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.
