Hiking in New Hampshire with Waterfalls

The benefits of hiking are many, including going out into the woods, finding new pathways, and coming across breathtaking waterfalls, and natural wonders, among others. One can't help but be mesmerized by the sight of towering cliffs and gushing rapids tumbling from above, with pictures and sounds ranging from soothing to downright thrilling, and one can't help but be swept in by the sound of rushing water. Beautiful picnic sites, swimming holes, and even natural water parks for children are available at the gorgeous waterfalls in New Hampshire.

These are, in our opinion, some of the most stunning hikes in New Hampshire, particularly those that lead to spectacular waterfalls. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, and these hikes are perfect for a weekend get-away. These are, in our opinion, some of the most stunning walks in New Hampshire, particularly those that lead to spectacular waterfalls. 

Here are some of the best Hikes with waterfalls in New Hampshire-

#1. Basin-Cascades Trail 

 A display of spectacular waterfalls and cascades over a mile-long trail, rather than a single destination, the Basin-Cascades Trail provides something for everyone. A beautiful spot to chill and relax. The trailhead parking lot is located close to the trailhead. Kinsman Falls, a 15-foot fall that plunges into a swimmable gorgeous pool, and Rocky Glen Falls, which measures 35 feet in height and is the tallest of the group.

All walkers will find an excellent hidden location where they can rest and take in the water and surroundings, thanks to the many unnamed cascades and fascinating water features interspersed throughout the trail. Access to the Basin parking lots in Franconia Notch State Park is provided utilizing the Basin trailhead accessible from the interstate.

#2. Arethusa Falls and Bemis Brook Trail, Crawford Notch State Park

Take this 2.7-mile round-trip excursion to the lovely waterfall in New Hampshire, situated in the Granite State. With a 140-foot drop, Arethusa Falls is a stunning sight to see. Most significantly, you'll pass past several other gorgeous waterfalls up to the mountain's summit. We assure you that the travel to Arethusa Falls will be well worth your effort and patience on your part.

You may reach Bemis Falls in various ways, but we recommend using the Bemis Brook Trail since it passes past several magnificent minor falls along the way, including Bemis Falls. You'll also be given the stunning Coliseum Falls, where you may stop for a moment to rest and rejuvenate. Listening to the sound of flowing water and birds singing will offer you a sense of peace and well-being.

#3. The Flume

 It took thousands of years for a bit of stream to flow through a fissure in the granite to create this 800-foot-long valley in Franconia Notch, with vertical walls reaching 90 feet. It is not the biggest of New Hampshire's famous waterfalls. Still, it has the most spectacular location, with a series of falls and cascades tumbling into a canyon, even though it is the second-smallest. You may walk by the creek that cuts through the gorge, which seems to be barely big enough to have caused this breach in the soil.

Many gigantic boulders known as glacial erratics will be seen on the day hike to The Flume. These rocks were deposited by the retreating ice sheets of the last Ice Age and finally formed part of the landscape.

#4. Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls, Lincoln, and Franconia

One may witness a variety of waterfalls along Cascade Brook tributaries, the most notable of which are Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls (shown above). The Basin-Cascades Trail, which links to the Franconia Notch Bike Path through a series of manufactured bridges, provides a good view of the mile-long (1.6-kilometer) stream that runs through the area. Certain sections of the trail are wheelchair accessible and will be appreciated by those who use wheelchairs. 

One of the earliest waterfalls to be given an official name was Kinsmans Falls, a narrow waterfall that is 15 feet (4.57 meters) long and plunges into a small pond where visitors may swim. Kinsmans Falls was the first waterfall to be given an official name. The last waterfall on this journey is situated towards the route's finish. Even though Rocky Glen Falls is the most magnificent waterfall along the trip, it is not safe to swim in it, despite its allure.

#5. Rainbow Falls

Plymouth's Walter-Newton Natural Area has a beautiful 20-foot cascade that does not need a journey into the White Mountain National Forest. There is a waterfall at Rainbow Falls, part of the Walter-Newton Natural Area. When the waterfall is at its most forceful in the spring, visitors will get the best view of the cascade, which is fed by Grove Hollow Brook, according to the park service. 

Parking is provided at the trailhead kiosk for a cost, which you may pay at the booth. However, even though the trail is short, and the waterfall consists of just two shorter plunges, the setting is lovely with natural beauty, and there are seats for sitting or eating a snack while taking in the scenery. Aside from that, there are more hiking trails in the nature preserve for people who like to spend a little more time walking about the area.

#6. Appalachia Waterfalls

All the waterfalls that make up Appalachia are located inside a 2.6-mile circular route, and they may be reached by automobile or foot. Gordon Fall, Salroc, Tama, and Cold Brook Falls are the four waterfalls that make up Appalachia. If you are willing to go a little farther off the main route, you may be able to find more than a half-dozen other waterfalls further up the mountain. 

Swimming is not allowed at Cold Brook Falls; however, tiny swimming holes may be located at the other waterfalls in the region if you look hard enough. Some routers themselves might be pretty tough to navigate at times.

#7. Georgiana Falls

Hiking to the top of Georgiana Falls in the White Mountains during the springtime is a photographer's dream come true, a fitness enthusiast, and an outdoor adventurer's dream come true for those who like finding new places. People of all physical levels may enjoy a stroll to the Lower Falls and a somewhat more rigorous climb that includes some scrambling to reach the top of the 750-foot flume. The walk took around one hour and thirty minutes to complete.

#8. Nancy Cascades

Nancy Cascades is made up of two sections with a mixture of horsetails and cascades, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in New England and one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country. The water from Nancy Pond runs into Nancy Brook, and the water from Nancy Pond drains into Nancy Brook. A 2.5-mile popular upward hike will get you to the base of this waterfall, the lowest point of the waterfalls. It's worth the effort since the waterfalls are visible from the top, and the dark and frothy pond waters are perfect for cooling down after a strenuous trek. 

Nancy Pond, around 600 feet above the falls and serves as the water's source, is situated a short distance farther upstream. This stunning waterfall system was named in honor of a fabled Nancy, who drowned in these waters after being discarded by her lover, and is dedicated to her memory.

#9. Beaver Brook Cascades

 Taking the Appalachian Trail via the Beaver Brook Cascades and the first mile of Mount Moosilauke, this route eventually returns to the Appalachian Trail. The scenic hike from the lower beautiful cascade to the higher waterfalls is not tricky, but it gets much more difficult as you get closer to the upper cascades and the upper falls. My whole hiking time was less than an hour, including stopping to take shots, exploring, and slipping and sliding on the ice.

#10. Glen Ellis Falls Trail

 This waterfall is just a quarter-mile walk from the trailhead parking lot, which is an astonishing achievement given its proximity to the trailhead parking lot. And you'll be amply rewarded for your little act, for this stunning waterfall is spectacular. Glen Ellis Falls, located just outside of Pinkham Notch on Route 16 near Jackson, is accessible via the Glen Boulder and Wildcat Ridge pathways, both of which may be reached from the parking lot. The popular spot is at the bottom of the stone stairwell, where visitors can get incredible views of the 65-foot-high waterfalls below. The falls are tranquil and gorgeous, and they are a true jewel in the crown of the Granite State.

#11. Diana’s Baths

 Diana's Baths, located in the White Mountains, allow children and adults to enjoy basic walking, climbing over smooth rocks, bathing in a natural shallow pool, and seeing cascading 12-foot waterfalls for a moderate cost. The area was known as "water fairies' spring" when they gave its original Abenaki name. If you look at it on a hot summer day, with sunlight pouring through the trees and bouncing into the flowing water, it's easy to imagine it was once a fairies' haven. You may walk to Diana's Baths, which is less than a mile away from the foot of the falls, which is accessible through a level and popular route.

#12. Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls

 Located along the Kancamagus Highway in Albany, New York, Swift River, Rocky Gorge, and Lower Falls are a pair of waterfalls in the fittingly named Swift River, Rocky Gorge, and Lower Falls State Park. The rapids and cascades in this section of the river are the most stunning and dramatic throughout a 12-mile length of rapids and waterfalls.

Here are some other highly popular New Hampshire waterfalls:

Ripley Falls is another beautiful waterfall at Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains. The parking location for Ripley Falls is well designated and located off Route 302.

Sabbaday Falls is another stunning waterfall along the Kancamagus Highway, a 35-mile stretch of road where tourists travel to observe the fall foliage.

Crawford Notch State Park, near the town of Harts Location, is home to Silver Cascade.

The 45-foot-high Avalanche Falls are another famous tourist attraction.

Cloudland Falls is serene with its 80-foot fall.

 Sabbady Falls is a beautiful series of cascades that produce a magnificent crystal-clear pool in the middle and then drop to the bottom.

Beede Falls, a moderate hike with two falls, is located in Sandwich Notch Park and is only a 0.6-mile round trip.