Ripley Falls

Hart's Location, New Hampshire

A waterfall in Hart's Location, New Hampshire, managed by Crawford Notch State Park. About 1/2 mile walk in.

Short walkDogs on leash

About Ripley Falls

Waterfall heightAbout 100 feet, a cascade where Avalanche Brook flows over sloping granite (NH State Parks).
Hike detailsAbout 1/2 mile walk in (NH State Parks), on the Ripley Falls Trail, which leaves the Ethan Pond Trail shortly after it begins.
ParkingEthan Pond – Ripley Falls Trailhead, at the end of a paved road 0.3 mile off US Route 302, 1 mile south of the Willey House (Forest Service). No restrooms.
PetsLeashed pets are allowed in Crawford Notch State Park except inside the Willey House (NH State Parks).
SeasonNo best season is stated by the managing agencies.

Waterfall Parking (agency-listed)

No sourced trailhead point, so none is shown.

Managed by: Crawford Notch State Park (NH State Parks); trailhead listed by the White Mountain National Forest

Route: About 1/2 mile walk in (NH State Parks), on the Ripley Falls Trail, which leaves the Ethan Pond Trail shortly after it begins.
Difficulty: Described as an easy-to-find short walk (NH State Parks). No formal difficulty rating is published.

Parking: Ethan Pond – Ripley Falls Trailhead, at the end of a paved road 0.3 mile off US Route 302, 1 mile south of the Willey House (Forest Service). No restrooms. Directions to the parking area
Fees: Not verified

Trailhead: paved road 0.3 mile off US Route 302, 1 mile south of the Willey House. No restrooms; no drinking water.
The same trailhead is on the Appalachian Trail toward Ethan Pond Shelter (2.6 miles).

From the managing agency's page, checked 2026-11-01.

Swimming: Not verified No managing-agency statement found, so we don't say swimming is allowed.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in Crawford Notch State Park except inside the Willey House (NH State Parks).
Season: No best season is stated by the managing agencies.

Wet rock near waterfalls is very slippery, even when it looks dry. Stay back from edges and off the tops of falls.
High water after rain or snowmelt makes crossings and pools dangerous. Turn back if a crossing looks deep or fast.
Daylight is not a safety guarantee. Plan your time around the route, the weather and your group, and carry a light.
Check the managing agency for closures and current conditions.

No managing agency publishes: Swimming, Formal difficulty rating, Accessibility. We leave these out instead of guessing.