Glen Ellis Falls is one of the best waterfalls in New Hampshire for many reasons. It is easy to get to, has a well maintained trail with signs that give you some of the history of Glen Ellis Waterfall and the Ellis River, and above all an experience that you won’t forget.
Glen Ellis Falls is a very unique waterfall as it drops 64′ down at an odd right angle. The precise natural formation of the stone at Glen Ellis gives it this right angle drop. The falls also have a decent water flow all year long and pounding water that you can not only hear, but also feel under your feet, will remind you of the shear power of the water at Glen Ellis Falls. You can smell the water as the powerful waterfall creates a mist that surrounds you.
From the very beginning of your short journey to the Falls, you will be surprised, first by the fact the trail starts under the highway and all the work that has gone into making the trail to Glen Ellis Falls accessible by almost everyone. Even the handrails made out of logs are impressive. The steps made from granite and the viewing areas, one at the top, another half way down the falls and the last one at the base of the Falls. Further down stream as the trail continues, you will notice the river suddenly disappears, and a little unexpectedly you arrive at the top of Glen Ellis Falls. If you dare, be sure to observe the falls from the top observation area where it gives you a straight down view of Glen Ellis Falls. As you descend down the steps, you will find yourself at the base of the falls where there you will find the best places for photos. Only drawback is your camera lens and camera will get wet from the spray coming from this powerful waterfall.
Directions to Glen Ellis Falls: Take Rt. 16 to Pinkham Notch in the White Mountain National Forest. 1/2 mile South of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is the parking area on the West side of the road. The trail and parking area and very clearly marked as shown in the photos below. Walk through the tunnel under the road, down the rocks steps to the base...
Read moreTwo adults visited here in the early afternoon on a Wednesday in late August 2023. Clearly a popular place with limited parking, we were lucky to get a space. The signage says it is 0.3 miles to the falls but it seems much longer due to the constant up and down of the stone stairs. Nothing very strenuous but be prepared. Also, due to some mud and standing water, recommend closed toed shoes. The entire walk is along the Ellis River and is absolutely beautiful with several smaller falls visible before reaching Ellis Falls, which are 64 feet tall and spectacular. The whole jaunt took us about 90 minutes but we were really taking our time and lots of pictures. It can be done in a shorter time. A don’t miss sight if you’re in the area. Note that it is in the White Mountains National Forest and is part of the $5/per day parking fee areas. No rest rooms...
Read moreReading other people's reviews, I wanted to visit. A very short walk, starting at a tunnel that goes under the road 🛣️, an elevated well maintained trail and about 183 stairs, that's if you include the stairs to the observation areas and the three that lead to the edge of the river near the base of the waterfall. Scenic and popular! Thanks to all the rain 🌧️ we have had this year, the waterfall is not a trickle. There is a second small waterfall which could be a result of runoff from all the rain 🌧️ we have had this year. There is a collection box for collecting the $5 parking 🅿️ fee. I don't know what the $ is being spent on. There are large potholes in the lane leading to the parking 🅿️ area. There is a picnic 🧺 table with a grill. I would recommend combing a visit with another activity. There is a trail at the...
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