10 Easiest Waterfalls in New Hampshire
These New Hampshire waterfalls are some of the easiest to visit for short walks, roadside access, and quick scenic stops.
Use this page to compare the easiest waterfall stops first, then open each guide for parking, walk time, swim context, and seasonal notes.
Rank 1: Glen Ellis Falls — Jackson
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A 64-ft Ellis River plunge in Pinkham Notch, ~0.3 mi RT from the signed lot on NH 16 (Pinkham's Grant, New Hampshire).
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 20 min
Rank 2: Sabbaday Falls — Albany
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A classic Kanc waterfall stop — short walk from the WMNF picnic area to a multi-tier gorge cascade in Albany.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 15 min
Rank 3: Diana's Baths — Conway
A ~1.2 mi RT granite cascade-and-pool system on Lucy Brook in Conway, from the WMNF lot on West Side Road.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 4: Silver Cascade and Flume Cascade — Hart's Location
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Twin roadside cascades off US 302 on the east wall of Crawford Notch in Hart's Location.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 5: Jackson Falls — Jackson
An iconic series of Wildcat Brook ledges and pools right through Jackson village on NH 16B.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 6: Crystal Cascade — Green's Grant
Viewing only, not a swim stop
An 80-ft two-tier waterfall on the Ellis River ~0.3 mi up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 20 min
Rank 7: The Basin — Lincoln
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A glacially carved granite pothole on the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch. Not a swim spot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 8: Lower Falls (Albany) — Albany
The iconic Swift River ledge-and-pool swim stop on the Kancamagus Highway in Albany.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 9: Beaver Brook Falls (Colebrook) — Colebrook
Viewing only, not a swim stop
An 80-ft roadside waterfall at a 7-acre NH state wayside on Route 145 north of Colebrook.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 10: Rocky Gorge Scenic Area — Albany
A classic Kancamagus stop where the Swift River cuts a narrow polished gorge — viewing only at the gorge itself.
- Walk
- 10 min
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