Are there fees or permits required for Garfield Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Garfield Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Garfield Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Garfield Falls.

Live Conditions · 18 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Garfield Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Garfield Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Garfield Falls.

New Hampshire • 40 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Garfield Falls, see below

Connecticut Lakes Headwaters FORE · UNK

Photo Credits (5)

John Hayes (gravelboy) CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Garfield Falls

Garfield Falls is a quietly scenic 40-foot cascade on the Dead Diamond River near Pittsburg, New Hampshire, tucked into dense northern forest. The falls drop through a rocky chute and open into a peaceful pool, making it a rewarding destination for hikers looking to experience the remote, woodsy beauty of the Connecticut Lakes region. Its secluded setting and classic New Hampshire spruce-fir backdrop make it a favorite for photographers and day hikers seeking solitude. The falls sit within the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters land unit (designation: FORE) and are managed by OTHS; the specific landowner is not listed. A short hike through mature forest brings you to an up-close view at the base of the falls—an accessible, natural spot that feels far removed from development. Expect classic backcountry character rather than developed amenities, and plan accordingly for changing trail and weather conditions.

The Setting

Garfield Falls sits at 1,844 feet within Connecticut Lakes Headwaters, fed by the Diamond River, in the hills of New Hampshire. The falls drop 40 feet.

Height: 40 feet

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The approach to Garfield Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, and is rated moderate in difficulty. The route winds through forested terrain and leads directly to the base of the 40-foot cascade; while the path is generally straightforward and well-marked, sections can be muddy after rain and require steady footing. This is a backcountry-style hike rather than a groomed park trail, so bring appropriate footwear and expect natural tread and occasional roots and rocks underfoot. The moderate grade and short distance make it a satisfying half-day outing for hikers comfortable with uneven, wooded trails.

What to Expect

The falls drop 40 feet. 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 Garfield Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Garfield Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Garfield Falls is in late spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to visit for stunning foliage views.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls as the rocks can be slippery. The area is remote, so ensure you have adequate supplies and let someone know your plans.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

18 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

34 57 196 547

Based on 85 years of record

1.58 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.

Diamond River near Wentworth Location, NH

USGS 01052500

11.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 152 sq mi

Altitude: 1,259 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Diamond River near Wentworth Location, NH (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

18 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

19 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

20 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

21 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

22 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

24 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

22 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

25 cfs

5/10

Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Beecher Falls 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 55 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 40 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,848 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 46 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Garfield Falls near Beecher Falls, New Hampshire, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Garfield Falls near Beecher Falls, New Hampshire, showing about 55 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,848 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 55 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Garfield Falls is located in the northernmost part of New Hampshire, near the Canadian border. From Pittsburg, take Route 3 north, then follow signs for Magalloway Road. The falls are accessible via a short drive on a gravel road and a brief hike.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead on Magalloway Road. Parking is free but limited.

Elevation

1,844 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.035326° N, -71.113407° W

Land Management

Connecticut Lakes Headwaters FORE

Managed by OTHS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring bug spray during the summer months. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.