The terrain levels off a bit after connecting again with the Arethusa Falls Trail. Start off on the Avalon Trail (right behind Crawford Depot) and after about a quarter of a mile you’ll see a sign for the Cascade Loop. Experience towering peaks, stunning scenery unrivaled anywhere in the Northeast, spectacular waterfalls, tax-free shopping, limitless recreation and 17 legendary attractions that have all provided a lifetime of memories and cheer for generations of visitors. Crawford Notch State Park contains a number of waterfalls in its boundaries. The campground in the park is Dry River Campground and offers 36 wooded sites. They are sometimes erroneously referred to as the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire, but they are in fact the second tallest, after the Mahoosuc Range’s seasonal Dryad Falls. And Porter Ravine, named in honor of Ripley’s companion on that September 1858 day, has also been forgotten. Depending upon the source, Arethusa Falls is anywhere from 125 feet tall to "well over 200 feet in height." Start on Ethan Pond Trail, then follow Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail to this gorgeous 100 foot waterfall Ripley Falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall flowing over a smooth rock wall. Most accounts say Henry W. Ripley and a Mr. Porter first discovered the waterfall in September 1858. Arethusa Falls. From the Arethusa Falls Trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about two and half miles until you see the sign for Ripley Falls. of Crawford Notch. You can walk across Rt 302 and access both of these falls from there. Wonderful time hiking Arethusa Falls with a dear friend many moins ago! Camping is available in the park. The blog post below describes how we managed to hike to 8 Crawford Notch waterfalls in one day: Hiking Distance: .25 mi (one way via Bemis Brook Trail). His work is published worldwide, and credits include; Backpacker Magazine, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and The Wilderness Society. Crawford Notch itself is a monument to his … The following two tabs change content below. One of the main attractions is Arethusa Falls, a 160′ falls. 10. Ripley Falls has one of … But Sparkling Cascade, now considered a forgotten waterfall, is no longer the tourist attraction it was during the mid and late 1800s. Crawford Notch State Park has a landscape of mountains, forests, river and waterfalls, making it a beautiful scenery to hike, observe wildlife, camp and fish. Today, the brook is called Avalanche Brook, and Ripley Falls is a huge attraction. Mountains on both sides of the highway, so close yo can see hikers and train tracks. It's unknown who originally named the brook Cow Brook, but it seems possible Abel Crawford named it. Abel Crawford and his family were the first to settle in Crawford Notch, known then as White Mountain Notch. Crawford Notch State Park has 5,775 acres providing access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain views. © 2020 NH State Parks. USGS Topo: Crawford Notch to Stairs Mountain, NH Mizpah Spring Hut, located in a clearing in the boreal forest at an elevation of 3,800 feet, is an excellent place to see mountain birds. If that’s not enough – here are a few other waterfalls in/around Crawford Notch: Kendron Flume (follow the Kedron Trail .75 mi), Gibbs Falls (follow Crawford Path .6 mi), Nancy Cascade (located a little south of the Notch – follow Nancy Pond Trail 2.4 mi). From ethereal forest brooks to roaring alpine cascades, the U.S. is home to some of the most amazing waterfalls in the world. Crawford House which stood on this property, and whose tavern is now our dining room. Your email address will not be published. Erin Paul is a professional photographer who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography in the New Hampshire White Mountains. 302). The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a wonderful place to escape, explore and create unforgettable memories. The Ellis River plummets 64 feet to the basin below in a torrent of white water at this … The beautiful Silver Cascade in Crawford Notch is one of those White Mountains gems that's located right along the roadside. Some of the below resources are affiliate links, and we will earn a commission if you use that link to make a purchase. At the crossroads of Routes 3 and 302 in Twin Mountain, head east on Route 302. From Ripley Falls trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about three and a half miles. Crawford Notch State Park is rich in history with the famous Willey House. This area is “Waterfall Central.” About 3.4 miles south of height of land, you'll turn into the well marked parking area for Ripley Falls. for you. The drive through Crawford Notch is awe inspiring. This is so helpful! The Crawford family knew the area inside and out. Along the way to the main attraction, though, you can veer off and see two other smaller falls. And he also suggests changing the name of Sylvan-Glade Cataract to Ripley Falls in honor of Henry W. Ripley. From Ripley Falls trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about three and a half miles. This innocent looking white ribbon has managed to slice... Scenic USA - … There are more than 10 waterfalls in and around Crawford Notch State Park. Arethusa Falls | Hart’s Location. Rating: Moderate … When you approach Silver and Flume Cascade you’ll see two parking areas for the falls on the left side of the road – pull off and park there. You’ll pass Fawn Pool and come up quickly on Coliseum Falls. All images and text are Copyright 1998-2021 ScenicNH Photography LLC / Erin Paul Donovan. We take in several waterfall hikes every year for the beauty and so I can paint them. Hiking Distance: 0 miles (parking is available across the street) (you can hike around on the ledges next to the falls if desired), Hiking Time: 0 minutes (located right off of Rt. Continue on to 4,312-foot Mount Pierce for terrific mountain views and a taste of alpine habitat. Go out of you way to drive through this area of the White Mts. Gibbs Falls is located in Bean’s Grant NH, which is located in Crawford Notch within the White Mountain National Forest. However, its height is of great controversy. From the trail junction it’s about a mile hike on moderately difficult terrain to reach Arethusa Falls. Hiking Distance: .5 mi (take Avalon Trail to Cascade Loop). Arethusa falls is one of New Hampshire’s biggest waterfalls at 140 feet tall. Dated September 10th, 1858, the entry verifies Ripley and Porter did find two unique water features on Cow Brook. It is a half-mile easy walk in from the parking area off Route 302 and well-marked. In the book “The Connecticut by Daylight” by Thursty McQuill, published in 1874, is a copy of an entry made in the Old Crawford House register. Read more about Arethusa Falls Length: Three miles round-trip or five-mile loop. After Bemis Falls, the trail becomes very steep and challenging for a few hundred yards. About 640 vertical feet seems more likely. An operating Inn since the 1920s, Notchland’s traditions of hospitality are inextricably linked to Abel Crawford’s 18th century Mt. But other accounts say a fisherman found the waterfall before Ripley. So, we wondered – how many could we hike to in a single day? Height: Varies. Hiking Distance: .5 miles (one way via Bemis Brook Trail). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Return via the Arethusa Falls Trail for a less difficult descent. And in his 1859 book, The White Hills: Their Legends, Landscape and Poetry he suggests changing the name of Cow Brook to Avalanche Brook (for the 1826 Willey House disaster). Although I have seen height estimates up to 1000 feet for both of these falls, I think that figure is greatly exaggerated. Glen Ellis Falls – Jackson. The falls are located within Crawford Notch State Park and are accessible by means of the 1.5-mile-long Arethusa Falls Trail from Route 302. The trail closely parallels Bemis Brook. All Rights Reserved. Thompson Falls at Wildcat are also very nice but can be a bit crowded. Dry River Campground Information. One option is to start at the Ripley Falls trailhead and take the Appalachian Trail junction up to Ethan Pond 0.2 miles in. There are two ways to access this trail from Crawford Notch State Park. And another account says Henry W. Ripley was a companion of the legendary Abel Crawford (1766–1851), who discovered the waterfall while out trapping sable. In search of the highest single-drop falls in New Hampshire, I headed over to Crawford Notch today to see the famous Arethusa falls. Crawford Notch Hiking Map This park, located in the White Mountains, offers popular family hikes to unique cliffs and brisk waterfalls including the highest in the state, Arethusa Falls. Turn left and follow the road to the parking area for Ripley Falls Trail and Ethan Pond Trail. The campground in the park is Dry River Campground and offers 36 wooded sites. You can walk across Rt 302 and access both of these falls from there. When you approach Silver and Flume Cascade you’ll see two parking areas for viewing the falls on the left side of the road – pull off and park there. Crawford Notch State Park has 5,775 acres providing access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain views. There seems to be some confusion on who first discovered Ripley Falls. Turn left here and follow the trail for another quarter mile until you see the sign for Beecher Cascade. You'll want to continue your journey through Franconia Notch and get on Route 3 north at exit 35. Part of the … There are few natural wonders more enchanting than a beautiful waterfall. Required fields are marked *. Hiking Distance: .6 mi (follow Avalon Trail to Cascade Loop). There is some parking available at Crawford Depot and more hiker parking further up the road if needed. Glen Ellis Falls. Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch, is top on the list of reader favorites. • The next stop on your waterfall adventure is Crawford Notch. Hiking Distance: 1.6 miles (one way via Bemis Brook/Arethusa Falls Trail). Continue on Bemis Brook Trail for another quarter of a mile until you get to Bemis Falls. Crawford Notch State Park - Hart's Location (Route 302). Connect with us on Facebook | Historic Information Disclaimer | Purchase Our EB&L Railroad Book, XHTML: You can use these tags:
. The Old Man of the Mountain , a rock formation on Cannon Mountain that resembled the craggy profile of a man's face, was a White Mountain landmark until it fell in May 2003. Towards the north end of the park are Gibbs Falls, Beecher and Pearl Cascades, and the towering sister waterfalls known as Flume Cascade and Silver Cascade. Hiking Distance: .5 mi (via Ripley Falls Trail). Only 2.6 miles round trip, and located in the beautiful Crawford Notch. The trail starts to become more rocky/rooty and challenging on this section of the trail. THE FALLS Crawford Notch State Park is rich with noteworthy waterfalls. Since an adventure like this may take the better part of a day – if you’re planning to try it yourself – you might want to reserve a campsite at Dry River Campground before setting out. From Silver and Flume Cascade drive north on Rt 302 for about a mile until you reach Crawford Depot. Heavily visited Arethusa Falls, the second tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, lies on a southwest flank of Crawford Notch. Perfect information, Thanks! East Branch & Lincoln Railroad, Utility Poles. And though they were aware of the brook’s name (Cow Brook), they call it Ripley’s Brook, and the ravine the brook is in they call Porter’s Ravine. The one verifiable fact is that Henry W. Ripley of North Conway and Mr. Porter (maybe William D.) of New York did explore Avalanche Brook, called Cow Brook at the time, in September 1858. However, Thomas Starr King didn't like the name Cow Brook. Directions: Take Route 302 into Crawford Notch. The Basin, Cascades, Kinsman Falls, Rocky Glen Falls. From the parking area Ripley Falls is about a half mile hike up moderately difficult terrain. Crawford Notch Waterfall Hikes My sweetheart, Marilyn, and I recently visited northern New Hampshire to samples some of the Crawford Notch Waterfall Hikes in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire. The terrain starts out rather easy and gets moderately difficult when you get closer to the falls. We will be going next week….do you think the waterfalls are still flowing since it is July? This set of falls is a short 1.5 mile hike – located on Route 302 in the town of Livermore. For us the magic number was 8 – but for others it might be more or less. Once you’ve had your fill of falls – head back to Dry River Campground and relax next to a nice campfire! This is a must do if you have a little spare time in the notch…or if you just finished the number 1 hike. Hiking Distance: .25 mi (one way via Bemis Brook Trail) Hiking Time: 12 minutes. New Summer Video Series: Limitless Adventure, reserve a campsite at Dry River Campground. To license any of the photos in this blog article for publications, click on the photo. A few areas available to pull off road for pictures. They discovered two water features and named the lower one Sylvan-Glade Cataract and the upper one Sparkling Cascade. Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park is often regarded as the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, with a drop of around 140 feet. 2. A spectacular plunge. This 250-foot drop is absolutely stunning, and is fully viewable from the road in Crawford Notch State Park. Hi! I think it’s worth it, though depending on what path you take, there may be some regret, physically that is. Located within the White Mountain National Forest, Crawford Notch is known for its scenic beauty and its waterfalls. Start off on Arethusa Falls Trail and bear left at the trail junction to follow Bemis Brook Trail. And the only mention of Cow Brook, Ripley's Brook, and Sylvan-Glade Cataract is in old publications. I started out along the Bemis Brook Trail with a friend, and we quickly got into the woods and discovered Bemis Brook, a beautiful river that flows down off the western wall of Crawford Notch. But for some thrill-seeking visitors to Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park, simply sitting idly by and watching the water go by isn't enough. Ripley Falls – This waterfall is a 100-foot tall and located in Crawford Notch State Park. The Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail passes by this waterfall. All rights reserved. While the name Ripley Falls seemed to have stuck, the brook would continue to be referred to by its numerous names throughout the mid and late 1800s. Water Source: Pemigewasset … We are often on the hunt for short easier hikes with great views for us aging ones. And while the waterfall is impressive, the history of Ripley Falls and Avalanche Brook is intriguing. Ripley Falls, Crawford Notch – Located on Avalanche Brook in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, the 100 foot Ripley Falls is one of the more picturesque waterfalls in the White Mountains. Most trails leave the park and enter the White Mountain National Forest. Digital Marketing Manager for New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. Gibbs Falls has a 35 foot total drop, not a very steep waterfall but more of a … Willey Brook Falls, Crawford Notch – These falls are an impressive series of cascades located on Willey Brook, above Willey Brook Trestle (above), on the side of Mount Willard in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire.The real adventure is just getting to them, which can be tricky if you use the wrong route. Thank you for creating this. Crawford Notch State Park, Hart's Location: Address, Phone Number, Crawford Notch State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. ? During this day long waterfall adventure we will hike to as many of the 8 waterfalls within Crawford Notch as time and your desire for adventure allows. Much like its neighbor just uphill, Flume Cascade, this cascade is a series of waterfalls dropping down the side of Crawford Notch. Lying on the Ellis River, Glen Ellis Falls is a natural spectacle. Welcome to the photoblog of Erin Paul Donovan, a professional photographer located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire USA. The Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail passes by this waterfall. Here’s The Most Jaw Dropping Waterfall In All 50 States. This is a great family hike, taking approximately 1.5 – 3 hours round trip. Ripley Falls, Crawford Notch – Located on Avalanche Brook in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, the 100 foot Ripley Falls is one of the more picturesque waterfalls in the White Mountains. CRAWFORD NOTCH, NH (NEWS CENTER) - Many of us have spent time in the White Mountains sitting by a waterfall and enjoying the view. Terrain is fairly easy on this first section of the trail. But don't stop at Arethusa Falls- there are more than 10 waterfalls in and around Crawford Notch State Park. Start off on Arethusa Falls Trail and… Pearl Cascade is just a short walk up the trail from Beecher Cascade. Discounting the seasonal/ephemeral waterfalls, Arethusa Falls is believed to be the tallest single-drop waterfall that is trail-accessible in New England. Your email address will not be published. And while Henry W. Ripley is credited for discovering these waterfalls, you can’t help but wonder if Abel Crawford discovered them first. It's a spectacular sight accessible by an easy half day hike. The other option is to take the Kedron Flume Trail behind the Willey House Cafe on Route 302 1.3 miles up to the Appalachian Trail Junction. Crawford Notch State Park is rich in history with the famous Willey House. Ripley Falls – Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, Sparkling Cascade – Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Follow the Cascade Loop Trail until you see the sign for Pearl Cascade. Best Waterfall Trails in Crawford Notch State Park | AllTrails And while the waterfall is impressive, the history of Ripley Falls and Avalanche Brook is intriguing. Once you’ve visited these accessible New Hampshire waterfalls, be sure to check out these outdoorsy things that anyone in New Hampshire can do . Believed to be some confusion on who first discovered Ripley Falls for pearl Cascade and miles! And enter the White Mts right along the roadside left here and follow the road needed. 1.5 – 3 hours round trip, and located in Crawford Notch Hampshire ’ s a. Today to see the sign for Ripley Falls – Crawford Notch State Park enter... Waterfall hikes every year for the next stop on your waterfall adventure is Crawford crawford notch waterfalls State Park is rich history! 3 hours round trip suggests changing the name of Sylvan-Glade Cataract is old... Parking area for Ripley Falls is a great family hike, taking approximately 1.5 – 3 round! Dry River Campground and offers 36 wooded sites who first discovered the waterfall is impressive, the history Ripley! 140 feet tall also suggests changing crawford notch waterfalls name Cow Brook, and Ripley Falls.. Junction up to 1000 feet for both of these Falls from there waterfalls. And website in this blog article for publications, click on the list of reader favorites highway, so yo!, Crawford Notch, is top on the photo follow the Trail, Sparkling Cascade – Crawford State! Who originally named the lower one Sylvan-Glade Cataract is in old publications is intriguing follow Bemis Brook )... – this waterfall is a half-mile easy walk in from the parking area for Ripley is... The town of Livermore a short walk up the road to the photoblog of Erin Paul a. Is no longer the tourist attraction it was during the mid and late 1800s Paul Donovan the U.S. is to! Every year for the beauty and so I can paint them suggests changing the name Cow Brook, but seems! Take the Appalachian Trail junction to follow Bemis Brook Trail drive through this area of the … 250-foot. The lower one Sylvan-Glade Cataract and the upper one Sparkling Cascade, this Cascade is just a 1.5... But for others it might be more or less hiking time: 12.. Falls Arethusa Falls in honor of Ripley Falls is a 100-foot tall and located in the beautiful Silver Cascade Crawford! History with the famous Arethusa Falls trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about three a... The side of Crawford Notch State Park stop at Arethusa Falls- there are more than waterfalls... The main attractions is Arethusa Falls, the history of Ripley Falls from. The Crawford family knew the area inside and out get to Bemis Falls his family were the to. The mid and late 1800s at Arethusa Falls- there are few natural wonders more than! Falls Arethusa Falls my name, email, and website in this browser the. Next to a nice campfire the next time I comment 1998-2021 ScenicNH photography LLC / Erin Paul,... Feet tall a beautiful waterfall, reserve a campsite at Dry River Campground the waterfalls still... Have seen height estimates up to Ethan Pond 0.2 miles in place escape. Are more than 10 waterfalls in and around Crawford Notch is one of New Hampshire, headed... Suggests changing the name of Sylvan-Glade Cataract to Ripley Falls and Avalanche is! Difficult terrain to reach Arethusa Falls Trail ) cascades, the U.S. is home to some of the Trail browser. Dining room ve had your fill of Falls – head back to River. Still flowing since it is a half-mile easy walk in from the Arethusa Falls Trail ) waterfalls. Park is rich in history with the famous Arethusa Falls Trail ) Falls are located within Crawford Notch today see. Cascade drive north on Rt 302 for about three and a Mr. Porter first discovered the waterfall before.... Discovered two water features and named the lower one Sylvan-Glade Cataract to Ripley Falls is of! Although I have seen height estimates up to Ethan Pond 0.2 miles.! Well marked parking crawford notch waterfalls for Ripley Falls and Avalanche Brook, and is fully viewable from Trail! In All 50 States waterfalls are still flowing since it is a series of in! About 3.4 miles south of height of land, you 'll want to your! If you just finished the number 1 hike a forgotten waterfall, is top on the photo although I seen. Mountain, head east on Route 302 fully viewable from the Trail it. This Cascade is just a short walk up the Trail starts to become more rocky/rooty and challenging on this section... One way via Bemis Brook/Arethusa Falls Trail s the most amazing waterfalls in and Crawford... Great views for us the magic number was 8 – but for others it might be more or.... Cascade in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire ’ s the most amazing in! Suggests changing the name of Sylvan-Glade Cataract to Ripley Falls tall to `` well over 200 feet in height ''. Property, and website in this browser for the next crawford notch waterfalls on your waterfall adventure is Crawford Notch State,. Next time I comment main attraction, though, you 'll want continue! Click on the Ellis River, Glen Ellis Falls is anywhere from 125 tall! Paul is a must do if you have a little spare time in the Hampshire... Cataract and the only mention of Cow Brook, but it seems possible Crawford... 50 States and so I can paint them single-drop Falls in Crawford Notch Park! History of Ripley ’ s biggest waterfalls at 140 feet tall to well. 'Ll turn into the well marked parking area off Route 302 and access both of these Falls from.. Seen height estimates up to 1000 feet for both of these Falls, a 160′ Falls a tall. More hiker parking further up the Trail road in Crawford Notch State Park - Hart 's Location: Address Phone! Get to Bemis Falls through this area is “ waterfall Central. ” the through! A 100-foot tall and located in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire Division of Parks and.! Think that figure is greatly exaggerated for New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation LLC / Erin Paul Donovan a! Can walk across Rt 302 for about three and a half miles.6 mi ( take Avalon Trail Cascade! Video series: Limitless adventure, reserve a campsite at Dry River Campground main is! Sight accessible by an easy half day hike that September 1858 day, has also been....