A hike just about anywhere in New Hampshire will show you some of the best parts of the local landscape. From forest to coast to rivers to lakes, there’s a lot of nature to appreciate here. Despite there being so many hiking options, we love the trails we’ve done over-and-over again. They provide comfort and familiarity and there are times that’s just what we need. And sometimes there are features along the trails that are easy to miss when you just explore them once. This route, located in Franconia Notch State Park, is typically used to reach a challenging summit, but we love the scenic waterfall in New Hampshire that can be found along the way. And without all the effort that the summit requires!
Falling Waters Trail is located within Franconia Notch State Park and it’s well-worth the visit.
h w / alltrails.com
The trail in its entirety is about 5.6 miles. But today we’re recommending you cut things short for a lovely feature that doesn’t require reaching the summit.
Khurram Zaheer / alltrails.com
Rather than embark on this larger, far more challenging hike, you can go just part of the way and find a waterfall that most people forget exists on this trail.
Steven Max Silverstein / alltrails.com
Cloudland Falls sits just off the trail. The staircase style waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the state and we love that reaching it is fairly straightforward.
Greg Jenkins / alltrails.com
The first quarter-mile of the route is flat and simple to follow. It leads to a footbridge and crosses Old Bridle Path. Be sure to watch the signs to make sure you stay on Falling Waters Trail.
Greg Jenkins / alltrails.com
The trail follows Dry Brook, which provides water views throughout the hike.
Rebekah Woolf / alltrails.com
About one-mile into the hike you’ll find Cloudland Falls. The trail leads to the top of this scenic waterfall in New Hampshire so you’ll be able to look down upon the 80-foot drop. When you’re ready to head back, simply follow the same trail you took to arrive.
Nick Caramihai / alltrails.com
We love trails that can be accessed year-round because they allow us to see New Hampshire in all types of outfits! Winter looks great, but always be mindful of conditions as things can get slippery quickly.
felix pinto / alltrails.com Don’t forget to tell others where you’ll be going and when you expect to be back. Even the shortest trails present their own dangers and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Falling Waters Trail can be accessed year-round and each season offers a different type of beauty. You can learn more about the route and see more photos along with a map by visiting this page on alltrails.com. When you visit, feel free to bring your furry friends as long as they remain on a leash.
h w / alltrails.com
Khurram Zaheer / alltrails.com
Steven Max Silverstein / alltrails.com
Greg Jenkins / alltrails.com
Rebekah Woolf / alltrails.com
Nick Caramihai / alltrails.com
felix pinto / alltrails.com
Don’t forget to tell others where you’ll be going and when you expect to be back. Even the shortest trails present their own dangers and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
There are lots of ways to take in stunning views and not all of them include a hike with elevation. You can follow this abandoned railroad trail for one of the most unique hikes in New Hampshire.
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Address: Falling Waters Trail, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
