Franconia Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Franconia Falls
Franconia Falls is a series of cascading drops and natural pools tucked into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the White Mountain National Forest. The cascades make a great mid-hike reward — popular with day hikers and those looking to cool off in clear mountain pools during the warmer months. The setting feels quintessentially White Mountains: rocky ledges, forested slopes, and the steady sound of rushing water. The falls sit just a short distance from Franconia Notch, the mountain pass that straddles eight miles of Interstate 93 between the Kinsman and Franconia ranges (the same corridor that includes well-known features like Cannon Mountain and Echo Lake). Whether you’re coming for a longer trek through the notch or a shorter outing, Franconia Falls is an inviting, scenic stop on trails managed by the USFS in the White Mountain National Forest.
The Setting
Franconia Falls sits at 1,555 feet within White Mountain National Forest, fed by the East Branch Pemigewasset River, in the hills of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Franconia Falls Trail (#32327), a 6.8-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
FRANCONIA FALLS TRAIL #32327
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.51 miTrail Description
This is typically done as an out-and-back route of about 6.8 miles round trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain; the route is rated moderate. Much of the approach follows the wide, relatively flat Lincoln Woods Trail along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, with the final access provided by the Forest Service’s FRANCONIA FALLS TRAIL (Trail #32327). The Franconia Falls Trail is a 0.51-mile native-material spur (USFS trail #32327), Class 3, with a typical grade of 5–8%. The tread is natural surface and well-used; expect a short, rocky final approach to the cascades.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. 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 Franconia Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Franconia Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the water levels are ideal for viewing the falls and swimming.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with White Mountain National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be very slippery, especially when wet. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution. Swimming is at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and carry a map or GPS device.
Current Water Conditions
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
3.46 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
54 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
47 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
39 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
45 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 Woodstock 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 126 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,567 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 67 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 29 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,567 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 126 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Franconia Falls is accessed via the Lincoln Woods Trail, which begins at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) near Lincoln, New Hampshire.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. A parking fee or a valid White Mountain National Forest parking pass is required.
Elevation
1,555 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.105622° N, -71.578969° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid crowds, especially during summer weekends. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Wear sturdy footwear, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery.
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With 6.8 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG
Inn 32
Bluegreen Vacations South Mountain, an Ascend Collection Resort
Hampton Inn Lincoln White Mountains
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
OSCEOLA VISTA CAMPGROUND
9.7 miles away · 16 sites
Overview Osceola Vista is a popular spot for group camping and is located near a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and golfing. Just minutes away, hiking enthusiasts will find the Sandwich Range Wilderness and 80 miles of the White Mountain National Forest's prime hiking trails. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Flume Gorge, the Basin, and the Kancamagus Highway scenic drive.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally black bears. Visitors should store food securely and be aware of their surroundings.
Cities near Franconia Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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