Arethusa Falls
A forest hike reaches one of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls, with optional brook cascades adding terrain and time.
Artwork inspired by Lilla Cabot Perry
Bemis Brook drops from a high cliff in a long White Mountain ribbon. A forest hike reaches one of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls, with optional brook cascades adding terrain and time. Rather than relying on one headline feature, the experience gains depth from the contrast among high waterfall, Bemis Brook, and forest amphitheater.
Take the direct route unless prepared for the steeper Bemis Brook variation, and stop on stable ground below the falls. Roots, rock, stream crossings, ice, and slippery debris beneath the cliff make this a real hike. Visitors who include forest amphitheater gain a fuller sense of place than those who stop after seeing only high waterfall.
- Height
- About 140 feet
- Route
- Out and back
- Region
- Crawford Notch
Quick guide
- Start with
- Take the direct route unless prepared for the steeper Bemis Brook variation, and stop on stable ground below the falls.
- Look closely at
- Use Bemis Brook as evidence, then test that first impression against forest amphitheater.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Take the direct route unless prepared for the steeper Bemis Brook variation, and stop on stable ground below the falls.
- Look closely at
- Use Bemis Brook as evidence, then test that first impression against forest amphitheater.
- Connect the story
- Compare Bemis Brook’s smaller cascades with the main cliff drop to understand how terrain builds toward the waterfall amphitheater.
- Plan around
- Review hours, admission, parking, and access together before planning Arethusa Falls; each addresses a different practical constraint.
Good to know
Roots, rock, stream crossings, ice, and slippery debris beneath the cliff make this a real hike.
Notice these
- high waterfall
- Bemis Brook
- forest amphitheater