer rainfall, the waterfalls will have a lot of power. As the summer moves on, the waterfall volume will slowly decrease, and at times, there may only be a trickle of water because the White Mountains may experience a drought later in the summer.

Summer is also one of the busiest times in the White Mountains, so it is likely you will not have the waterfall to yourself. I recommend exploring New Hampshire’s waterfalls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid most crowds.

Fall

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit New Hampshire because of the colorful fall foliage. The waterfalls will be surrounded by beautiful colors and look picture-perfect. Depending on the rainfall in the late summer, fall can be one of the best times to explore the best waterfalls in New Hampshire.

Although, early fall is one of the busiest times in the White Mountains because of the fall foliage. I recommend visiting New Hampshire’s waterfalls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid most of the crowds. Late fall can bring early winter conditions, so I always recommend reading recent trail reviews and packing layers and proper hiking gear when hiking to the waterfalls in New Hampshire.

Winter

Many people consider winter to be the worst time to visit New Hampshire’s waterfalls, but I beg to differ. Although most waterfalls freeze, I think they are still beautiful. And the best part? You will have most of the waterfalls in New Hampshire to yourself. If you are open to winter hiking and have proper gear, winter is a beautiful time to see the best waterfalls in New Hampshire.

What to Pack for Hiking to the Waterfalls

Weather in New Hampshire can be unpredictable, so it is important to pack layers when visiting. We have rugged and rocky trails here in New Hampshire, and I highly recommend packing proper hiking gear for your hikes to New Hampshire’s waterfalls.

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Beautiful New Hampshire Waterfalls

**Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

Arethusa Falls

Hike length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Arethusa Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire, standing at almost 200 feet tall! You have the opportunity to stand at the base of this beautiful New Hampshire waterfall and will be in awe of its beauty.

The hike to Arethusa Falls is 3 miles round trip and will make you work to get to it. The hike gains 700 feet of elevation, so it is a constant climb. Once you reach the highest point on the trail, it will begin descending to the stream that leads to Arethusa Falls. The hike is worth the effort!

Arethusa Falls is one of the most popular and best waterfalls in New Hampshire, so I highly recommend hiking to it early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During busy seasons, the trailhead parking lot can fill up by 8 AM.

Although it is a popular hike in the summer and fall, it is less crowded in the winter. Once Arethusa Falls freezes, the waterfall is stunning! It is one of my favorite winter hikes.

If you are looking for a longer hike, you can add Frankenstein Cliff or Ripley Falls to the hike. This hike is one of my favorites in the area! The Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff loop is a strenuous 5-mile round trip hike that gains 1,600 feet of elevation. Frankenstein Cliff offers beautiful views overlooking Crawford Notch.

Ripley Falls

Hike length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Ripley Falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall located down the road from Arethusa Falls, and honestly, I love this waterfall more than the other. The waterfall cascades down a smooth rock wall and is considered one of the best waterfalls in New Hampshire.

The hike to Ripley Falls is an easy 1.2 miles round trip to the waterfall viewpoint. Because of its proximity to Arethusa Falls and easy trail, Ripley Falls is a very popular waterfall in New Hampshire. The trailhead parking lot is small, so I recommend arriving at the trailhead early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Diana’s Bath

Hike length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Diana’s Bath is one of the most popular and best waterfalls in New Hampshire because it doubles as a swimming hole in the warmer months. Because it is popular, I recommend arriving at the trailhead early in the morning. The parking lot in the summer fills up quickly!

The hike to Diana’s Bath is 1.2 miles round trip and relatively flat, making it a great hike for all ages. I loved hiking this as a kid and enjoying a refreshing swim!

Sabbaday Falls

Hike length: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Sabbaday Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in New Hampshire. The stunning waterfall is on the Kancamagus Highway and consists of multiple cascades that end in an emerald-colored basin pool. It is one of my favorite family-friendly hikes in the area!

And the best part about Sabbaday Falls is it only requires a 0.6-mile round trip hike, most of which is flat! There is a boardwalk that brings you around the waterfall and provides different viewpoints of the beautiful New Hampshire waterfall.

Because of its accessibility, Sabbaday Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in New Hampshire. I highly recommend visiting the waterfall early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid most of the crowds.

Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls

Hike length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls are beautiful waterfalls along the Kancamagus Highway and should be on every New Hampshire bucket list. The waterfalls are next to each other, so you get a two-for-one deal with this waterfall hike!

The 3-mile round trip hike follows the Champney Falls Trail which leads to the summit of Mount Chocorua if you are up for a longer hike. The trail diverges left from the trail to bring you to the base of Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls. Although both of these waterfalls are beautiful, Pitcher Falls is my favorite!

Profile Falls

Hike length: 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Profile Falls is south of the White Mountains, and it is often overlooked but should be on every bucket list because it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire!

And the best part? It only requires a short walk from the parking lot to the falls, making it great for all ages! The beautiful 30-foot waterfall will leave you in awe. Profile Falls is easily one of my favorite waterfalls in New Hampshire.

Cloudland Falls

Hike length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Cloudland Falls is one of a few beautiful waterfalls on the very popular Falling Waters Trail. Falling Waters Trail leads to Mount Lincoln, Mount Lafayette, and the iconic Franconia Ridge. If you are looking to hike the full loop to both summits, you will be spending the day hiking 9 miles round trip.

If you only want to hike to Cloudland Falls, you will only hike 3 miles round trip. The trail leading to the falls is not easy, with its constant climb, gaining over 900 feet of elevation.

Because Cloudland Falls is on one of the most popular trails in the White Mountains, the parking lot and trail are always crowded and can be full by 8 AM. I recommend arriving as early as you can to secure a parking spot.

Avalanche Falls

Hike length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Avalanche Falls is in the iconic Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. The beautiful New Hampshire waterfall stands 45 feet tall and cascades in one of the most beautiful places in the White Mountains. I grew up hiking the Flume Gorge, and I love recommending it because it is a wonderful family-friendly hike.

The Flume Gorge has multiple waterfalls along the 2-mile round trip hike, but Avalanche Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls. The trail follows along a boardwalk for most of the hike, making it easy to explore the beauty.

The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular areas in the White Mountains, so I highly recommend hiking to Avalanche Falls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid most of the crowds. You also have to make a reservation in advance to visit the Flume Gorge.

Crystal Cascade

Hike length: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Crystal Cascade is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire, making it one of my favorites. The stunning waterfall is on the iconic Tuckerman Ravine Trail that many hikers take to reach the summit of Mount Washington.

To get to Crystal Cascade, it is only a short and easy 0.7-mile round trip hike. Right before the waterfall, there is a steep incline to reach the viewpoint that can be slippery when wet. From the viewpoint, you get an incredible view of the waterfall!

Nancy Cascades

Hike length: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Nancy Cascades is one of the most remote and least known waterfalls in New Hampshire on this list. It requires a 4.8-mile round trip hike that gains over 1,400 feet of elevation, has multiple river crossings, and at times can be difficult to follow.

From the parking lot, the trail follows a dirt path until it crosses Halfway Brook. The trail then continues, crossing Nancy Brook twice while steadily climbing until it begins to descend towards the falls. Nancy Cascades will make you work for it, but it is worth every step because it is one of the best waterfalls.

Glen Ellis Falls

Hike length: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

NOTE: The Glen Ellis Scenic Area will be closed starting October 10, 2023 for approximately a year for reconstruction and rehabilitation work. Read more here.

Last but certainly not least, we have one of my favorite waterfalls in New Hampshire. Glen Ellis Falls is a gorgeous 64-foot waterfall that will blow your mind realizing it is in New Hampshire. When we stumbled upon this waterfall, I was in shock at how epic it was!

The beautiful New Hampshire waterfall only requires a 0.4-mile hike that follows along a stone path down to the falls. It is very easily accessible and is great for all ages! Glen Ellis Falls is very popular, so on weekends, you will not be alone taking in the beauty of this New Hampshire waterfall.

Did you know that all of these waterfalls in New Hampshire existed? I love visiting these waterfalls because they are stunning. And if you want to visit them, you can use this guide to explore the best waterfalls in New Hampshire.