Nancy Cascades Is One of New Hampshire’s Most Breathtaking Waterfall Hikes — And It’s Worth Every Step

Water is essential to life, so it's only natural that we as humans are often drawn to it. Whether it's sitting by a stream or lounging on the beach, the sights and sounds of water are there to soothe us. Flowing water, especially from a waterfall, is one of my favorite sounds in the world, and if I'm tired enough, that sound can lull me right to sleep. I also love to hike to and alongside water features for this very reason. If you enjoy that too, here's one of the best waterfall hikes in New Hampshire, the stunning Nancy Cascades.

The journey to Nancy Cascades begins at the trailhead for Nancy Pond Trail along U.S. Route 302 in Crawford Notch. Parking is available in a roadside pull-off.

Nancy Pond Trail follows scenic Nancy Brook part of the way as it makes its way uphill through the Nancy Brook Research Natural Area.

On the way to the falls, you'll pass the remnants of Lucy Mill. The Lucy family of Conway used this mill to salvage trees after this area was heavily damaged by the Great Hurricane of 1938.

Finally, after 2.4 miles, the falls are reached, and they are a stunner. An inviting pool below the falls is enticing on a hot day, but use caution as the area is rocky.

The cascades are named in honor of a servant who perished during a White Mountains winter while searching for her lost fiancé. The lower part of the cascades is what is most visible, but the entire height of the cascades and waterfalls above is estimated to be 300 feet.

The turnaround point for the hike described in this article is Nancy Cascades, but experienced hikers may be interested in continuing 1.1 miles further along Nancy Pond Trail to remote Nancy Pond, a beautiful destination in its own right.

While the best times to visit waterfalls are in spring and after significant storms, autumn presents colorful scenery of another kind.

While the overall mileage to the falls is relatively short, visitors should be aware that it is still very much a White Mountains hike with steep, rough terrain. Hikers should be properly equipped for backcountry travel to ensure a safe trip. For more information on Nancy Cascades, visit the U.S. Forest Service and also consult the AMC White Mountain Guide.

For more of the best waterfall hikes in New Hampshire, plan a trip to Great Falls in Sandwich, Giant Falls in Shelburne, or Garfield Falls in the remote backcountry of Pittsburg.