There’s something undeniably appealing about waterfalls. The sound of rushing water, the sight of it sparkling like diamonds on rock, the cool, fresh smell in the air – they’re absolutely irresistible. And seeing one is even more rewarding if you’ve put in a little work to get there – say with a nice hike. Some of the best hikes in New Hampshire, in our humble opinion, all lead to stunning waterfalls. No matter the season, these hikes are perfect for a weekend outing. Consider this your hiking bucket list filled top-to-bottom with all the best NH waterfall hikes.

1. Basin Cascade Trail, Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
Amy Riel/AllTrails
The Basin is one of the most famous natural water features in New Hampshire, and for good reason — it's just plain stunning. There are several other waterfalls along this 2.5-mile out-and-back trail, making it one of the best easy hikes in New Hampshire that you can find.

Check out this fun video that highlights all the best bits of the Basin Cascade Trail:
2. Arethusa Falls and Bemis Brook Trail, Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
AllTrails/Maria Seneres
This 2.7-mile round-trip hike will take you to the most dramatic waterfall in the Granite State. With a drop of 140 feet, Arethusa Falls is quite spectacular! And best of all, you'll see several other waterfalls on your way there.
3. 3 Purgatory Falls Trail, Lyndeborough
3 Purgatory Falls Rd, Lyndeborough, NH 03082, USA
AllTrails/David Nichols
3 Purgatory Falls Trail earned its name by having three waterfalls – though most agree that the first is the best. It's 5.6 miles out and back, but it's not too steep or rough, so it's a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
4. Glen Ellis Falls Trail, Mount Washington State Park
Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead, White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
AllTrails/Josh Kraus
It's a super short walk to this waterfall from the trailhead's parking lot – just about a quarter-mile! And you'll be well rewarded for that small effort because this waterfall is stunning. Check out our article about one of the most scenic hikes in New Hampshire for more information.

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5. Bridal Veil Falls Trail, White Mountains National Forest
Bridalveil Falls, Franconia, NH 03580, USA
AllTrails/Felix Mesa
This 4.8-mile out-and-back trail within the White Mountains National Forest takes you along a babbling brook and rewards you at the end with a stunning waterfall. It's really popular in the winter, too, when it freezes into a magical sight!
6. Thompson Falls Trail, White Mountain National Forest
Thompson Falls Trailhead, White Mountain Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA
AllTrails/Jessica Bouchard
This lovely little trail known to many as the Thompson Falls Trail is just over a mile out and back – and you'll adore both the waterfall and the gorgeous wildflowers that grow along the trail. This one is especially great for kids!
7. The Gonic Trails, Rochester
The Gonic Trails, 103 Rochester Neck Rd, Rochester, NH 03839, USA
AllTrails/Heather "Sunshine" Sullivan
This is another nice and easy trail in New Hampshire - just a 1.2-mile loop. There are plenty of spots to sit and linger by the waterfall. Bring a picnic and stick your feet in the water and you'll be delightfully relaxed.
8. Champney Falls Trail, White Mountain National Forest
Champney Falls Trailhead, Conway, NH 03818, USA
AllTrails/Katie Snyder
This 3.1-mile hike known as Champney Falls Trail isn't too strenuous, and it's shady, beautiful, and ends in a gorgeous little waterfall. Visit around golden hour for gorgeous photo ops!

You won’t want to miss out on the best NH waterfall hikes. Let us know which ones you have hiked and your experiences in the comments. We would love to hear your feedback. Want a hike where you can snack along the way? Check out this wild blueberry hike in New Hampshire! And if you’re looking for some kid-friendly hikes around New Hampshire, check out these fun and easy hikes in New Hampshire that are each under five miles.

Oh, and if you’re looking to amp up your hiking game, consider getting into AllTrails+; we bet you’ll wonder how you ever hiked without it!

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NH Waterfall Hikes

Luke | April 05, 2022
  1. What are the most beautiful hikes in New Hampshire? 

With large areas of expansive wilderness and quaint towns, New Hampshire is the perfect destination for every hiker. Whether you prefer short and easy hikes or long and rewarding treks, you'll find it and more in our great state. There are so many beautiful hikes in New Hampshire and some of our favorites include:

  • Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop
  • Mount Willard Trail
  • Flume Gorge Trail
  • Mount Major and Brook Trail Loop
  • Lonesome Lake Trail. 

 

2. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is a tremendous state for outdoor activities and adventures. You could hike a mountain, explore the wilderness on a mountain bike, and canoe down the Connecticut River. Here’s our list of the best outdoor adventures in New Hampshire:

  • Visit Beaver Brook Falls
  • Hike to the top of Mount Washington
  • Road trip along the Kancamagus Highway
  • Check out the lower falls in Albany
  • Go whale watching on the New Hampshire coastline. 

 

3. What are the best road trips in New Hampshire? 

You cannot go wrong on a road trip through the pristine and scenic state of New Hampshire. There are so many lovely little towns and endless state parks and forests to visit. Some of our favorite road trips in New Hampshire include the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, Auto Road up to Mt. Washington, and New Hampshire 153. 

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