Hermit 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 Hermit Falls
Hermit Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall tucked into the White Mountain National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls make a peaceful destination for hikers who want a relatively short outing with scenic payoffs: the typical route to the falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The final approach to the falls follows the USFS BASIN TRAIL SPUR B (Trail #31850B), a short connector that drops down to the water. Because the spur to the falls is a native-surface, class 3 trail with a typical grade of 8–10%, sturdy footwear and basic trail awareness are recommended. If you want to make an overnight of it, Basin Campground is nearby (about 1.77 km), making Hermit Falls a convenient day trip or quick detour for campers exploring the White Mountain National Forest.
The Setting
Hermit Falls sits at 781 feet within White Mountain National Forest, fed by the Peabody River, in the foothills of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Basin Trail Spur B (#31850B), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BASIN TRAIL SPUR B #31850B
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.22 miTrail Description
Out-and-back, 2.4 miles total with ~350 ft elevation gain, rated moderate. The final approach is on the USFS BASIN TRAIL SPUR B (Trail #31850B): class 3, surface = native material, typical grade = 8–10%, GIS length = 0.22 miles. Trail type: out-and-back. Expect native tread with moderate grades on the spur; the short connector is steeper than the overall route, so use caution on wet or uneven sections.
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 Hermit Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hermit Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Hermit Falls, 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. 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. Always stay on marked trails.
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 (16 km away).
Today
Moderate
24 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
17 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
15 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
14 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
23 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
22 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
21 cfs
8/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
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 North Conway 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 150 feet of descent through Hermit Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 786 feet above sea level.
Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 129 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. 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
- 786 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 150 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
Hermit Falls is located in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead, followed by a short hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at a nearby trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
781 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.278676° N, -71.038684° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy after rain.
Where to Stay
White Mountains Getaway with amazing views!
Town & Country Inn & Resort
Top Notch Inn
The Glen House
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
BASIN CAMPGROUND
1.1 miles away · 21 sites
Overview Basin Campground is located in a rustic, remote part of White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, about 15 miles north of Fryeburg, Maine. It is a small facility with access to hiking and mountain biking trails and proximity to a small pond for fishing and canoeing. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the mo
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include other waterfalls in the White Mountains region, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally deer. Visitors should be cautious of ticks.
Cities near Hermit Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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