Right now
Right now as of Oct 29, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Fee: no fee listed (some report $5).
Status note (Oct 29, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell: on October 29, 2026, the White Mountain National Forest alerts page listed no closure for Arethusa Falls. NH State Parks' Crawford Notch page posted no park alerts when we read it on October 28, 2026. Call the park for current conditions. What the status labels mean
Arethusa Falls is a tall horsetail waterfall in Crawford Notch State Park, off US-302 in Hart's Location, New Hampshire. The Appalachian Mountain Club puts it at about 140 feet, with other estimates from 155 to 176 feet. Trail Finder calls the trail a moderate 3-mile out-and-back, and it lists no fee. It's open, as far as we can tell. In late October 2026, neither NH State Parks nor the WMNF alerts page listed a closure.
About Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls forms where the headwaters of Bemis Brook drop over a granite cliff on the western slope of Crawford Notch, according to Wikipedia. Arethusa Falls is in Crawford Notch State Park, run by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation.
Trail Finder says the trails here are managed jointly by NH State Parks and the White Mountain National Forest. The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains them.
The height depends on who you ask. The Appalachian Mountain Club puts it at about 140 feet. Wikipedia credits Edward Tuckerman with finding the falls in 1875, when it was first measured at 176 feet.
The falls are named for the nymph Arethusa of Greek myth.
Is it the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire?
Visit NH, the state's tourism site, says Arethusa 'is often regarded as the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire'. Visit NH gives a drop of around 140 feet. Wikipedia flags the tallest single-drop claim as needing a citation.
The World Waterfall Database takes a middle view. The database estimates about 155 feet from lidar. The World Waterfall Database argues Arethusa may be the state's tallest single drop but is not New Hampshire's tallest waterfall overall.
Getting there and parking
The Arethusa Falls trailhead lot is on Arethusa Falls Road, just west of US-302 in Crawford Notch. Trail Finder lists no fee.
Directions from US-302
From Twin Mountain, drive east on US-302 and continue 14.5 miles through Crawford Notch, Trail Finder says. The trailhead will be on your right.
Trailhead lot and fee
Outdoor Project's 2021 page puts the trailhead lot on Arethusa Falls Road, just west of US-302, with the trail starting across the railroad tracks. We could not confirm the lot's size or how early it fills, so have a backup plan on busy days.
Neither NH State Parks nor Trail Finder lists a day-use fee. Trail Finder says 'Fees: No', and Outdoor Project's 2021 page described a donation kiosk. Some visitors report a $5 self-serve envelope at the lot, so bring cash or call the park at 603-374-2272.
For a much easier White Mountains stop, Diana's Baths near North Conway has a short, accessible gravel path to its pools. For a short walk on a WMNF pass instead, see Sabbaday Falls on the Kancamagus Highway. Plan around its winter closure, which shuts part of that trail from November 1 to April 15.
Map and nearby falls
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Arethusa Falls Trail and the Bemis Brook route
Trail Finder calls the Arethusa Falls Trail a moderate 3-mile hike out and back. The trail climbs steadily for 1.5 miles up to the falls. Expect about 827 feet of elevation gain, per Outdoor Project's 2021 page.
It's a steep, rocky mountain trail, and it is not wheelchair accessible. Reaching the base itself can be hard in high water.
The Bemis Brook Trail is an alternate route that rejoins the main trail.
Leashed pets are allowed, according to Trail Finder and NH State Parks, except inside the Willey House.
Frankenstein Cliff loop
Hikers often link Arethusa with Ripley Falls and Frankenstein Cliff. Trail Finder says that from Ripley Falls it's about 1 mile to the Frankenstein Cliff Trail junction.
From that junction, it's 0.7 mile to Frankenstein Cliff, or 1.2 miles on the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail to Arethusa. We could not confirm the full loop's distance or climb with NH State Parks or the AMC.
When to visit
We found no trail closure for 2025 or 2026. NH State Parks posted no park alerts on October 28, 2026, and the White Mountain National Forest alerts page listed none on October 29. It advises calling the park for current conditions before you go.
Flow drops to a trickle in dry spells, so a dry stretch can leave little water to see. We found no official best month. Trail Finder lists snowshoeing among the trail's uses.
The park's Dry River Campground ran from May 23 to October 24 in 2026, with primitive camping from October 12, according to NH State Parks. Campsites cost $35 a night with no hookups. The 2026 season has ended.
| Height | 140 ftNote: estimate from the Appalachian Mountain Club, per Wikipedia; first measured at 176 ft in 1875, and the World Waterfall Database estimates about 155 ft from lidar |
|---|---|
| Trail | A moderate 3-mile out-and-back that climbs steadily for 1.5 mi to the falls (Trail Finder); about 827 ft of gain, per Outdoor Project's 2021 page |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Entry fee | No fee listed: Trail Finder says 'Fees: No', and the NH State Parks Crawford Notch page lists no day-use fee. Some visitors report a $5 self-serve envelope at the lot |
| Permit / reservation | None needed |
| Parking | Arethusa Falls Rd lot off US-302 |
| Dogs | Leashed pets allowed (Trail Finder; NH State Parks), except inside the Willey House |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No; steep, rocky mountain trail |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Managed by | NH Division of Parks and Recreation (Crawford Notch State Park); Trail Finder says the trails are managed jointly with the White Mountain National Forest |
Safety and swimming
We could not find a swimming rule for Arethusa Falls. In high water, reaching the base can be hard, so stay back from the pool and expect wet, slippery rock.
Do not climb the cliff beside the falls. Drones may not take off or land in the park.
Because this is a mountain trail, consider New Hampshire's voluntary Hike Safe card. Sales fund NH Fish and Game's search and rescue work, and the 2026 card costs $25 per person or $35 per family. A New Hampshire hunting or fishing license gives the same protection, Fish and Game says. More tips are in our waterfall safety guide.
Where to stay near Arethusa Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Hart's Location.
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Photos
Arethusa Falls FAQ
Is the Arethusa Falls Trail open?
Yes, as far as we can tell. On October 29, 2026, the White Mountain National Forest alerts page listed no closure for Arethusa Falls. NH State Parks' Crawford Notch page showed no park alerts on October 28, 2026. NH State Parks advises calling Crawford Notch State Park at 603-374-2272 for current conditions.
How tall is Arethusa Falls?
Usually given as about 140 feet, the Appalachian Mountain Club figure. An 1875 measurement said 176 feet, and the World Waterfall Database's lidar-based estimate is about 155 feet.
What is the biggest waterfall in New Hampshire?
Arethusa is often named. Visit NH says it 'is often regarded as the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire' and gives about 140 feet. The World Waterfall Database says it may be the tallest single drop but not the state's tallest overall.
How long is the Arethusa Falls hike?
Trail Finder calls it a moderate 3-mile out-and-back from the trailhead off US-302, climbing steadily for 1.5 miles. Outdoor Project's 2021 page lists about 827 feet of elevation gain.
Is there a fee to hike to Arethusa Falls?
Neither NH State Parks nor Trail Finder lists one, and Trail Finder says 'Fees: No'. Some visitors report a $5 self-serve envelope at the lot. Bring cash, or call Crawford Notch State Park at 603-374-2272.
Where do you park for Arethusa Falls?
At the trailhead lot on Arethusa Falls Road, just west of US-302. From Twin Mountain it's 14.5 miles east on US-302, on your right, per Trail Finder. Outdoor Project's 2021 page says the trail starts across the railroad tracks.
Are dogs allowed on the Arethusa Falls Trail?
Yes. Leashed pets are allowed throughout Crawford Notch State Park except inside the Willey House.
Do I need a Hike Safe card for Arethusa Falls?
No, it's voluntary. The 2026 card costs $25 per person or $35 per family, and sales fund NH Fish and Game's search and rescue work. A New Hampshire hunting or fishing license gives the same protection.
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Sources
- NH State Parks: Crawford Notch State Park (read Oct 28, 2026)
- NH State Parks: Entry and parking fees
- NH Fish and Game: Hike Safe card (2026)
- Wikipedia: Arethusa Falls
- World Waterfall Database: Arethusa Falls
- Outdoor Project: Arethusa Falls (archived Mar 2, 2021; site since closed)
- USGS GNIS: Arethusa Falls (feature 871402, Grafton County)
- Visit NH: Waterfalls
- Trail Finder: Crawford Notch State Park, Ripley and Arethusa Falls
- USDA Forest Service: White Mountain NF alerts (read Oct 29, 2026)
Last verified Oct 29, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with NH Division of Parks and Recreation (Crawford Notch State Park); Trail Finder says the trails are managed jointly with the White Mountain National Forest before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.