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Best waterfall hiking trails in New Hampshire
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Best waterfall hiking trails in New Hampshire

If the calming sound of cascading water fills your soul with joy, you're in for a treat. These waterfall trails will have you chasing misty rainbows and cooling off by nature's finest showers.

Here are some great trails to explore in New Hampshire.

Most popular trails

1

Extra Difficult

Tuckerman Ravine Trail and Mount Washington Loop Trail via Pinkham Notch

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (18) · 12.5 km · Est. 4 hrs 39 min

2

Easy

Dover Community Trail

Strafford County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (26) · 13.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 47 min

3

Medium

Mount Garfield to Bondcliff Peak Trail - Grafton County

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (29) · 36.3 km · Est. 2 day

4

Extra Difficult

Mount Madison, Adams, Jefferson Loop

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (7) · 21.8 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

5

Difficult

Garfield Ridge Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (19) · 22.9 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

6

Extra Difficult

Agiocochook Crag and Boott Spur Loop via Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (18) · 13.1 km · Est. 4 hrs 54 min

7

Difficult

Mount Monroe, Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson Loop from Marshfield Station

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (25) · 20.3 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

8

Medium

Lonesome Lake Loop via Cascade Brook Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (28) · 9.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 33 min

9

Easy

Sabbaday Falls

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (26) · 1.1 km · Est. 16 min

10

Medium

Cathedral Ledge via Bryce Path Link Trail - Yellow

Carroll County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (24) · 3.3 km · Est. 58 min

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Reviews for waterfall hiking trails in New Hampshire

Cruz Schamberger avatar

Tuckerman Ravine Trail and Mount Washington Loop Trail via Pinkham Notch

PinesScout64 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Rev. Broderick Beier avatar

Dover Community Trail

RavineCrestclimber83 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Carlee Greenfelder avatar

Mount Garfield to Bondcliff Peak Trail - Grafton County

WildAspenseeker15 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Coralie Reinger avatar

Mount Madison, Adams, Jefferson Loop

WildTrekrunner72 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

The Hon. Nanci Howell avatar

Garfield Ridge Trail

SequoiaSpruceseeker56 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in New Hampshire

What is the climate like for hiking in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique hiking experience. Spring (March-May) is mild but can be muddy due to snowmelt. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest hiking conditions, but staying hydrated is essential.
Fall (September-November), with its mild temperatures and vivid autumn colors, is a favorite among hikers. Winter (December-February) can be challenging due to cold and snow, but it offers serene beauty for well-equipped hikers. Always check the weather before heading out. The New Hampshire State Parks (https://www.nhstateparks.org/) and the Mount Washington Observatory (https://www.mountwashington.org/) provide valuable information.

Do I need a permit to hike in New Hampshire?

Most hiking trails in New Hampshire do not require permits, but certain activities like camping or fishing might. For more details and to obtain necessary permits, it's advisable to check with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation (https://www.nhstateparks.org/) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/).

Is wild camping allowed in New Hampshire?

Wild camping in New Hampshire is generally allowed in national forests with some restrictions, while it's limited in state parks to designated campgrounds. Always follow Leave No Trace principles. For camping regulations, refer to the White Mountain National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain) and the New Hampshire State Parks site (https://www.nhstateparks.org/).

Are there mountain rescue services in New Hampshire?

For emergencies during hiking in New Hampshire, dial 911 to reach local authorities who will coordinate with the appropriate rescue services. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Law Enforcement Division also assists with search and rescue operations. Visit their website for more information (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/law-enforcement/index.html).

Are there dangerous plants in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's hiking trails wind through forests of birch, beech, and maple, with beautiful wildflowers blooming in spring and summer. Hikers should be aware of poison ivy in wooded areas. For more information on local flora, the New Hampshire Wildflowers website (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/habitat/types.html#:~:text=Appalachian%20oak%2Dpine%20forests%20are,mountain%20laurel%2C%20and%20sugar%20maple.) is a great resource.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in New Hampshire?

Hikers in New Hampshire may encounter a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, and numerous bird species. Ticks and mosquitoes are common during warmer months. Black bears are present but seldom seen. Visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's website (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/) for detailed wildlife information.

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