. However, Thomas Starr King didn't like the name Cow Brook. Crawford Notch itself is a monument to his … Directions: Take Route 302 into Crawford Notch. Crawford Notch State Park contains a number of waterfalls in its boundaries. From the Arethusa Falls Trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about two and half miles until you see the sign for Ripley Falls. We are often on the hunt for short easier hikes with great views for us aging ones. Arethusa Falls | Hart’s Location. The Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail passes by this waterfall. This set of falls is a short 1.5 mile hike – located on Route 302 in the town of Livermore. All rights reserved. Thompson Falls at Wildcat are also very nice but can be a bit crowded. Hiking Distance: .6 mi (follow Avalon Trail to Cascade Loop). Dated September 10th, 1858, the entry verifies Ripley and Porter did find two unique water features on Cow Brook. But don't stop at Arethusa Falls- there are more than 10 waterfalls in and around Crawford Notch State Park. Crawford House which stood on this property, and whose tavern is now our dining room. Some of the below resources are affiliate links, and we will earn a commission if you use that link to make a purchase. Turn left and follow the road to the parking area for Ripley Falls Trail and Ethan Pond Trail. I think it’s worth it, though depending on what path you take, there may be some regret, physically that is. Towards the north end of the park are Gibbs Falls, Beecher and Pearl Cascades, and the towering sister waterfalls known as Flume Cascade and Silver Cascade. For us the magic number was 8 – but for others it might be more or less. Most trails leave the park and enter the White Mountain National Forest. You'll want to continue your journey through Franconia Notch and get on Route 3 north at exit 35. Camping is available in the park. Mountains on both sides of the highway, so close yo can see hikers and train tracks. There seems to be some confusion on who first discovered Ripley Falls. Ripley Falls, Crawford Notch – Located on Avalanche Brook in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, the 100 foot Ripley Falls is one of the more picturesque waterfalls in the White Mountains. The trail starts to become more rocky/rooty and challenging on this section of the trail. Follow the Cascade Loop Trail until you see the sign for Pearl Cascade. Crawford Notch Waterfall Hikes My sweetheart, Marilyn, and I recently visited northern New Hampshire to samples some of the Crawford Notch Waterfall Hikes in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire. Start off on Arethusa Falls Trail and bear left at the trail junction to follow Bemis Brook Trail. This area is “Waterfall Central.” There are more than 10 waterfalls in and around Crawford Notch State Park. And in his 1859 book, The White Hills: Their Legends, Landscape and Poetry he suggests changing the name of Cow Brook to Avalanche Brook (for the 1826 Willey House disaster). USGS Topo: Crawford Notch to Stairs Mountain, NH Mizpah Spring Hut, located in a clearing in the boreal forest at an elevation of 3,800 feet, is an excellent place to see mountain birds. The Basin, Cascades, Kinsman Falls, Rocky Glen Falls. Turn left here and follow the trail for another quarter mile until you see the sign for Beecher Cascade. for you. But other accounts say a fisherman found the waterfall before Ripley. Hi! This 250-foot drop is absolutely stunning, and is fully viewable from the road in Crawford Notch State Park. Hiking Distance: .25 mi (one way via Bemis Brook Trail) Hiking Time: 12 minutes. Perfect information, Thanks! You can walk across Rt 302 and access both of these falls from there. You’ll pass Fawn Pool and come up quickly on Coliseum Falls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once you’ve had your fill of falls – head back to Dry River Campground and relax next to a nice campfire! Your email address will not be published. There are few natural wonders more enchanting than a beautiful waterfall. Crawford Notch State Park, Hart's Location: Address, Phone Number, Crawford Notch State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. But Sparkling Cascade, now considered a forgotten waterfall, is no longer the tourist attraction it was during the mid and late 1800s. Start off on Arethusa Falls Trail and… CRAWFORD NOTCH, NH (NEWS CENTER) - Many of us have spent time in the White Mountains sitting by a waterfall and enjoying the view. During this day long waterfall adventure we will hike to as many of the 8 waterfalls within Crawford Notch as time and your desire for adventure allows. In search of the highest single-drop falls in New Hampshire, I headed over to Crawford Notch today to see the famous Arethusa falls. About 3.4 miles south of height of land, you'll turn into the well marked parking area for Ripley Falls. Heavily visited Arethusa Falls, the second tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, lies on a southwest flank of Crawford Notch. Crawford Notch State Park has a landscape of mountains, forests, river and waterfalls, making it a beautiful scenery to hike, observe wildlife, camp and fish. Wonderful time hiking Arethusa Falls with a dear friend many moins ago! And he also suggests changing the name of Sylvan-Glade Cataract to Ripley Falls in honor of Henry W. Ripley. The falls are located within Crawford Notch State Park and are accessible by means of the 1.5-mile-long Arethusa Falls Trail from Route 302. From the trail junction it’s about a mile hike on moderately difficult terrain to reach Arethusa Falls. THE FALLS Crawford Notch State Park is rich with noteworthy waterfalls. Return via the Arethusa Falls Trail for a less difficult descent. Once you’ve visited these accessible New Hampshire waterfalls, be sure to check out these outdoorsy things that anyone in New Hampshire can do . The trail closely parallels Bemis Brook. Willey Brook Falls, Crawford Notch – These falls are an impressive series of cascades located on Willey Brook, above Willey Brook Trestle (above), on the side of Mount Willard in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire.The real adventure is just getting to them, which can be tricky if you use the wrong route. It's a spectacular sight accessible by an easy half day hike. And while Henry W. Ripley is credited for discovering these waterfalls, you can’t help but wonder if Abel Crawford discovered them first. • The next stop on your waterfall adventure is Crawford Notch. Gibbs Falls has a 35 foot total drop, not a very steep waterfall but more of a … We take in several waterfall hikes every year for the beauty and so I can paint them. Rating: Moderate … After Bemis Falls, the trail becomes very steep and challenging for a few hundred yards. You can walk across Rt 302 and access both of these falls from there. And though they were aware of the brook’s name (Cow Brook), they call it Ripley’s Brook, and the ravine the brook is in they call Porter’s Ravine. Crawford Notch State Park has 5,775 acres providing access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain views. And while the waterfall is impressive, the history of Ripley Falls and Avalanche Brook is intriguing. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a wonderful place to escape, explore and create unforgettable memories. Crawford Notch State Park is rich in history with the famous Willey House. Gibbs Falls is located in Bean’s Grant NH, which is located in Crawford Notch within the White Mountain National Forest. Crawford Notch State Park has 5,775 acres providing access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain views. However, its height is of great controversy. Dry River Campground Information. Located within the White Mountain National Forest, Crawford Notch is known for its scenic beauty and its waterfalls. 2. Your email address will not be published. Arethusa falls is one of New Hampshire’s biggest waterfalls at 140 feet tall. Start on Ethan Pond Trail, then follow Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail to this gorgeous 100 foot waterfall Ripley Falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall flowing over a smooth rock wall. If that’s not enough – here are a few other waterfalls in/around Crawford Notch: Kendron Flume (follow the Kedron Trail .75 mi), Gibbs Falls (follow Crawford Path .6 mi), Nancy Cascade (located a little south of the Notch – follow Nancy Pond Trail 2.4 mi). His work is published worldwide, and credits include; Backpacker Magazine, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and The Wilderness Society. Read more about Arethusa Falls Hiking Distance: 1.6 miles (one way via Bemis Brook/Arethusa Falls Trail). They discovered two water features and named the lower one Sylvan-Glade Cataract and the upper one Sparkling Cascade. Hiking Distance: 0 miles (parking is available across the street) (you can hike around on the ledges next to the falls if desired), Hiking Time: 0 minutes (located right off of Rt. of Crawford Notch. The campground in the park is Dry River Campground and offers 36 wooded sites. The blog post below describes how we managed to hike to 8 Crawford Notch waterfalls in one day: Hiking Distance: .25 mi (one way via Bemis Brook Trail). The Crawford family knew the area inside and out. Water Source: Pemigewasset … Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park is often regarded as the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, with a drop of around 140 feet. Ripley Falls, Crawford Notch – Located on Avalanche Brook in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, the 100 foot Ripley Falls is one of the more picturesque waterfalls in the White Mountains. Terrain is fairly easy on this first section of the trail. This innocent looking white ribbon has managed to slice... Scenic USA - … The beautiful Silver Cascade in Crawford Notch is one of those White Mountains gems that's located right along the roadside. Hiking Distance: .5 mi (via Ripley Falls Trail). Continue on to 4,312-foot Mount Pierce for terrific mountain views and a taste of alpine habitat. To license any of the photos in this blog article for publications, click on the photo. The drive through Crawford Notch is awe inspiring. Crawford Notch Hiking Map This park, located in the White Mountains, offers popular family hikes to unique cliffs and brisk waterfalls including the highest in the state, Arethusa Falls. Only 2.6 miles round trip, and located in the beautiful Crawford Notch. All images and text are Copyright 1998-2021 ScenicNH Photography LLC / Erin Paul Donovan. Crawford Notch State Park is rich in history with the famous Willey House. Ripley Falls has one of … A spectacular plunge. It is a half-mile easy walk in from the parking area off Route 302 and well-marked. The one verifiable fact is that Henry W. Ripley of North Conway and Mr. Porter (maybe William D.) of New York did explore Avalanche Brook, called Cow Brook at the time, in September 1858. Ripley Falls – This waterfall is a 100-foot tall and located in Crawford Notch State Park. But for some thrill-seeking visitors to Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park, simply sitting idly by and watching the water go by isn't enough. 10. While the name Ripley Falls seemed to have stuck, the brook would continue to be referred to by its numerous names throughout the mid and late 1800s. The terrain levels off a bit after connecting again with the Arethusa Falls Trail. Lying on the Ellis River, Glen Ellis Falls is a natural spectacle. Part of the … From Ripley Falls trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about three and a half miles. Although I have seen height estimates up to 1000 feet for both of these falls, I think that figure is greatly exaggerated. Pearl Cascade is just a short walk up the trail from Beecher Cascade. The Old Man of the Mountain , a rock formation on Cannon Mountain that resembled the craggy profile of a man's face, was a White Mountain landmark until it fell in May 2003. When you approach Silver and Flume Cascade you’ll see two parking areas for viewing the falls on the left side of the road – pull off and park there. And Porter Ravine, named in honor of Ripley’s companion on that September 1858 day, has also been forgotten. At the crossroads of Routes 3 and 302 in Twin Mountain, head east on Route 302. About 640 vertical feet seems more likely. Most accounts say Henry W. Ripley and a Mr. Porter first discovered the waterfall in September 1858. New Summer Video Series: Limitless Adventure, reserve a campsite at Dry River Campground. ? Discounting the seasonal/ephemeral waterfalls, Arethusa Falls is believed to be the tallest single-drop waterfall that is trail-accessible in New England. Height: Varies. Crawford Notch State Park - Hart's Location (Route 302). Since an adventure like this may take the better part of a day – if you’re planning to try it yourself – you might want to reserve a campsite at Dry River Campground before setting out. Hiking Distance: .5 miles (one way via Bemis Brook Trail). Today, the brook is called Avalanche Brook, and Ripley Falls is a huge attraction. Required fields are marked *. When you approach Silver and Flume Cascade you’ll see two parking areas for the falls on the left side of the road – pull off and park there. © 2020 NH State Parks. It's unknown who originally named the brook Cow Brook, but it seems possible Abel Crawford named it. Best Waterfall Trails in Crawford Notch State Park | AllTrails I started out along the Bemis Brook Trail with a friend, and we quickly got into the woods and discovered Bemis Brook, a beautiful river that flows down off the western wall of Crawford Notch. Digital Marketing Manager for New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. Glen Ellis Falls – Jackson. Arethusa Falls. The terrain starts out rather easy and gets moderately difficult when you get closer to the falls. Glen Ellis Falls. Ripley Falls – Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, Sparkling Cascade – Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Much like its neighbor just uphill, Flume Cascade, this cascade is a series of waterfalls dropping down the side of Crawford Notch. So, we wondered – how many could we hike to in a single day? Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch, is top on the list of reader favorites. The other option is to take the Kedron Flume Trail behind the Willey House Cafe on Route 302 1.3 miles up to the Appalachian Trail Junction. And the only mention of Cow Brook, Ripley's Brook, and Sylvan-Glade Cataract is in old publications. Hiking Distance: .5 mi (take Avalon Trail to Cascade Loop). The campground in the park is Dry River Campground and offers 36 wooded sites. Here’s The Most Jaw Dropping Waterfall In All 50 States. The Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail passes by this waterfall. This is a great family hike, taking approximately 1.5 – 3 hours round trip. In the book “The Connecticut by Daylight” by Thursty McQuill, published in 1874, is a copy of an entry made in the Old Crawford House register. From the parking area Ripley Falls is about a half mile hike up moderately difficult terrain. This is so helpful! Along the way to the main attraction, though, you can veer off and see two other smaller falls. They are sometimes erroneously referred to as the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire, but they are in fact the second tallest, after the Mahoosuc Range’s seasonal Dryad Falls. There is some parking available at Crawford Depot and more hiker parking further up the road if needed. One of the main attractions is Arethusa Falls, a 160′ falls. A few areas available to pull off road for pictures. From ethereal forest brooks to roaring alpine cascades, the U.S. is home to some of the most amazing waterfalls in the world. This is a must do if you have a little spare time in the notch…or if you just finished the number 1 hike. East Branch & Lincoln Railroad, Utility Poles. All Rights Reserved. Continue on Bemis Brook Trail for another quarter of a mile until you get to Bemis Falls. Erin Paul is a professional photographer who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Welcome to the photoblog of Erin Paul Donovan, a professional photographer located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire USA. Abel Crawford and his family were the first to settle in Crawford Notch, known then as White Mountain Notch. The Ellis River plummets 64 feet to the basin below in a torrent of white water at this … From Ripley Falls trailhead drive north on Rt 302 for about three and a half miles. We will be going next week….do you think the waterfalls are still flowing since it is July? Thank you for creating this. One option is to start at the Ripley Falls trailhead and take the Appalachian Trail junction up to Ethan Pond 0.2 miles in. From Silver and Flume Cascade drive north on Rt 302 for about a mile until you reach Crawford Depot. Is impressive, the history of Ripley Falls is about a mile –... 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