New Hampshire is full of beautiful waterfalls nestled in the woods. Many of these falls are easy to access with just a short hike, and a few can be seen from the road! If you’re looking for some popular and spectacular waterfalls to see on your next RV trip, be sure to stop by some of the falls on this list!
Waterfalls in New Hampshire
1. Arethusa Falls
2. Avalanche Falls
3. Diana’s Baths
4. Cloudland Falls
5. Glen Ellis Falls
6. Silver Cascade
7. Sabbaday Falls
8. Jackson Falls
9. Nancy Cascades
10. Ripley Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in New Hampshire
Here are 10 popular waterfalls to visit on your next vacation to New Hampshire!
1. Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls is one of New Hampshire’s incredible waterfalls. This 140-foot tall cascading waterfall is nestled in Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains. To see the falls you’ll have to hike the 1.5-mile trail each way, which is listed as moderate due to the steepness of the hike. Park in the parking area off Route 302 in the state park and head down the trail through the lush forest to the base of the waterfall. If you continue downstream you can also get a view of the entire waterfall.
Things to do near Arethusa Falls: Explore the rest of Crawford Notch State Park, and check out the hiking trails on Mt Willey and Mt Field. White Mountain National Forest is also right in the area, making for some incredible forest hikes. Manchester is just over 110 miles to the south.
2. Avalanche Falls
Another great waterfall in the White Mountains is Avalanche Falls, located in the Flume Gorge of Franconia Notch State Park. The Flume Gorge is a natural gorge area that stretches for 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, and the Flume Trail is a 2-mile loop that will take you to Avalanche Falls at the top of the Flume. There’s a boardwalk that takes you past the waterfall that gives you a great view.
Things to do near Avalanche Falls: Franconia Notch State Park provides visitors with plenty to do besides waterfall hikes. Take a ride on the aerial tramway, swim at Echo Lake, or hike part of the Appalachian Trail. There’s even camping if you want to spend a few days enjoying the park.
3. Diana’s Baths
While they’re not the tallest waterfall, Diana’s Baths are a series of small cascades and slides that create inviting swimming holes. It’s a popular summer destination for people who want to see the waterfalls and cool off in the natural pools formed by the Lucy Brook. You’ll need to purchase a day pass to visit, but once you do it’s only a short hike from the parking area to the falls. The water flow varies during the different seasons. Spring creates powerful flows of water, but it slows in summer, making it great for swimming and relaxing in the pools.
Things to do near Diana’s Baths: While you’re in the area, check out Echo Lake State Park, only a few miles away. Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge are also great hikes with sweeping views of the area and are located right down the road.
4. Cloudland Falls
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds at Avalanche Falls, head over to Cloudland Falls instead. This waterfall is also located in the Franconia Notch area but doesn’t have the popularity of the state park. It’s one of three waterfalls located along the Falling Waters Trail, meaning you get three waterfalls on just a single hike! This 3.2-mile hike takes you past two smaller falls, Stairs Falls and Swiftwater Falls, until it passes the 80-foot fanning horsetail, Cloudland Falls. The fan shape is what makes these falls so special. And as a bonus, if you continue to hike past the falls, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the surrounding area.
Things to do near Cloudland Falls: This is also in the White Mountain National Forest, meaning there’s no end to amazing hiking in the area. Mt Lafayette, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Liberty are all nearby that provide great hiking and amazing views from the summits. You’re also close to Arethusa Falls and Crawford Notch State Park.
5. Glen Ellis Falls
Glen Ellis Falls is another very popular waterfall in the White Mountain National Forest. This 64-foot tall plunge waterfall drops at a specific angle into a beautiful dark blue green pool and is a fantastic stop for waterfall enthusiasts and photographers. It’s only a short hike from the parking area, which is located a half mile south of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Rt. 16. This waterfall is popular, so go early in the day or during the week to avoid the crowds.
Things to do near Glen Ellis Falls: Mount Washington is nearby with great hiking. And if you’re visiting in winter, check out Wildcat Mountain for skiing. You’re a short drive from many other waterfalls on our list in White Mountain National Forest.
6. Silver Cascade
One of the easiest waterfalls to see in New Hampshire is Silver Cascade. This 250-foot waterfall is a series of cascades and plunges that you can see from the road. This is another fantastic waterfall located in the White Mountain National Forest near North Conway. It’s located right on Hwy 302, and there’s a parking area where you can pull over and get out of your car to grab some photos. Be careful as you admire this waterfall, as cars along the road who aren’t stopping for the falls tend to drive fast. So keep an eye on any kids or pets!
Things to do near Silver Cascade: Elephant Rock and Bugle Cliff are nearby for great hiking and amazing views. You’re also just north of Crawford Notch State Park and number one on our list, Arethusa Falls. We have a guide to the park to help you plan your trip.
7. Sabbaday Falls
If you’re looking for a great waterfall hike for the family, try Sabbaday Falls. This waterfall is easily seen by a maintained trail that’s less than a mile and includes steps and walking bridges. The punchbowl and multiple plunges of this waterfall give a total drop of 35 feet and can be viewed from a variety of angles. Interpretive panels along the trail explain the history and geology of the waterfall.
Things to do near Sabbaday Falls: Make your way from Conway to Lincoln along Route 112 and stop at some of the great hiking trails and scenic overviews along the drive. Nearby options include Sugar Hill Scenic Vista and Pemigewasset Overlook.
8. Jackson Falls
Another favorite summer swimming spot is Jackson Falls in Jackson, New Hampshire. The small cascades and plunges create prime swimming holes along the Wildcat River with a total drop of 100 feet. The waterfalls can easily be seen and accessed. There are parking areas above and below the falls, and it’s a great place to have a picnic and splash in the water during the summer. But don’t worry if you’re visiting during the spring or fall, the waterfalls are just as fun to see even if it’s too cold to swim.
Things to do near Jackson Falls: The historic town of Jackson is worth exploring, including one of the iconic covered bridges of New England, this one built in 1876. You’re also near many of the other waterfalls in the White Mountain National Forest.
9. Nancy Cascades
Nancy Cascades are another beautiful waterfall hike. The waterfall is divided into two falls, the upper and lower falls. The total height of both falls are 300 feet and can be seen on a 5 mile hike. The main/lower falls is made up of a fanning horsetail waterfall and is a beautiful backdrop for photography. The hiking trail continues to Nancy Pond if you wish to keep hiking.
Things to do near Nancy Cascades: Crawford Notch State Park is nearby and check out the hiking trails on Mt Willey and Mt Field. White Mountain National Forest is full of incredible forest hikes.
10. Ripley Falls
Ripley falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall that’s also located in Crawford Notch State Park. The waterfall is on the north end of the park and can be reached by a 1.2 mile out and back trail through the woods. The parking area is off of Route 302, and the trail leads through the woods to the sheet of water flowing down a rock wall.
Things to do near Ripley Falls: Explore the rest of Crawford Notch State Park and visit Arethusa Falls just to the south. The Appalachian Trail Trailhead is also located nearby if you want to hike a bit of the famous trail. Manchester is just over 110 miles to the south.
Planning an RV Trip to New Hampshire
An RV trip is an excellent way to see the amazing waterfalls in New Hampshire, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in New Hampshire, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
