Discover the best top things to do in New Hampshire Lakes Region, United States including Glen Ellis Falls, Flume Gorge, Avalanche Falls, Jackson Falls, Bebe River Falls, Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, Welton Falls, Georgiana Falls, Beede Falls, Franconia Falls.
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5.0 based on 343 reviews
When we visited in October, 64 ft high Glen Ellis Falls was quite impressive with a great amount of water flow. The Falls are reached by just a very short walk (0.3-mile) from the parking lot. There is a pit toilet available near the parking area. You start the walk by going through a tunnel which goes under NH Route 16. Over 100 stone steps will lead you down to the base of the falls for the best viewing of the entire falls. When we visited, these stone steps were still wet from a rain the night before, so we had to use extra caution. The round trip walk took us 20 minutes. The location and description of the walk to this Falls was listed in the book, “AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountain's” which we purchased prior to our trip. The book mentions that this is a very popular walk, so we are glad that we visited early in the morning. At that time of day it was not crowded at all. We were told by the White Mountains Visitor Center to display our Senior National Park Pass so that it could be seen through our car window. Otherwise, in the parking lots, there is usually a box for a fee for day use of White Mountains National Forest areas.
4.5 based on 1,644 reviews
Flume Gorge trail is temporarily closed for hiking until May 10, 2019 An 800-foot gorge that extends from the base of Mount Liberty. It is open from May 8 - October 25.
5 of us did the flume gorge hike which includes the "pool", "avalanche falls", "liberty gorge" and "flume gorge" all along about a 2 or 2.5 mile hike. You can take a bus to bypass parts of it on the way up. It's a lot of uphill walking and the flume gorge part has a lot up stairs going up. The sights are really magnificent and worth seeing.
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Great view of the waterfall and so peaceful to listen to the rushing water. A bench at near the top is so relaxing. Nature at it's best.
4.5 based on 55 reviews
This was nice hike to a beautiful waterfall. It was a little trick in parts but worth the effort. Very nice views.
4.5 based on 12 reviews
A great place to explore especially with young children. No bathrooms though. Short hike/walk between all the falls. The Cow Cave was fun to explore also. Make sure you go up the trails on the sides from the main waterfall then follow the trail to the lower falls also. Just a short walk to Cow Cave. Wonderful spot to have an adventure!
4.5 based on 89 reviews
VERY IMPORTANT (WE HAD TO RESCUE SOMEONE FROM DROWNING BECAUSE OF THIS): As mentioned in another review, the currents below the biggest shoot (pictured) are very dangerous if you don’t be smart about it. The “calm” areas actually suck you in and trap you. The safe way is to swim aggressively with the current forwards, making sure to pass the rocks and go into the inlet. If you try to go sideways, you will get stuck in the strong current and it will be very difficult for anyone to come help you get out and will also put THEM in danger. This particular shoot is definitely a 16+ strong swimmer type slide. I wouldn’t let kids go on it, especially unsupervised. The slide is very smooth - it’s just the water underneath. Bring a rope attached to something the person can grab for if they get stuck. Also grippy water shoes are a must - the rocks are super smooth. Many people have drowned here. There’s a memorial to one of the guys from 2017 right next to it to remind you to make good choices. ————————————————————— Okay, on to the actual review: Trail: very easy, not wheelchair accessible despite being flat due to leftover railroad tracks and a tiny part at the end which has roots and is narrow. Very easy but long enough that it feels like a hike Falls: see above for safety. You can feel like a lizard on the rocks :) I would skip this if you’re a family actually and continue to the next bullet. If you’re a group of adults, just make sure you are all very strong swimmers who are comfortable w swimming in a current. Bring water shoes. Obviously be smart about water level. Emerald pool: not sure if this is technically part of “Franconia falls” but like 200 feet further up along the trail is the most beautiful green pool you will ever see. The water is crystal clear, ice cold, and a bright green. Very little current and lots of good boulders to sit on. You can jump from the rocks safety - it’s about 13 feet at the deepest point, and there’s nothing at all below except pebbles (you can look with goggles to make sure). Just make sure to jump out VERY far away from the rocks, further than you’d think. Don’t do flips because the shape of the rocks means you’ll hit it on the way down.
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