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    Arethusa falls

    4.7 (17 reviews)

    Arethusa falls Photos

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    Mateo M.

    This is not an easy hike. You'll need good shoes, especially if you plan to go the cliffs. Also, it is not well marked; only with faded blue and white paint at random intervals, and the trail is blanketed with leaves so you could lose it in some areas. There are some areas that are quite steep, and depending on the weather, can also be slippery and muddy. Make sure you bring enough water as it's about 5 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain if you do the whole loop, which I highly recommend. The view from the top is amazing, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. The scenery and vegetation continually shifts as you hike up and down, and the river cascading nearby along much of the trail is music to the ears. Also the bridge is quite cool, and worth a hike up to as well. Definitely a great hike, just make sure you're prepared.

    Arethusa Falls

    It is a very impressive waterfall, and my husband and I have visited several in this area.

    waterfall covered in snow/ice
    Karen 2.

    the hike up to the arethusa waterfall is pretty steep!! but the view is very scenic & cool to checkout. would recommend especially when it's warm out but still accessible in the winter.

    Bemis Falls
    Casey T.

    Mom and Dad, you told us never to talk to strangers! Arethusa Falls and Bemis Falls Trails: With an 800' elevation gain that's rocky, root strewn, and showcases some huge man made log steps, this 1.5 mile one-way hike isn't for wimps! Full disclosure, after parking at the lower level parking area, we chatted with what appeared to be a nice Scottish couple. They recommended that we take the Bemis Falls spur trail. This was a less traveled side trail that intersected with Arethusa and would reward us with two additional waterfall views: Bemis and Coliseum Falls. Well, we should know what happens when you talk and then listen to strangers. You arrive at Coliseum Falls and realize that in order to get to Arethusa trail, you've got to go STRAIGHT up the mountain! This incline requires hikers to hold onto roots, rocks, and any available and unlucky tree. Oh, and when you DO get on the main trail? You've still got over a mile to go to reach your destination. The main event, Arethusa Falls, can be well worth effort. Unfortunately, the lack of any recent rainfall made it somewhat underwhelming. However, we're still pleased we did it. It is by some accounts the highest waterfall in New Hampshire! So do your research, don't talk to strangers, and enjoy the hike! Special Notes: There is an upper parking lot area. So scoot up the hill and see if a space is available, it'll get you to the trail-head quicker. For those of you hiking with children, novice hikers, or just us age challenged folks, I'd allow 2.5 hours round-trip. Adjusting that time frame to a bit longer if you plan on hanging out. This trail can also be considered a loop trail IF you add on Frankenstein Cliff trail, making this a 4.3 mile round-trip excursion. As the name Frankenstein suggests, it's a tough trail, perhaps tougher than Arethusa. With an AllTrails rating of "Moderate", Arethusa and Frankenstein are challenging.

    Manya C.

    2hr moderate hiking, in the middle of white mountain, not that many people. Kids friendly. Falls are cold and comfortable in the summer.

    Hiking trail
    David O.

    The hike getting to the falls was nothing special but as soon as you get a glimpse of this magical waterfall you're left in awe! I did the hike to the waterfall and back in about 90 minutes although if you want to do a loop trail that is also possible. The out and back was 3.7 miles and you gain 1,000 feet of elevation. I wish i could be back to experience the magical Falls. I've heard that during the dryer months the waterfall slows down to a trickle so you may want to check before going. We were lucky enough to get a powerful waterfall due to snow melt.

    Liz C.

    Great hike for people of all fitness levels. It was about 2 hours round trip going slowly. The reward is the beautiful waterfall at the top. There is ample parking in the lot and the trails are dotted with people in the fall. The summer may be a bit more hectic. The rocks at the top can be a bit slippery if they're wet.

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    7 years ago

    Nice easy flat hike for the whole family. The falls are beautiful and there are plenty of photo ops once you get to the falls.

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    Ask the Community - Arethusa falls

    Review Highlights - Arethusa falls

    Best time to visit is early May when water flow is around its highest.

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    Dismal Pool - Trying to make Dismal Pool less dismal and more artsy.

    Dismal Pool

    4.0(1 review)
    6.8 mi

    Rarely does a name of a place live up to the expectations quite like Dismal Pool does…read more In what can only be described as a borderline Lampoon-meets-1980's road trip, my father decided he wanted to go to The Flume via his outdated GPS unit that took him the longest way possible. As we drove, we passed all sorts of amazing natural beauties, like Diana's Baths and Echo Lake State Park, that we didn't stop at. Once we complained about flying past all of these great things, he slammed on his breaks and whipped into the next designated scenic vista area he came across causing a cacophony of honked horns from the people he nearly crashed into during his dramatic display. The scenic vista was quite scenic... Tall mountains dipping gracefully from the sky to the land. We took the requisite selfie or seven before realizing that we were also at the home of Dismal Pool. My father encouraged us all ("you wanted to stop here, so we're stopping here!") to take the time to walk down the steep hill to absorb the wonder that was Dismal Pool. The small pond is in fact depressing, dreary, and pitiful... Defining "dismal", as it were, to a tee. It was tepid looking water against large boulders in a overgrown area of forest. We, of course, took some more photos. Because... when at Dismal Pool, do as the Dismal Poolians would do. Or... what happens at Dismal Pool stays at Dismal Pool? Some other city's saying here replaced with Dismal Pool. Honestly? There's no reason to stop here, unless you appreciate not being let down. Because what the sign says is exactly what you're gonna get. No false advertising here!

    Photos
    Dismal Pool - Flashlights allowed at Dismal Pool.

    Flashlights allowed at Dismal Pool.

    Dismal Pool - Exploring Dismal Pool.

    Exploring Dismal Pool.

    Dismal Pool - Dismal Pool.

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    Dismal Pool.

    Echo Lake State Park

    Echo Lake State Park

    4.5(30 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    What a beautiful and serene spot!…read more Echo Lake is approximately 15.7 acres. Two granite ledges called White Horse and Cathedral Ledge surround it. We went later in the afternoon so parking was ample. A short walk leads you to the picnic area and lake. It's about a 1 mile hike around the lake. The water was clear and cold. There were lots of mosquitoes at that hour. We enjoyed seeing the tadpoles in the water. My family enjoyed our time there and can't wait to go back to this picturesque spot!

    m a local to the state of NH about 1.5hr drive from this beautiful place…read moreWill recommend Will return Check the bacteria site before heading up to make sure its swim able I have state park plates so I went to New Hampshire State Parks website and made a reservation for this particular day in Wood State Park plates you pay one dollar which is your processing fee Without state Park plates, the entry fee is eight dollars per car I recommend making reservations on the website rather than just rolling up in person. They do have a large parking lot, but it seems to fill very quickly. The beach is very family oriented. You can rent canoes. You can rent kayaks. You can rent paddle boats. The fees are very reasonable. They have tubes. You can also purchase for a small fee of six dollars. The beach was not overcrowded. They have many hiking trails and areas around that area as well. They have charcoal grills that you can use up off the beach with some grassy area that you could also camp at. There is also a bathhouse there that's open as well as a small store There are no lifeguards it's a swim at your own risk Very very clean

    Photos
    Echo Lake State Park
    Echo Lake State Park
    Echo Lake State Park

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    Black Cap Trail

    Black Cap Trail

    5.0(6 reviews)
    13.4 mi

    The elevation gain is less than 600 feet, but if feels like a nice, steady workout. I'm not in…read morethe greatest shape and I thought it was pretty easy and quick. I was to the top in about 35-40 min. The trail is actually pleasant even without the views. At the top, the reward is huge, really nice views in an alpine area. Plenty of space to spread out up top, so you can space out. Lots of kids and dogs, but people that day were all respectful and pleasant. There is still cell phone coverage at the top (I use AT&T.)

    Black Cap Trail is a relatively easy hike with a huge reward at the end. The views from the top…read moreare just spectacular. Take Hurricane Mountain Road off of Route 16 near the Intervale Scenic Vista. The Parking lot will be on the right near the summit of the road. Warning - this road is steep and winding! The trail is well marked and is approximately one mile in each direction. It is a slow, gradual climb with a lot of tree roots in the beginning that eventually give way to scattered rocks and then to all rock on the summit. If you are not an experienced hiker or do not have the proper gear (I fall into both of these categories) I would not attempt this when the ground is wet as it can be slippery on a good day. It's a good hike Spring through Fall, but hiking it in the Fall is by far my favorite. The view of the changing colors from the top is amazing.

    Photos
    Black Cap Trail - Trail down from Black Cap

    Trail down from Black Cap

    Black Cap Trail - It starts out fairly flat....

    It starts out fairly flat....

    Black Cap Trail

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    Ripley Falls - If you are willing to carefully hike the half mile to get to the falls, you will be rewarded with a stunning view....

    Ripley Falls

    4.4(7 reviews)
    6.8 mi

    Rocks roots and…read more ruts Ripley Falls is a 100 foot high waterfall that takes on several different personalites. In the late summer and fall it is a quiet and well behaved little falls. A nice place to hike out with the kids, dogs and grandpa and have a picnic. However in the spring when the snows in the mountains start to melt it becomes raging torrent. The noise is actually deafening. In the winter in frequently freezes and huge icicles hang off it. The actually hike to get to the falls is only a half a mile and in the proper conditions is quite easy. However the trail frequently is wet and broken and ice forms easily so it's a bit more difficult than it looks. A woman I met on the trail said that this trail has a reputation as a leg breaker because of all the loose rocks and wet and slippery roots. Of course many other trails connect so you can hike for days if you want. The falls is just a starting point to far more rugged and interesting places and few people turn back here. Ripley Falls is just one of the many waterfalls in the area and a pleasant little diversion from more strenuous hiking. In the spring it is pretty impressive but it's still but still nice even in periods of low water. A nice spot to visit as long as you don't have you expectations too high.

    Regardless of season, a fun waterfall to chillax or be adventurous…read more I've snow hiked here a couple winters ago to take some nature snow landscape photos. I managed to not fall off the hiking trail in foot deep snow and made it back here this summer for some waterfall repelling. Waterfall repelling was a fun experience. Repelling next to the falls that is. I still got soaked in 55 degree water.

    Photos
    Ripley Falls
    Ripley Falls - Not much water this time of year

    Not much water this time of year

    Ripley Falls - Parts of the trail to Ripley's are flatter, but narrow and along steep banks. Not for the flat-trail lovers.

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    Parts of the trail to Ripley's are flatter, but narrow and along steep banks. Not for the flat-trail lovers.

    Diana's Baths - Rock stack

    Diana's Baths

    4.6(127 reviews)
    9.9 mi

    Diana's Bath is a natural pool with some small waterfalls. The walk from the parking lot is about…read more.6 miles one way, it's a quick and easy hike to reach this gorgeous spot. There is a parking lot and we were able to find parking but I'm sure it gets full at peak times. We enjoyed the hike and the waterfalls. It was in late May so there were quite a few people there. It's a peaceful spot to relax, sit in the pool, and just enjoy nature. I'm glad my family and I got to visit during this trip!

    Parking instructions here were very unclear. What we initially believed were parking spaces turned…read moreout to be a line of cars waiting to park, with no visible signage where we entered. When we noticed an opening, we asked nearby drivers if we could squeeze in, and they had no issue with it. As we were parking, an employee approached us in a very aggressive and unprofessional manner and told us we could not park there. We apologized and explained that we were not from the area and had not seen any signs. We were told that the rule was "well known to locals" and that a sign existed at the front of the line--more than 25 cars ahead, making it impossible for us to see. Despite the surrounding drivers having no objection, the employee demanded we leave and became increasingly hostile when we asked questions or requested a manager. At that point, the interaction escalated unnecessarily, and we decided it wasn't worth the confrontation and left. I've never experienced such a level of rudeness from a staff member over an honest misunderstanding. Clear signage and more professional communication would have avoided the entire situation. Someone even yelled out "stop being a parking nazi". I would have otherwise liked to review the venue itself, but we were unable to do so as we never made it inside.

    Photos
    Diana's Baths - Waterfall

    Waterfall

    Diana's Baths - Waterfall

    Waterfall

    Diana's Baths

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    Arethusa falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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