There’s never a wrong time to start planning what to do to enjoy the few months of warm weather we get here in New England. Whether in summer or winter, it’s always time to think about road trips and waterfalls in New Hampshire. Hikes are great and the beaches are fun, but why not do something unique and take yourself on this epic waterfall road trip in New Hampshire? While not all of these waterfalls will tower above you, each is big on beauty!

Google Maps
1. Kinsman Falls, Franconia Notch State Park
Kinsman Falls, Basin Cascade Trail, Franconia, NH 03580, USA
Atul Nautiyal / Google
There are so many waterfalls within this popular state park that you might not want to focus on just one. In fact, this alone would make a lovely day trip. But one of our favorites is Kinsman. Cascading into a beautiful natural pool, this is lovely to see as a first stop! For more info about the Kinsman falls and the other waterfalls head over to this link the New Hampshire State Park website. Also check out this video by colong7034 to see Kinsman Falls, The Basin, and several other falls along the way:
2. Beecher and Pearl Cascades, Carroll
Carroll, NH, USA
J Hoyt / alltrails.com
These falls cascade through rocks surrounded by forest. This is a great place to visit when you feel like some peace and quiet (if you don't include the sound of the water)! You can make your way to the trail to see the 25-foot falls right behind the Crawford Depot, an old train station next to the Appalachian Mountain Club.
3. Ammonoosuc Ravine, Sargent’s Purchase
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Base Station Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
Andreas Bernhard / Google
You can drive to the trailhead of this beauty, but to actually reach the falls you'll be hiking just under 2.5 miles. But, before you remove this one from your route, remember that the 100-foot falls are oh-so beautiful!
4. Arethusa Falls Hart’s Location
Arethusa Falls Trail, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
boblinsdell / Flickr
While the debate about which waterfall in New Hampshire is actually the tallest rages on, we present you with Arethusa. Widely considered to be the tallest, this beauty is a single-drop waterfall that will cause you to stick around for a while just to gawk. This waterfall is beautiful and stunning any time of the year but seeing it in the winter is especially spectacular, Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see this mammoth waterfall in action:
5. Jackson Falls, Jackson
Jackson Falls, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
dtpancio / Flickr
You caught us. These waterfalls are not especially tall, but they are especially lovely so we had to include them. This is also a great inclusion for folks who don't love the hiking part of this trip. You'll find Jackson Falls almost at the side of the road!
6. Glen Ellis Falls, Jackson
Glen Ellis Falls, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
jariceiii / Flickr
Next on your tour of beautiful waterfalls is this gem! Another one that will give you a nice break from walking or hiking, you can pull into the parking lot and reach the 65-foot waterfall via a 10-minute stroll from the road. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to get a good look at the trail and the waterfall before you go:
7. Diana’s Baths, Bartlett
Dianas Baths, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
allan_harris / Flickr
Another one that's not going to tower above your head, we love Diana's Baths for its sheer beauty. And, how could you possibly go on a road trip to see New Hampshire waterfalls without including it? The series of small waterfalls fill a number of beautiful pools making the area even more stunning. Diana's Baths are beautiful any time of the year but check out this video in the spring when things were still frozen:
8. Lower Falls, Albany
Lower Falls, Albany, NH, USA
rcweir / Flickr
And now we hit The Kanc! The Swift River is one of the most popular stopping points along the Kancamagus Highway. The many waterfalls you'll find are breathtaking, including this beauty. And, this portion of the trip is on the state's most incredible roadway. Check out the Lower Falls for further info.
9. Sabbaday Falls, Waterville Valley
Sabbaday Falls, Waterville Valley, NH 03259, USA
lifeisadventure / Flickr
And, closing out the most beautiful road trip in New Hampshire is this perennial favorite. This three-tiered waterfall features a height of about 40 feet with the tallest drop being 20 feet. And we love that viewing it is totally accessible. Come on your legs, come on wheels, come on your hands. However you choose to make your way, you'll end your trip with one special sight.

There may not be a more beautiful road trip than this waterfall one in all of NH. Let us know if there are some other road trips in New Hampshire that you think are just as good! We look forward to hearing from you.

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waterfall road trip in New Hampshire

Luke | January 21, 2021

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