LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Peboamauk Fall
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Peboamauk Fall
Peboamauk Fall is a quiet, scenic cascade on the Wild River tucked into the White Mountains, set on town-owned land within the Icegulch Town Forest (Town of Gorham). The falls sit amid mature northern hardwoods, offering a peaceful spot to pause and listen to the river as it threads through the forest — a true off-the-beaten-path reward for hikers who appreciate solitude and classic New England woodland scenery. Access is via the Wild River Trail, a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain that gently climbs through mixed forest and offers pleasant river views along the way. The trail and site lie on municipal land managed by the Town of Gorham; for campers, the nearest maintained camping noted in the area is at the Androscoggin Ranger District, roughly 8.9 km away, making Peboamauk Fall a great day-hike destination from nearby campgrounds.
The Setting
Peboamauk Fall sits at 1,755 feet within Icegulch Town Forest - Town of Gorham, fed by the Androscoggin River, in the hills of New Hampshire.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dryad Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 300 feet, lies 9.5 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail follows the Wild River Trail to reach Peboamauk Fall. This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The route is a natural forest tread through mixed hardwoods, generally well-marked but with uneven footing and occasional muddy sections; hikers will enjoy intermittent views of the Wild River as they approach the falls. Surface is typical forest trail (roots, rocks, soft soil); expect moderate grades in places but no technical scrambling. Trailhead and access are on town-owned Icegulch Town Forest (Town of Gorham).
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 Peboamauk Fall?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Peboamauk Fall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery near the waterfall, especially after rain. Be cautious of uneven terrain and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
1,100 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 106 years of record
2.76 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Androscoggin River near Gorham, NH (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
1188 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1126 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
1088 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
1071 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
1175 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
1132 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
1175 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early 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 Berlin 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 106 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,750 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 82 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 91 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,750 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 106 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Peboamauk Fall is located in the Wild River Wilderness area of the White Mountain National Forest. Access typically involves driving to the Wild River Campground and then hiking along the Wild River Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Wild River Campground, which serves as a trailhead for accessing the waterfall.
Elevation
1,755 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.414782° N, -71.266465° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be uneven. Bring bug spray during the summer months, and check trail conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rain or during winter.
Where to Stay
Top Notch Inn
Town & Country Inn & Resort
The Glen House
Mount Jefferson 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Androscoggin Ranger District
5.6 miles away · 0 sites
Located on the northern part of the forest in New Hampshire and western Maine, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Challenge yourself in the Presidential Range including Tuckerman Ravine or the Great Gulf Wilderness; enjoy the beauty of the area at places like Glen Ellis Falls; get away from it all along Scenic Route 113 or in the Wild River and Caribou-Speckled Wildernesses. Recreational opportunities abound: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cros
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Wild River Wilderness offers additional hiking trails and scenic views. The nearby White Mountain National Forest has numerous other waterfalls and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally black bears. Be prepared for wildlife encounters and store food securely.
Cities near Peboamauk Fall
Nearby Waterfalls
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