Ripley Falls
New Hampshire • 100 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Ripley Falls
Ripley Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Crawford Notch State Park, New Hampshire. It features a dramatic 100-foot cascade down a smooth rock face, making it one of the most unique waterfalls in the region.
The Setting
Ripley Falls sits at 1,785 feet within Crawford Notch State Park, fed by the Ammonoosuc River, in the hills of New Hampshire. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New Hampshire.
Height: 100 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Nancy Cascades, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 300 feet, lies 3.1 miles to the south. Also nearby: Arethusa Falls (140 ft, 1.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Ripley Falls is a short but moderately challenging hike. It begins at the Arethusa-Ripley Falls parking area and follows the Ethan Pond Trail before branching off to the Ripley Falls Trail. The path is rocky and can be slippery, especially after rain, but it is well-marked and shaded by forest.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 100 feet. 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 Ripley Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ripley Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ripley Falls is in late spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak, or in fall for beautiful foliage views.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be extremely slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and avoid hiking during heavy rain or snow.
Current Water Conditions
40 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
1.15 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 (22 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
46 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
45 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
51 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
52 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
55 cfs
5/10Best window: Thu — 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 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 227 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 100 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,760 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 136 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 105 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,760 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 227 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Ripley Falls is located off Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park. The trailhead is accessible from the Arethusa-Ripley Falls parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Arethusa-Ripley Falls parking lot, which is well-marked and located off Route 302.
Elevation
1,785 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.162289° N, -71.392298° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring sturdy footwear, as the trail can be rocky and slippery. Bug spray is recommended in summer months. Be cautious near the waterfall, as the rocks can be very slippery.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 1.2 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Highland Center
SH3 Luxurious Stonehill Townhouse in Bretton Woods with Magnificent View
Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington Resort
Profile Deluxe Motel
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
RADEKE CABIN
11.5 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, Frankenstein Cliff Trail, and the Willey House Historic Site.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally deer or moose.
Cities near Ripley Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Ripley Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.