The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer some of the best hiking and scenery in New England, and chasing waterfalls is one of the most rewarding ways to explore them. Tucked into the glacially carved Presidential Range, rivers and streams appear around nearly every turn, notch, and summit. Waterfalls tumble over granite cliffs and mossy ledges, cutting through lush forest to create refreshingly cool escapes and breathtaking displays of nature’s power. With more than 100 waterfalls scattered throughout the White Mountains, adventure is never far away. Some falls can be admired just steps from the road, while others require a hike.
Here’s our guide to the best White Mountains waterfalls and how to find them.
When to See Waterfalls in the White Mountains
White Mountain waterfalls are worth visiting in every season. They’re perfect for a cooling dip on a summer day, framed by colorful foliage in autumn, and are at their most dramatic in spring when snowmelt swells the rivers and streams. Even winter brings its own magic, as waterfalls freeze into giant icicles surrounded by snow.
How to Get to the White Mountains
The White Mountains may feel worlds away (that’s the beauty of them), but they’re only a few hours away from major cities like Boston and New York City by car. It’s the perfect stopover on an East Coast road trip to Acadia National Park. Many of the waterfalls are located within the White Mountains National Forest, so having a car is essential, along with a parking pass. The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass covers national forest parking, or you can purchase a USDA National Forest Parking Pass for the days of your visit.
The Best White Mountains Waterfalls
With so many waterfalls to choose from, we’ve rounded up some of the best and most accessible options for views that are worth the trip.
Flume Gorge Waterfalls
Height: Varies
Location: Franconia Notch
This postcard-perfect location is one of the most popular attractions in the White Mountains with its rushing water, towering granite walls, and classic New England covered bridges. Begin the two-mile Flume Gorge Loop Trail behind the Flume Visitor Center and follow it counterclockwise. Along the way, cross a covered bridge over the Pemigewasset River, pass Table Rock, and enter the narrow Flume Gorge via a wooden walkway. Inside, you’ll see Avalanche Falls, Liberty Gorge Cascades, cross over historic covered bridges, and gaze at glacial pools before looping back to where you began.
Glen Ellis Falls
Height: 64 feet
Location: Pinkham Notch
Located along the Ellis River, Glen Ellis Falls is both easy to reach and a sight to behold. The trailhead sits about a mile south of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. From the parking area, walk through the tunnel beneath the road and follow the path along the river. You’ll reach the top of the falls first, where a set of stairs leads down to the main viewing platform for striking views. The walk is just 0.4 miles round trip and paved up to the staircase, making it one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the White Mountains. If you’d like to explore a bit more, continue along the river for additional scenic views and the chance to spot smaller, unnamed cascades nearby.
Sabbaday Falls
Height: 45 feet
Location: Kancamagus Highway
Driving the scenic Kancamagus Highway is a highlight of any White Mountains trip, and Sabbaday Falls is one of its best stops. This waterfall features a series of smooth, sculpted cascades flowing through a narrow gorge. The trail is an easy 0.7-mile round-trip along a flat, gravel path that follows a stream. Wooden stairs lead visitors to multiple viewpoints, offering close-up views of both the lower and upper falls. It’s an ideal stop for all ages and one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region.
Rocky Gorge Falls
Height: 10 feet
Location: Kancamagus Highway
Located in the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area along the Kancamagus Highway, Rocky Gorge Falls is a powerful, flowing waterfall that funnels the Swift River through a granite chute, creating swirling currents. Take the short gravel path leading to the viewing area and the nearby footbridge for a different perspective from across the river. It’s an easy stop along the scenic drive that packs a visual punch, especially after a heavy rain.
Crystal Cascades Waterfall
Height: 100 feet
Location: Pinkham Notch
The picturesque Crystal Cascades sit along the trail to the summit of Mount Washington, but no summit climb is required to enjoy them. The waterfall is only a 0.7-mile round-trip hike on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, starting from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. The wide trail is mostly flat and crosses a bridge over the Ellis River near the falls. You’ll hear the thunderous falls long before you see them. The two main drops, an upper and lower cascade, resemble giant stone steps through the forested landscape.
Jackson Falls
Height: 100 feet
Location: Jackson, NH
Located in the town of Jackson, Jackson Falls is an easy, rewarding stop. Rather than a single dramatic drop, the water flows through a series of wide cascades, spilling over ledges and boulders in a gradual descent of about 100 feet. The shallow pools make it a popular spot for swimming and cooling off during the summer months, while flat rocks offer plenty of space to sit, relax, and take in the surrounding mountain scenery.
Arethusa Waterfalls
Height: 150 feet
Location: Crawford Notch State Park
For those seeking a challenging hike, Arethusa Falls is one of the most impressive in the White Mountains. At 150 feet tall, it’s the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire. The hike is about 3 miles round trip with 700 feet of elevation gain. The trail climbs steadily to the base of the waterfall, where water plunges in a single drop. Return the same way or loop back via the Bemis Brook Trail, which follows the brook past several smaller cascades. Nearby, Ripley Falls and the Mount Willard trail offer even more opportunities for steep climbs and sweeping valley views.
Tips for Visiting White Mountains Waterfalls
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes for navigating slippery surfaces. For a detailed checklist, see our packing list for White Mountains.
- Swim only where allowed, and never drink the water.
- Pack out what you pack in to leave no trace to keep the area beautiful.
- Stay on marked trails and respect private property.
Where to Stay Near the White Mountains
After a day of chasing waterfalls, retreat to safari-inspired glamping at Under Canvas White Mountains, surrounded by rolling meadows, lush forests, apple orchards, and breathtaking views of the Presidential Range. Featuring upscale, outdoor accommodations, a main lobby tent thoughtfully designed with West Elm furnishings, onsite dining, daily camp programming, and cozy outdoor lounge areas, our New England retreat combines comfort with nature. Located just minutes from Franconia Notch State Park and a short drive to popular attractions like the Kancamagus Highway and Mount Washington Cog Railway, it’s the perfect base for exploring one of the country’s most picturesque regions.