Thompson Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the White Mountain National Forest near North Conway, New Hampshire. It features a series of cascades and pools surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Thompson Falls sits at 807 feet within White Mountain National Forest, in the foothills of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Thompson Falls Trail (#96646), a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
THOMPSON FALLS TRAIL #96646
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.36 miTrail Description
The trail to Thompson Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a wooded area. It is well-marked and features gentle terrain, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail leads to a series of cascades and pools, offering scenic views and opportunities for photography.
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 Thompson Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Thompson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Thompson Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides a lush green backdrop.
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
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and dress appropriately. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Saco River, 5.6 miles away, not on Thompson Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
208 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 104 years of record
2.42 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 Saco River near Conway, NH (9 km away).
Today
Moderate
225 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
265 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
248 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
234 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
242 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
233 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
225 cfs
9/10Best window: Sun — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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.
Is Thompson Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Thompson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 208 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 69 feet of drop through Thompson Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 813 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 54 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 37 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 813 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 69 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
Thompson Falls can be accessed via the trailhead located near the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area. Visitors typically park at the ski area and follow the trail to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area, but availability may vary depending on the season.
Elevation
807 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.041459° N, -71.179238° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites North Conway
Kancamagus Swift River Inn
White Mountains Getaway with amazing views!
Home2 Suites By Hilton North Conway, NH
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
Saco Ranger District
4.8 miles away · 0 sites
Located on the south eastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. Journey across the Kancamagus Scenic Byway; experience the famous Mt Chocorua area; find solitude in the Presidential Range-Dry River or Sandwich Wildernesses; or discover the beauty along Scenic Route 113. Recreational opportunities are endless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Wildcat Mountain Ski Area, Mount Washington, and the White Mountain National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally deer. Visitors should be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Thompson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Thompson Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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