Great Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Great Falls
Great Falls — historically called the Falls of the Androscoggin — is a dramatic stretch of cascading water on the Androscoggin River in Berlin, New Hampshire. The falls are easily admired from nearby streets and bridges in town, where the river’s power is particularly impressive during high flow; visitors often stop for a quick scenic viewpoint or photos while exploring downtown Berlin. For hikers who want a little more time on the trail, there’s a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that provides a moderately challenging way to extend the visit (about 350 feet of elevation gain). The short hike rewards you with additional vantage points and a chance to experience the river corridor on foot — making Great Falls a compact outing that suits roadside sightseers and active day-hikers alike.
The Setting
Great Falls sits at 236 feet along the Connecticut River, in the coastal lowlands of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Great Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. This route is a moderate-grade out-and-back hike suitable for most day-hikers; surface and official trail class/USFS trail number are not specified in the available data. Expect steady climbs on the ascent and return the same way.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Great Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the riverbanks, as they may be slippery or unstable. The water flow can be strong, especially after heavy rains or during spring snowmelt.
Current Water Conditions
2,540 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
6.65 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CONNECTICUT RIVER AT NORTH WALPOLE, NH (1 km away).
Today
Strong
2743 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
2972 cfs
6/10Tue
Strong
2720 cfs
9/10Wed
Strong
2449 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
2850 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
3143 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
2933 cfs
10/10Best window: Wed — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, 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 Bellows 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 87 feet of descent through Great Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 235 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 76 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 88 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 235 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 87 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Great Falls is located near the downtown area of Berlin, New Hampshire, and can be accessed via local roads. The falls are visible from nearby streets and bridges.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available in nearby public lots or along the streets in Berlin. Visitors should check for any posted parking restrictions.
Elevation
236 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.135505° N, -72.440348° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after heavy rains or during spring snowmelt for the most dramatic water flow. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious near the riverbanks, as they may be slippery.
Where to Stay
Brook Road Inn
Blue Bear inn
Courtyard Keene Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Keene
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
SURRY MOUNTAIN LAKE BEACH
11 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Surry Mountain Lake Beach is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use facility located on the Ashuelot River in Surry, New Hampshire.Recreation Swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, paddling and fishing are just a few of the favorite activities enjoyed at Surry Mountain Lake Beach. A boat ramp is available for small boats, kayaks and canoes. There are picnic tables and grills located throughout the park, as well as a playground.Facilities Surry Mountain Lake Beach has restrooms with flush toil
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the White Mountains, Jericho Mountain State Park, and the Berlin Historical Society Museum.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include birds such as herons and ducks, as well as fish in the Androscoggin River.
Cities near Great Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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