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This moderate trail takes you to the tallest waterfall in the White Mountains.


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Map Key

2.9

Miles

4.7

KM

Out and Back

2,115' 645 m

High

1,324' 403 m

Low

868' 265 m

Up

869' 265 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly Kids can handle the length of this trail and will absolutely love the waterfall.

Overview

A nice and mellow hike that is great for families. The three mile round trip to the falls makes for a pleasant outing.

Description

The trail starts at the top of a short road off Route 302, across railroad tracks. Right from the beginning, it's very easy to follow the blue blazes that mark the trail. Expect a fairly consistent and steady uphill over plenty of rocks and roots. At 0.1 miles, you have the option to take the Bemis Brook Trail, which rejoins the Arethusa Falls Trail at 0.6 miles. At 1.3 miles, the trail intersects the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail. Continue to the left for Arethusa Falls, climbing a steeper set of steps before descending to the falls.

The trail is challenging no doubt, but it's also short enough that families and kids can accomplish it. It's also a good trail for hiking with dogs. Dogs are recommended to be leashed, but not required.

It takes about an hour from the trailhead to the falls at a moderate pace. Generally, the air temperature at the falls is refreshingly cooler than the rest of the trail.

Note: There's not much room at the falls, and we found it to be quite crowded because it is a reasonable trail for families, and we used it on a holiday weekend. There is a reasonable amount of elevation gain, and although short enough to be completed by families and small children, consider proper footwear for hiking over rocky trail versus a flat path.

Contacts

Shared By:

Carl Lambrecht with improvements by Liz

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 15 votes

#2328

Overall
  4.1 from 15 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#27

in New Hampshire

#2,328

Overall
34 Views Last Month
14,540 Since Jul 4, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
8%
69%
23%
0%
0%

Photos

Arethusa Falls, the highest waterfall in the White Mountains, awaits at the end of the Arethusa Falls Trail.
Jul 4, 2017 near Livermore, NH
Wonderful spot to have lunch or a break on the stream.
Oct 10, 2020 near Livermore, NH
Amazing rockscapes with stream/falls.
Oct 10, 2020 near Jackson, NH
One of several beautiful spots on this trail.
Oct 10, 2020 near Livermore, NH
Arethusa Falls
Sep 21, 2019 near Livermore, NH
Coliseum Falls via the Bemis Brook Trail.
Jun 26, 2020 near Jackson, NH
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