You Can See 8 Waterfalls In Just One Day Of Hiking In New Hampshire
There are tons of ways to enjoy the outdoors in New Hampshire. Between hikes leading to mountain peaks and splashing around in summertime lakes, those looking for a fun day outside won’t have to go far. There’s so much right outside our front doors that we started to wonder – what’s the best way to maximize a day outside while seeing (and doing!) as much as possible? Given the beauty of the state’s waterfalls, we did a little search and found that it’s possible to hike multiple waterfalls in just one day. Head to Crawford Notch to do it and consider these falls to start. Thanks to the New Hampshire State Parks website for providing this fun itinerary. For more from them, check out their website.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
First, you'll want to make sure to screenshot this to have it on hand during your journey. Now, let's get started!
A great way to start the day is by veering off the Arethusa Falls Trail to head for this other one. You'll know you're headed the right direction as long as you're on Bemis Brook Trail. Just after Fawn Pool you'll hear and see the falls. You can expect about a quarter of a mile hike here. This is a fairly easy trail to follow, so don't worry too much about exertion. But, of course, it's different for everyone.
Next you'll continue about the same distance as getting to Coliseum Falls - approximately another quarter of a mile - to get to this beauty. There are multiple levels here, but all easy to see by standing in just one spot. You'll find exposed rocks and roots here to be careful.
Next up is one of the most beloved falls in this area of the state. Continue on for about an hour (it's roughly 1.5 miles in distance) and you'll reach some rough terrain which eventually leads you back to the Arethusa Falls Trail. After this, you'll return the way you came and get back in the car. Time for the next set!
To reach these falls you'll need to take a drive, but it shouldn't take long. It's just about 2.5 miles north on Route 302. There are signs for the falls, which means it shouldn't be too hard to find. Once you're there park in the lot for Ripley Falls Trail and Ethan Pond Trail. The hike here is a bit difficult, but it's only about a half mile. You'll see the falls easily from the trail.
Once you've gotten back to your car after Ripley Falls, you'll be heading about 3 miles down the road on Route 302 to reach Silver and Flume Cascade. This is an easy one - no hiking required! Just park in the lot and take in Silver Cascade. Nature is pretty great!
You don't need to expend much effort to reach this one! It's at the same area as SIlver Cascade. Since you're already here, take in the sights for as long as you'd like.
It's back in the car for abot a mile drive further north on Route 302 to reach Crawford Depot. You''ll start things of on the Avalon Trail soon you'll reach the turn off for the Cascade Loop. Make a left, follow the signs and then you're there! This hike is about a half mile, but it gets challenging in areas. It should take about a half hour.
Continue on the Avalon Trail towards the Cascade Loop to reach this lovely waterfall. You'll see a sign indicating you've arrived, but there's a good chance you'll hear it first.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
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