While it is true that “water” is the key element of a waterfall, the rest of the landscape is important in creating a striking setting. Rocks set the stage for the tumbling water, and that’s the common theme of these five waterfalls. New Hampshire has an inordinate number of beautiful waterfalls, and the Granite State has the rocks to complete the natural showcases. In addition to the visual effects of the rocks, you’ll notice another thread of this list. These five waterfalls were chosen for their high reward-to-effort ratio when it comes to getting there.
- Beede Falls
Corey T. Burns/iStock via Getty Images Plus
James Walsh/flickr Beede Falls is the hidden gem of this list. The wide sheet of water creates a swimming hole, and the 0.9-mile trail is good for hikers of all ages. Beede Falls is especially appealing from May through October. Check out our feature story Beede Falls, Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
- Fletcher’s Cascade
Glass_House/flickr
Ryan C/alltrails There’s no better name for a waterfall than “cascade.” That word may apply to any falling water, but it certainly appropriate with Fletcher’s Cascade as the water tumbles over the steps. This 3.2-mile trail near Waterville Valley is moderately challenging.Check out our feature story Fletcher Cascades, Waterville Valley, NH 03259, USA
- Ripley Falls
Navin75/flickr
Emma/flickr For the pure effect of rushing water, Ripley Falls may top this list. With only a 1-mile, out-and-back trail, the stunning view is a nice reward for a short hike near Bartlett.Check out our feature story Ripley Falls, Hart’s Location, NH 03812, USA
- Thompson Falls
James Walsh/flickr
Olivia Smaracko/alltrails The trail to Thompson Falls starts near the lodge of Wildcat Ski Lodge in the Mount Washington area. The 1.1-mile hike delivers a tranquil setting.Check out our feature story Thompson Falls, Hale’s Location, NH 03812, USA
- Glen Ellis Falls
johnandersonphoto/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Jar{}/flickr The Elllis River feeds this waterfall near Mount Washington. The trail to the 64-foot waterfall is an easy 0.4 miles, out and back.Check out our feature story Glen Ellis Falls, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
Corey T. Burns/iStock via Getty Images Plus
James Walsh/flickr
Beede Falls is the hidden gem of this list. The wide sheet of water creates a swimming hole, and the 0.9-mile trail is good for hikers of all ages. Beede Falls is especially appealing from May through October. Check out our feature story
Beede Falls, Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Glass_House/flickr
Ryan C/alltrails
There’s no better name for a waterfall than “cascade.” That word may apply to any falling water, but it certainly appropriate with Fletcher’s Cascade as the water tumbles over the steps. This 3.2-mile trail near Waterville Valley is moderately challenging.Check out our feature story
Fletcher Cascades, Waterville Valley, NH 03259, USA
Navin75/flickr
Emma/flickr
For the pure effect of rushing water, Ripley Falls may top this list. With only a 1-mile, out-and-back trail, the stunning view is a nice reward for a short hike near Bartlett.Check out our feature story
Ripley Falls, Hart’s Location, NH 03812, USA
Olivia Smaracko/alltrails
The trail to Thompson Falls starts near the lodge of Wildcat Ski Lodge in the Mount Washington area. The 1.1-mile hike delivers a tranquil setting.Check out our feature story
Thompson Falls, Hale’s Location, NH 03812, USA
johnandersonphoto/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Jar{}/flickr
The Elllis River feeds this waterfall near Mount Washington. The trail to the 64-foot waterfall is an easy 0.4 miles, out and back.Check out our feature story
Glen Ellis Falls, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
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