Gordon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Gordon Falls
Tucked into the White Mountain National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Gordon Falls is a quietly scenic cascade that rewards a short hike with a classic New Hampshire woodland outlook. The falls sit in a peaceful forest setting that makes for easy photography and a restorative day out; the approach follows trails maintained by the USFS and offers a sense of remoteness without a long backcountry commitment. Access to the falls is via the USFS route GORDON POND SNOMO (Trail #97223). The approach is commonly described as a moderate out-and-back hike of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain, and the nearby Wildwood Campground is just 4.33 km away for anyone wanting to turn the visit into an overnight trip. The USFS inventory also notes the trail as having a snow surface (GORDON POND SNOMO), so conditions can vary by season—plan accordingly and consult local Forest Service information before heading out.
The Setting
Gordon Falls sits at 2,169 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 easy hike follows Gordon Pond Snomo (#97223), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over snow. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
GORDON POND SNOMO #97223
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.93 miTrail Description
Trail: GORDON POND SNOMO (USFS Trail #97223). Type: out-and-back; listed trail length 2.4 miles with 350 ft elevation gain and rated moderate. USFS GIS mileage records 2.93 miles. Surface: SNOW (per USFS inventory). Class: 3. Typical grade: 12–20%. Expect a moderately pitched forest track with sustained sections in the 12–20% grade range; the USFS class and surface designation indicate the route can be firmer and snow-covered in colder months. The trail is straightforward in routing but be prepared for seasonal conditions and check White Mountain National Forest notices before you go.
What to Expect
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 Gordon Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gordon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is most active during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall view.
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 trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall's edge. Always stay on marked trails and supervise children closely.
Current Water Conditions
48 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
3.49 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH (7 km away).
Today
Moderate
52 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
58 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
56 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
41 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
52 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
48 cfs
8/10Best 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 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 148 feet of drop through Gordon Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2,192 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 138 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,192 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 148 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
Gordon Falls is located near the town of Lincoln, New Hampshire, within the White Mountains National Forest. Access is typically via a short drive from the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic route popular with visitors.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at a nearby trailhead or designated parking area, though spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,169 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.057011° N, -71.745639° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak foliage season. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG
Inn 32
Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection
Bluegreen Vacations South Mountain, an Ascend Collection Resort
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
Wildwood
2.7 miles away · 26 sites
Overview There are 26 non-reservable wooded sites with gravel pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. A self-service pay system collects the fees on a first come, first serve basis. TIPS: * Allow no more than 8 people and 2 vehicles per site and keep all equipment (including tents, tables and motor vehicles) on the graveled area. This will minimize compaction, allow low vegetation to grow, and enhance privacy between sites. * Build all fires in the ring provided. “Only YOU can prevent forest fires,
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, and the Flume Gorge are all nearby attractions worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally black bears. Visitors should exercise caution and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Cities near Gordon Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Gordon Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Gordon Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.