Lower Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Lower Falls
Lower Falls is a popular and scenic waterfall located along the Swift River in the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire. It features a series of cascades and pools, making it a favorite spot for visitors seeking a picturesque and relaxing destination.
The Setting
Lower Falls sits at 1,490 feet within White Mountain National Forest, in the foothills of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Lower Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
USFS Trail
LOWER FALLS SNOMO #97359
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.57 miTrail Description
The trail to Lower Falls is extremely short and easy, as the falls are located just a short walk from the parking area. The path is well-maintained and suitable for all visitors.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. Summer is popular for swimming and picnicking.
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
Rocks around the falls can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution. Avoid swimming during high water levels or after heavy rain. Always supervise children near the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ammonoosuc River, 7.1 miles away, not on Lower Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
79 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
1.54 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT BETHLEHEM JUNCTION, NH (11 km away).
Today
Strong
87 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
85 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
85 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
89 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
83 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
81 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
81 cfs
9/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Gilman hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lower Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 85 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 70 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Lower Falls. The brink sits at about 1,489 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,489 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 70 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower Falls is located off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), approximately 6 miles west of Conway, New Hampshire. It is easily accessible by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is typically sufficient but may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,490 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.267842° N, -71.486191° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons (summer and fall) to secure parking. Bring water shoes if you plan to wade in the pools, as the rocks can be slippery. Be cautious of strong currents, especially after heavy rain.
Where to Stay
Profile Deluxe Motel
Allegory Inn
carrollmotel and cottages
SH3 Luxurious Stonehill Townhouse in Bretton Woods with Magnificent View
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
DOLLY COPP
13.9 miles away · 175 sites
Overview Located 6 miles south of Gorham, New Hampshire at the base of New England's tallest peak, the historic Dolly Copp Campground is a large facility that accommodates a range of campers and provides access to some of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains. Lush forests, spectacular mountain views and convenience to outdoor recreation and scenic driving draw visitors from all over to Dolly Copp. The surrounding White Mountain National Forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hamp
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions along the Kancamagus Highway include Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, and the Albany Covered Bridge.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally deer. Be cautious of black bears, which may be present in the region.
Cities near Lower Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lower Falls
18 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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