The Western White Mountains are home to a number of absolutely stunning waterfalls, perfect in all four seasons.
Western White Mountain Waterfalls
Located in Franconia Notch, The Basin, has its own exit. It is a favorite among visitors and locals. The Basin itself is a small horsetail fall, the beauty lies in the pothole is has carved over the centuries and the lovely turquoise waters. The Basin is easily accessible from the highway with wide graded trails. If you wish to continue your adventure, follow the signs towards the Pemigewasset River Cascade Trail, most impressive after rainfall and the spring melt. The trail must be navigated carefully due to rocks, roots and erosion, but it is not excessively steep or long. There are many falls and cascades along the trail.
The trail to Georgiana and Harvard Falls can be found in Lincoln on Route 3. The trail is relatively easy to the 30 foot Georgiana Falls, following a lovely brook with many cascades. After Georgiana Falls the trail becomes very steep and eventually reaches a lovely view of the impressive 60 foot Harvard Falls.
This waterfall lies within the Flume Gorge and is seasonally accessible. It is a paid self guided adventure through a beautiful gorge, lined with tall granite walls. At the end of the gorge you will find the 45 foot Avalanche Falls, which is unique in that the best views are from the boardwalk that runs through the gorge. Pets are not allowed.
Paradise FallsAnother beautiful waterfall is located within Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, this is another paid seasonal attraction. The walk through the gorge gives the opportunity to explore a number of boulder caves and other fascinating geological aspects. Thanks to a lovely boardwalk, the 20 foot Paradise Falls, can be viewed from a number of different angles, platforms in front of the falls, the stairs that follow the gorge next to the falls, and a bridge that runs above the falls. Pets are not allowed inside the gorge.
This waterfall is best visited during periods of high watershed, including the spring melt and after heavy rain. Though a short walk, it can be difficult and the terrain hard to navigate. The wide 50 foot Bridesmaid Falls is quite beautiful, especially in the summer surrounded by green moss. Located near Mittersill Alpine Resort.
The popular and lovely Lincoln Woods Trail leads to the set of cascades known as Franconia Falls. The Lincoln Woods Trail is flat and wide, perfect for families, dogs, bike riding and hiking. About 3 miles down the trail there is a smaller path through the woods on the left, follow it for half a mile and you will reach the falls with many wonderful swimming holes. Always take caution when entering the water, currents may be stronger than expected,
Just past Lost River Gorge there is a large parking lot for the Beaver Brook Trailhead. The trail has many water crossings, and after reaching the first water fall the trail will become very steep and potentially slippery, we don’t recommend this trail lightly. However, should you choose to visit the falls you will find a series of large drops and cascades, magnificent during the spring melt or following heavy rain.
This trailhead is located in Franconia Notch and it part of the well-known Franconia Ridge Loop hike. The first mile of this trail follows a brook, it becomes rather steep and it very rocky. You will pass two smaller waterfalls and many cascades on your way to the main attraction, the very picturesque 80 foot Cloudland Falls, which lies 1.2 miles up the Falling Waters Trail. Unless you are prepared for icy conditions, it is best to visit May-October.
A moderate 2.5 mile hike up Coppermine Trail, brings you to one of the most photographed and well known waterfalls in New Hampshire, Bridal Veil Falls. The main drop and cascades are approximately 80 feet total. The trail follows Coppermine Brook for the majority of the trail and is quite scenic, especially in the fall. The lot can only hold 5-6 cars and this is a very popular hike, we recommend weekdays or arriving early on weekends for the best chance of finding parking.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
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