Region guide · New Hampshire
Crawford Notch waterfalls
Crawford Notch is a mountain pass on US Route 302. Ripley is the short one, Arethusa the big one, and Nancy Cascades the longest walk. NH State Parks warns that weather in the notch changes suddenly and darkness falls quickly.
Last checked 2026-11-01
Compare at a glance
| Falls | Walk | Key fact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripley Falls | About 1/2 mile (NH State Parks) | About 100 ft cascade | Trailhead 0.3 mi off Route 302 |
| Arethusa Falls | 1.4 miles each way (NH State Parks) | Height disputed: about 140 to nearly 200 ft | First 0.6 mi rocky and moderately steep |
| Nancy Cascades | 2.4 miles (Forest Service) | No sourced height | Nancy Pond Trailhead |
From each falls guide and its official sources. "Not verified" means no managing agency publishes it.
Falls guides
Arethusa FallsLivermore · White Mountains
Ripley FallsHart's Location · White MountainsNancy CascadesLivermore · White MountainsMap
Dots mark the mapped falls locations, not trailheads.
New to waterfall trips? Read our waterfall safety and etiquette guide.
Safety
- 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.