Local Waterfalls!..

The water falls

With the melting snow, the waterfalls will rush as winter melt feeds rivers around the

Valley. Yankee Magazine says Mt Washington Valley’s waterfalls offer "the ultimate rock

concert" and best of all, the Valley offers a host of easily accessible locations for

waterfall viewing and photo-taking. Waterfall season starts as the snow begins its

melting cycle and come Spring, those who love to see the water fall will get a good look

as winter trickles turn to rushing falls. The good news is that nowhere in New England

are waterfalls as abundant and accessible for viewing as they are in Mt Washington

Valley, NH.  Arethusa Falls

Arethusa Falls is the highest single-plunge waterfall in New England. Arethusa plunges

160 ft from the top of a wide cliff face. If you are in Crawford Notch it is a must see!

Rather than taking the direct route up Arethusa, the Bemis Brook trail will eventually

attach to Arethusa Falls Trail. Bemis Brook creates a series of small and fascinating

waterfalls on your way to see Arethusa falls. The falls at Bemis Brook might not be tall,

they are nothing to look over. They are composed of stair step falls which drop

consecutively for about 30 feet. The shallow pools have layers of red granite

underneath that looks like horseshoes. You will first pass Bemis Falls then Coliseum

Falls, after this you will climb steeply back up to the main trail. Start: 1.5 miles South of

the Willey house off of route 302 in Crawford notch, you will find Arethusa Falls

trailhead. 

Distance: 5.6 mile loop including Frankenstein cliff,  2.8 miles Arethusa Falls Trail

Difficulty: Bemis brook trail Easy.  Arethusa to Frankenstein cliffs Moderate. The

downhill from Frankenstein cliff is steep and loose gravel. 

Ripley Falls

Ripley Falls is another waterfall in Crawford notch. Ripley Falls is a quick and easy hike

for a great reward. The waterfall drops 100 ft down a vertical face of granite. The rock

wall is at about a 60 degree angle so the water maintains contact with the rock most of

its descent. At the base of the falls there are multiple large boulders, good for sitting

down and having a snack. 

Start: Ethan Pond Trailhead off of Route 302 in Crawford

Distance: 1.2 mile out and back 

Difficulty: Easy  

Glen Ellis Falls

Glen Ellis Falls is in Pinkham Notch. It is a 64 foot plunge with a deep green pool at the

bottom. A short walk down a series of staircases will lead you to the falls. Because of its

easy access, it can get crowded. Go on a weekday if you don’t want to wait in a line to

get a picture. This is one of the most powerful waterfalls and as the water gushes from

the top it creates a fine mist. The Falls are believed to have been created following a

series of avalanches from the overhanging cliffs on the east side of the valley.  

Start: Trailhead is on Rt. 16 in Pinkham Grant, about one mile south of Wildcat

Mountain. Distance: 0.6 mi round trip Difficulty: Easy

The rivers run in the springtime, rivers run high. The whitewater season is short here, with icy cold

water. This is the time of year when kayaking aficionados take to places like the Swift

River to catch Class IV and Class V rapids. Be sure to match your level of ability with

the swiftness of the rushing rivers at this time of year. Helmets and life jackets are a

must! The Saco River in Bartlett is a great whitewater run for experienced kayakers, as

is the Swift River along the Kancamaugus Highway.

Tuckerman Ravine season reaches its height

When the lifts close, die hard skiers trade the chairs and gondolas and hoof it up to the

ultimate in skiing adventure – conquering the wall on Tuckerman Ravine. Throughout

May and June, a virtual caravan of backcountry skiers – and those who love to watch

them – will make their way up the Sherburne Trail to the base of Tuckerman Ravine. It’s

here, on the headwall, that spring skiing takes on a new challenge. It’s steep and deep!

The hike up the headwall alone is the ultimate journey, and the run down is the reward.

For those who wish to take in the colorful spectacle, a hike to the base of the ravine and

the famous Lunch Rocks is the perfect viewing spot. Of course, don’t forget to bring the

lunch – there are no services or public facilities up here. Helmets are always suggested,

and be sure to assess the steepness of this challenging terrain before committing to it.