Nancy Cascades
New Hampshire • 300 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
6.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Nancy Cascades
Nancy Cascades is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall located in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. It is known for its scenic beauty and the rewarding hike through forested trails to reach it.
The Setting
Nancy Cascades sits at 2,129 feet within White Mountain National Forest, fed by the East Branch Pemigewasset River, in the hills of New Hampshire. At 300 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New Hampshire.
Height: 300 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Arethusa Falls (140 ft) lies 2.1 miles to the north. Also nearby: Ripley Falls (100 ft, 3.1 mi) and Sabbaday Falls (45 ft, 8.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Nancy Pond Trail (#32449), a 6.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NANCY POND TRAIL #32449
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
3.86 miTrail Description
The trail to Nancy Cascades follows the Nancy Pond Trail, which is a moderately steep and rocky path through dense forest. The trail includes stream crossings and some challenging sections, particularly near the waterfall. The hike is strenuous but offers beautiful views of the cascades and surrounding wilderness.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 300 feet. Dogs are welcome.
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 Nancy Cascades?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nancy Cascades?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Nancy Cascades is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
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 includes stream crossings that can be hazardous after heavy rain. In winter, snow and ice can make the trail slippery and dangerous. Always check weather conditions and bring appropriate gear. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
3.46 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 EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER AT LINCOLN, NH (24 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
54 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
47 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
39 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
45 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 162 feet of drop through Nancy Cascades, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The full 300 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 850 feet. The brink sits at about 2,074 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 94 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,074 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 162 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
Nancy Cascades is accessed via the Nancy Pond Trail, which begins at a trailhead off Route 302 near Bartlett, New Hampshire. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to locate.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area at the Nancy Pond Trailhead off Route 302. Parking may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,129 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.117568° N, -71.381187° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles for the rocky and steep sections. Be prepared for stream crossings, which may be more difficult after rain. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before your visit, especially in winter, as snow and ice can make the trail hazardous.
Where to Stay
Inn 32
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG
The Inn & More
Profile Deluxe Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
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Nearby Campground
RADEKE CABIN
8.4 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Radeke Cabin once served as a summer camp for School of Forestry students at the University of New Hampshire until the mid 1960s. It was purchased by the Forest Service in 1969. The cabin is just off the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and easily accessible by car, but guests should be prepared to bring most of the gear and supplies needed to make their stay comfortable. Radeke Cabin offers an ideal year-round getaway for families or small groups.Recreation A trailhead for the UNH Trail is locat
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Arethusa Falls, Crawford Notch State Park, and the Mount Washington Auto Road.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally black bears. Be cautious and store food properly.
Cities near Nancy Cascades
Nearby Waterfalls
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