Are there fees or permits required for Gordon Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Gordon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Gordon Falls.

Nearby gauge (East Branch Pemigewasset River) · 76 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Gordon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Gordon Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Gordon Falls.

New Hampshire

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Gordon Falls, see below

White Mountain National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (2)

jcbwalsh CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

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 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, 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

Snow

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

2.93 mi

Trail Description

Trail: GORDON POND SNOMO (USFS Trail #97223). 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 summer fall

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

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Pemigewasset River, 4.3 miles away, not on Gordon Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

76 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

123 166 451 633

Based on 33 years of record

3.69 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

EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH

USGS 01074520

4.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 115 sq mi

Altitude: 821 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH (7 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

76 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

82 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Strong

75 cfs

7/10

Sat

Strong

76 cfs

8/10

Sun

Roaring

93 cfs

6/10

Mon

Strong

83 cfs

10/10

Tue

Strong

73 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

66 cfs

10/10

Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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.

Is Gordon Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately 2 more freezing days forecast

Gordon Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 40°F to 33°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 2 of the next 7
Flow: 83 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New Hampshire.

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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Gordon Falls near North Woodstock, New Hampshire, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Gordon Falls near North Woodstock, New Hampshire, showing about 148 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: 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.

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

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 Maps

Parking

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

White Mountain National Forest NF

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

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

Reservable

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.gov

Additional 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.