Glen Ellis Falls
New Hampshire • 64 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Glen Ellis Falls
Glen Ellis Falls is a stunning 64-foot waterfall located in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. It is part of the White Mountain National Forest and is known for its dramatic drop and picturesque surroundings. The waterfall is easily accessible via a short hike and is a popular destination for visitors to the area.
The Setting
Glen Ellis Falls sits at 1,834 feet within White Mountain National Forest, fed by the Peabody River, in the hills of New Hampshire. The falls drop 64 feet.
Height: 64 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Glen Boulder (#31407), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
GLEN BOULDER #31407
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.82 miTrail Description
The trail to Glen Ellis Falls is a short, well-maintained path that includes a few stone steps leading down to the base of the falls. It is suitable for most visitors, though the steps may be slippery when wet. The trail offers beautiful views of the Ellis River along the way.
What to Expect
The falls drop 64 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 Glen Ellis Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Glen Ellis Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Glen Ellis Falls is during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
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 slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. Be cautious of strong currents in the river.
Current Water Conditions
24 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 13 years of record
1.92 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
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 Peabody River at Gorham, New Hampshire (17 km away).
Today
Moderate
26 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
21 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
36 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
34 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
33 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
31 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, 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 Berlin 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 ground through the falls loses about 124 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 64 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,835 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 148 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 70 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,835 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 124 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Glen Ellis Falls is located off Route 16 in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. There is a clearly marked parking area with signage directing visitors to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, which is typically sufficient for visitors. However, it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,834 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.243955° N, -71.251463° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail and rocks near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
White Mountains Getaway with amazing views!
The Inn & More
The Inn at Thorn Hill
Swiss Chalets Village Inn
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
DOLLY COPP
6.3 miles away · 175 sites
Overview Located 6 miles south of Gorham, New Hampshire at the base of New England's tallest peak, the historic Dolly Copp Campground is a large facility that accommodates a range of campers and provides access to some of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains. Lush forests, spectacular mountain views and convenience to outdoor recreation and scenic driving draw visitors from all over to Dolly Copp. The surrounding White Mountain National Forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hamp
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Mount Washington, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally larger animals such as moose or black bears. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid feeding wildlife.
Cities near Glen Ellis Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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