Where to find the best waterfall hikes in New Hampshire

The Granite State is a hiker’s paradise. Here’s where to find the best waterfall hikes in New Hampshire.

One of the best things about living in New Hampshire is being close to nature. There are so many pockets of beauty to explore throughout the state, and whether you’re an ocean, forest, lake, or mountain person, you can indulge any and all of these preferences. One of the easiest ways to combine multiple natural elements into one exciting trip is to take a scenic hike to one of the best waterfalls in New Hampshire.

These hikes vary in terms of difficulty, whether you can bring your dog, and how long it’ll take you to complete the loop between the parking area, the waterfall, and back again. While each of these locations is beautiful and worth exploring, it’s best to choose the one that matches your hiking experience to ensure you’re staying safe on your next adventure.

1. Nancy Cascades, Livermore

Located in Livermore, Nancy Cascades is a waterfall that stretches more than 300 feet and is accessible by the Nancy Brook Trail. There’s another, more challenging trail in Crawford Notch that also leads to the waterfall—that one is recommended for more experienced hikers. Both the upper and lower falls offer breathtaking views, and hikers say that, on average, it takes about three hours to complete the five-mile loop.

AllTrails reports that it’s best to visit Nancy Cascades between April and October. You’re welcome to bring your dog with you, though they should be kept on a leash unless you’re traveling through designated off-leash areas. The trail is on a steady incline and passes over a creek, and some visitors have said that it’s not as well marked as other locations. Download a map of the Nancy Brook Trail and/or the trail in Crawford Notch before you set out on your hike to ensure you can get there and back safely.

2. Diana’s Baths, Bartlett

Diana’s Baths is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in New Hampshire. It’s less than a mile long and is primarily made up of a wide, flat path made of gravel. There’s a $5 parking fee required to access the path and waterfall, but the parking pass lasts an entire day. The Baths are home to naturally cascading waterfalls and pools, which many visitors swim in, so be sure to pack your bathing suit.

The Baths and surrounding trail are dog-friendly, though the official North Conway website asks you to please clean up after your pet. The intensity and level of the water vary from season to season, so exercise caution while you’re visiting Diana’s Baths. The water is milder in the summer, but it’s important to stay within pools that have water depths you can safely swim in.

3. Zealand Falls, Bethlehem 

Bethlehem’s Zealand Falls are reachable from the five-and-a-half-mile Zealand Hut Trail. On average, it’ll take about two hours to complete the loop, and the hike is “considered moderately challenging,” though it’s mostly flat terrain. The last half mile before you reach the Zealand Falls Hut can be more difficult to traverse, depending on whether it’s muddy in the area or dry. Zealand Falls Hut is essentially a store/lodging where you can stop for snacks, drinks, meals, or a place to stay if you want to explore the area over multiple days.

The falls themselves have a total drop of 165 feet, spanning a series of slides and cascades. Dogs can be brought through the trails and to the falls, though they must be kept on a leash at all times. AllTrails recommends visiting Zealand Falls between June and October, and notes that moose have been spotted in the area, so be sure to stay alert as you’re making your way around!

Twenty other trails lead to Zealand Falls, which you can check out here to ensure you’re choosing the one that best fits your hiking experience and preferences.

4. Falling Waters Trail, Franconia 

Parking for the Falling Waters Trail is available at both the Lafayette Campground and the Trailhead Parking Lot. This trail is popular for those who want to experience the scenic falls and Little Haystack Mountain. Several waterfalls are found here, including Cloudland Falls, Swiftwater Falls, and Stairs Falls. Altogether, the hike is a little less than three miles, and it’s dog-friendly, though your pet will need to be on the leash in certain areas.

The official White Mountains website offers an important safety tip for those planning to hike the Falling Waters Trail: “Please note that this trail can continue up the Franconia Ridge Trail which is considered a challenging hike in good weather conditions, and dangerous under bad weather conditions. Much of this trail is exposed to the elements, there are several steep, rocky sections, and rocks can become quite slippery when wet. If attempting, be sure to check the Higher Summits Forecast and do more research on current trail conditions.”

5. Flume Gorge, Franconia 

While you’re in Franconia hiking the Falling Waters Trail, stop by the Flume Gorge for a bonus outdoor experience. The Flume Gorge Trail is a two-mile loop that can be a bit challenging if you have limited hiking experience, but it usually only takes about an hour to finish. Dogs aren’t allowed here, unfortunately, and you’ll need to buy tickets in advance if you’re visiting between May and October to access the trail. There isn’t a parking fee—there’s just the admission fee, which you can learn more about here.

The area features stunning waterfalls and vibrant wild flowers, and it’s highly-regarded for its peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. If you don’t want to do the full two-mile hike, there’s an uphill walking trail (with stairs) that leads you straight to the Gorge and back.

6. Rainbow Falls, Plymouth 

Plymouth’s Rainbow Falls is another easy adventure for people with limited hiking experience or who are looking for kid-friendly options. The trail is around one-and-a-half miles long, and the landing for Rainbow Falls is found at the halfway point. You can access the trail through the Walter-Newton Conservation Area. Parking space is limited, and only five or six cars can fit there at a time, so plan your visit accordingly.

7. Mount Willard Trail, Bretton Woods

Mount Willard Trail in Bretton Woods is perfect for hikers who are looking for a challenge. It’s about three miles long and takes nearly two hours to finish, as it encompasses a steeper trail than the other options on this list. As you hike through the White Mountains, you’ll be able to see Crawford Notch, Saco Lake, a waterfall, and a centennial pool. There are some water crossings at this location, but they’re on the smaller side.

AllTrails notes that: “The trail markers on this trail are reportedly far between and there’s a lack of consistent cell reception in the area, please arrive prepared.”

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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