These 6 waterfall hikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains are some of the best places to explore for hikers, backpackers, and anyone who loves waterfalls! With over 30 waterfalls in the White Mountains, you can find them hidden between tall peaks, right next to the road, or along the trails leading up to the highest mountains, where you can even stay overnight in shelters.
The great thing about these hikes is that they’re easy to access. There are trails for everyone, whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a longer, more challenging adventure. You can pick a trail that matches your experience level, from flat, well-marked paths with visitor centers nearby to multi-day hikes with steep climbs and mountain views. No matter which you choose, these waterfall hikes are full of beautiful sights and excitement!
1. Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop
- Length: 8.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,900 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Day use fee: Yes, a parking fee is required at the trailhead (Lafayette Place Campground)
- Pets: Allowed on leash
The Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop is a quintessential White Mountains hike that offers a bit of everything—stunning mountain views, alpine ridges, and waterfalls. The hike is a challenging 8.5-mile loop that takes you up to Mount Lafayette, part of the Franconia Ridge, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching across the Presidential Range and beyond.
Along the Falling Waters Trail, which is part of this loop, hikers encounter a series of waterfalls, including Cloudland Falls, a 60-foot cascade that makes for a perfect rest spot. The beauty of these falls, combined with the rugged mountain scenery, makes this one of the most rewarding hikes in the region.
2. Mount Willard Trail
- Length: 3.2 miles (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Day use fee: No
- Pets: Allowed on leash
If you’re looking for a shorter, family-friendly hike with breathtaking views, Mount Willard Trail is an excellent choice. This 3.2-mile round-trip trail is located in Crawford Notch, and while its main highlight is the stunning view over the notch at the summit, you can also enjoy waterfalls along the way, especially after heavy rain.
The hike is moderate, making it suitable for all levels of hikers, and it’s a popular choice for those seeking an easier trail with a big payoff. The scenic beauty and proximity to nearby falls make it a great option for families and those wanting a taste of White Mountains hiking without the strenuous effort.
3. Mount Pierce via Crawford Path
- Length: 6.2 miles (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Day use fee: No
- Pets: Allowed on leash
The Mount Pierce via Crawford Path hike offers another great combination of mountain views and peaceful streams and waterfalls. The trail, which is 6.4 miles round trip, takes you up one of the peaks in the Presidential Range and follows Crawford Path, the oldest continuously used hiking trail in the United States.
While the highlight of the hike is reaching the summit of Mount Pierce, where you can enjoy expansive views, the gentle streams and small cascades you pass along the way add to the serene experience. This trail is a great option for those looking to enjoy both waterfalls and a more moderate mountain summit.
4. Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head
- Length: 8.4 miles (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 4,250 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Day use fee: Yes, a fee is required for parking at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center
- Pets: Allowed on leash (but not recommended due to the challenging terrain)
For more experienced hikers, the climb to the summit of Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine Trail offers a challenging yet unforgettable adventure. At 8.2 miles round trip, the hike is steep and strenuous, but those who take on the challenge are rewarded with stunning views and the chance to see some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the White Mountains.
Not far from the trailhead is Crystal Cascade, a beautiful two-tier waterfall that serves as a picturesque introduction to the hike. As you ascend through Tuckerman Ravine, you’ll encounter more waterfalls, making the challenging climb a bit more pleasant as you stop to take in the sights and sounds of rushing water.
5. Hancock Trail
- Length: 9.8 miles (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Day use fee: Yes, a fee is required for parking at the Hancock Overlook
- Pets: Allowed on leash
For a more remote and less crowded hiking experience, the Hancock Trail is an excellent option. This 9.8-mile loop trail is often hiked for its quiet, forested paths and the opportunity to bag both North Hancock and South Hancock peaks. However, the waterfalls and streams along the trail are equally captivating, especially during the spring and early summer months when snowmelt feeds the cascades.
This hike takes you deep into the wilderness, away from the busier trails, making it a perfect choice for those looking for solitude. The peacefulness of the waterfalls, combined with the rewarding summit views, makes this trail a hidden gem in the White Mountains.
6. Diana’s Baths
- Length: 1.3 miles (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Day use fee: Yes, a fee is required for parking at the trailhead
- Pets: Allowed on leash
For an easy, accessible, and family-friendly waterfall hike, look no further than Diana’s Baths. Located near North Conway, this 1.3-mile round-trip trail leads to a series of gentle waterfalls and pools that are perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. The hike is short and well-maintained, making it ideal for families with young children or anyone looking for a casual stroll through nature.
In the summer, Diana’s Baths are a popular spot for picnicking and wading in the cool waters, but the area is equally beautiful in the fall when the surrounding foliage provides a vibrant backdrop. With its easy accessibility and charming setting, Diana’s Baths is one of the most beloved waterfall hikes in the White Mountains.
