Arethusa Falls
New Hampshire • 140 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls is one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in New Hampshire, located in Crawford Notch State Park. It features a dramatic cascade of water plunging over a granite cliff, surrounded by lush forest scenery.
The Setting
Arethusa Falls sits at 1,791 feet within Crawford Notch State Park, in the hills of New Hampshire. At 140 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New Hampshire.
Height: 140 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Nancy Cascades, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 300 feet, lies 2.1 miles to the south. Also nearby: Ripley Falls (100 ft, 1.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Arethusa Falls is a moderately challenging hike through a forested area with some steep sections. The path is well-marked and includes rocky and root-covered terrain. Hikers will pass through scenic woodlands and may encounter smaller streams along the way.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 140 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Arethusa Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Arethusa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Arethusa Falls is in late spring when water flow is at its peak, or in the fall for stunning foliage. Winter visits offer a unique view of the frozen waterfall, but trail conditions can be challenging.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Watch for loose rocks and roots. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ammonoosuc River, 14.7 miles away, not on Arethusa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
91 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
1.63 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT BETHLEHEM JUNCTION, NH (24 km away).
Today
Strong
91 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Roaring
93 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
93 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
91 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
94 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
91 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
90 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Conway hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Arethusa Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Arethusa Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 92 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New Hampshire.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 144 feet of drop through Arethusa Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That agrees with the listed height of 140 feet. The brink sits at about 1,783 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 38 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 53 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,783 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 144 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Arethusa Falls is located in Crawford Notch State Park, New Hampshire. The trailhead is accessible from Route 302, with clear signage for the Arethusa Falls Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Arethusa Falls Trailhead off Route 302. The lot can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
1,791 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.147567° N, -71.385354° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak foliage season in the fall. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. In winter, microspikes or crampons are recommended due to icy conditions.
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With 2.8 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Inn 32
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG
The Inn & More
Profile Deluxe Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
RADEKE CABIN
10.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Radeke Cabin once served as a summer camp for School of Forestry students at the University of New Hampshire until the mid 1960s. It was purchased by the Forest Service in 1969. The cabin is just off the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and easily accessible by car, but guests should be prepared to bring most of the gear and supplies needed to make their stay comfortable. Radeke Cabin offers an ideal year-round getaway for families or small groups.Recreation A trailhead for the UNH Trail is locat
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Ripley Falls, Frankenstein Cliff Trail, and the Willey House Historic Site.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of black bears, which may be present in the region.
Cities near Arethusa Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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