Hawthorne Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
8.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Hawthorne Falls
Hawthorne Falls is a tucked-away cascade in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls reward visitors with a secluded, forested setting that feels far from the more heavily trafficked destinations in the Whites. Because it’s lesser-known and sits off the beaten path, the site attracts hikers looking for a quiet waterfall experience amid mature northern hardwoods and ferny mosses. The approach is a modest but unrefined outing — the route is listed as a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate overall difficulty. Portions of the approach follow established footpaths while a short, steeper Forest Service segment (the Frost Trail, Trail #30990) is part of the route; beyond that, visitors should be prepared for route-finding and some unmarked forest travel. Treat the area with Leave No Trace care and bring basic navigation tools for a safer, more enjoyable visit.
The Setting
Hawthorne Falls sits at 3,054 feet within White Mountain National Forest, fed by the Ammonoosuc River, in the mountains of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Frost Trail (#30990), a 8.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
FROST TRAIL #30990
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.40 miTrail Description
Length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back); Elevation gain: ~350 ft; Difficulty: Moderate. Managed by U.S. Forest Service within the White Mountain National Forest. A key feature of the approach is the Frost Trail (Trail #30990): a short 0.4-mile USFS segment listed with a native-material surface, Class 3 conditions (expect stretching/scrambling in places), and a typical grade of about 12–20%. The remainder of the route is composed of backcountry native-surface footpaths; after the maintained trail segments hikers should be prepared for unmarked terrain and basic bushwhacking/route-finding. Pack a map, compass or GPS and wear footwear suited to variable native tread and steeper, rocky sections.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a remote and peaceful experience at Hawthorne Falls. The falls are surrounded by wilderness, and the journey to reach them is part of the adventure. The area is quiet and rarely crowded, offering a sense of solitude.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hawthorne Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hawthorne Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the falls are typically more active due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for the hike.
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 bushwhack to the falls is unmarked and can be difficult to navigate. Hikers should have experience with off-trail navigation and be prepared for rugged terrain. Cell service is limited in the area, so inform someone of your plans before heading out.
Current Water Conditions
40 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
1.15 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT BETHLEHEM JUNCTION, NH (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
43 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
44 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
44 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
50 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 110 feet through Hawthorne Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 3,057 feet.
The ground changes about 129 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 38 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,057 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 110 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hawthorne Falls is located in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, accessible via the North Twin Trail and a bushwhack off the trail. The falls are not marked on official maps, and reaching them requires navigation skills.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the North Twin Trailhead, located off Haystack Road. Haystack Road is typically closed in winter, so access may be limited during that season.
Elevation
3,054 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.195065° N, -71.600915° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map, compass, or GPS device for navigation, as the bushwhack to the falls is unmarked. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check the status of Haystack Road before planning your trip, especially in winter.
Where to Stay
Profile Deluxe Motel
Inn 32
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG
Allegory 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
Wildwood
12.7 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
Other hiking trails in the White Mountains, such as the North Twin Mountain Trail and Zealand Falls.
Wildlife
The Pemigewasset Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and birds. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters.
Cities near Hawthorne Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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