5 Must-See Waterfalls in New Hampshire (2026)
If you only have time for five New Hampshire waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset and Eastern White Mountains and the North Country.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited New Hampshire waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Sabbaday Falls
Tamworth, NH · Grafton County · Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset
Why it is a must-see
With 420 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in New Hampshire, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Gentle, paved trail to a sequence of narrow waterfalls in a forest renowned for its fall foliage." Older records also call it Church Falls. 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Norway Rapids and Fletcher Cascades. It is one of 19 named falls in the Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset region. The nearest town is Tamworth, about 11 miles to the southeast.
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2. Glen Ellis Falls
Gorham, NH · Coos County · Eastern White Mountains and the North Country
Why it is a must-see
With 240 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in New Hampshire, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "Serene, 64-foot high waterfall on the Ellis River in White Mountain National Forest." Older records also call it Pitcher Falls. 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Winniweta Falls and Triple Falls. It is one of 19 named falls in the Eastern White Mountains and the North Country region. The nearest town is Gorham, about 11 miles to the north.
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3. Arethusa Falls
Deerfield, NH · Grafton County · Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset
Why it is a must-see
With 175 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in New Hampshire, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "The state's 2nd tallest, this picturesque waterfall is reached by a 1.5-mile, uphill hiking trail." 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Ripley Falls and Nancy Cascades. It is one of 19 named falls in the Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset region. The nearest town is Deerfield, about 13 miles to the northwest.
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4. Franconia Falls
Deerfield, NH · Grafton County · Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset
Why it is a must-see
With 65 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in New Hampshire, and it holds 4.6 stars. 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Thirteen Falls and Hawthorne Falls. It is one of 19 named falls in the Western White Mountains and the Pemigewasset region. The nearest town is Deerfield, about 8.8 miles to the north.
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5. Beede Falls
Sandwich, NH · Carroll County · Eastern White Mountains and the North Country
Why it is a must-see
With 51 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in New Hampshire, and it holds 4.7 stars. 6 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Fletcher Cascades and Shell Cascade. It is one of 19 named falls in the Eastern White Mountains and the North Country region. The nearest town is Sandwich, about 4.9 miles to the southeast.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 44 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Glen Ellis Falls (start, near Gorham)
- Arethusa Falls, about 9.4 mi southwest
- Franconia Falls, about 10 mi west
- Sabbaday Falls, about 12 mi southeast
- Beede Falls, about 13 mi southwest
When to Visit New Hampshire's Waterfalls
The best water in New Hampshire usually comes from April through early June, when snowmelt in the White Mountains combines with spring rain. Lower elevations peak first; high brooks in the notches keep running hard into June. Summer flows can drop sharply during dry spells, though thunderstorms refresh them quickly, and swimming holes become popular in July and August. Late September through mid-October brings famous foliage, especially along the Kancamagus Highway, along with heavy traffic and full trailhead lots on weekends. Winter turns many falls into ice formations and climbing objectives, but approach trails are icy and some forest roads close for the season. Black flies can be bothersome in late spring.
Before You Go
Most of the state's notable falls lie within the White Mountain National Forest or state parks such as Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch. Many national forest trailheads require a recreation parking pass, and state park fees apply at some sites. On autumn weekends, parking along the Kancamagus Highway and in the notches fills early. The main hazard is wet granite: smooth, algae-covered ledges near falls are extremely slippery, and slips into potholes or over drops cause injuries every year. Spring runoff makes crossings dangerous, and water stays cold well into summer. White Mountain weather can turn severe quickly at higher elevations, so even short hikes call for layers and rain gear.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More New Hampshire Waterfalls
See all 51 waterfalls in the New Hampshire waterfall guide, or browse by town: Tamworth, Gorham, Deerfield, Sandwich.
More New Hampshire Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in New Hampshire?
Sabbaday Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 420 Google reviews. It is near Tamworth in Grafton County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited New Hampshire waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 44 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in New Hampshire?
Our directory lists 51 named waterfalls in New Hampshire. See them all, sorted by town, in the New Hampshire waterfall guide.
What is the easiest White Mountains waterfall to visit?
Sabbaday Falls off the Kancamagus Highway is reached by a short, gentle path, and Glen Ellis Falls in Pinkham Notch is a short walk from the road with stairs to the viewpoint. Beaver Brook Falls near Colebrook is visible from roadside parking.