Beaver Brook Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Beaver Brook Falls
Beaver Brook Falls lies just outside Keene, New Hampshire, tucked into the city-managed Beaver Brook Canyon Park. The falls drop over a rocky ledge into a forested gorge, offering a peaceful, photogenic cascade that draws locals and day-hikers looking for a quick nature escape. The setting feels intimate — tall trees frame the stream and there are several good vantage points to take in the flow and surrounding greenery. The waterfall is reached by a short but rewarding hike: the trail is an out-and-back route measuring 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. If you want to turn a day trip into an overnight stay, Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area campground is about 2.72 km away, making this a nice addition to a multi-stop outing in the area. Because the park is city-managed, services are limited, so plan accordingly for parking and amenities.
The Setting
Beaver Brook Falls sits at 745 feet within Beaver Brook Canyon Park, fed by the Ashuelot River, in the foothills of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This route is an out-and-back trail totaling 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain and is rated moderate. The hike climbs and descends through Beaver Brook Canyon Park’s wooded terrain to reach viewing areas at the falls; expect moderate grades rather than a flat stroll. Trail type is out-and-back and suitable for hikers comfortable with short uphill sections; surface and technical-class details are not provided in the available data, so bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for natural trail conditions.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beaver Brook Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Beaver Brook Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during icy conditions in winter unless properly equipped. Be mindful of ticks and other insects in warmer months.
Current Water Conditions
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
4.81 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ASHUELOT RIVER BELOW SURRY MT DAM, NEAR KEENE, NH (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
29 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, peaking in April.
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 Keene hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 133 feet of descent through Beaver Brook Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 740 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 102 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 140 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 740 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 132 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Beaver Brook Falls is located approximately 2.3 miles from Keene, New Hampshire. The coordinates for the falls are 42.9617, -72.2601. Visitors can reach the falls by taking Beaver Brook Falls Road, which is accessible by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, but availability may be limited during peak times.
Elevation
745 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.961747° N, -72.260085° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Courtyard Keene Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Keene
Keene Elm City Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Riverside Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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
Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area
1.7 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use facility offering many outdoor recreation opportunities everyone can enjoy. The park is located in Keene and Roxbury, New Hampshire. Recreation Picnicking, canoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing are just a few of the summertime favorite activities enjoyed at Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area. If sports are your idea of fun, there are plenty of large areas for volleyball, baseball and other team sports. Ther
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Nearby Attractions
Keene, New Hampshire offers various attractions, including hiking trails, parks, and local shops. West Swanzey and North Westminster are also nearby for additional exploration.
Wildlife
The area around Beaver Brook Falls is home to various bird species, small mammals, and forest wildlife. Visitors may spot squirrels, chipmunks, or even deer.
Cities near Beaver Brook Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Beaver Brook Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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