New Hampshire’s Top Waterfall Is a Hidden Treasure Worth the Climb

If you do a tough hike, you want a good payoff.

You want to reach the summit, put your hands on your sweaty hips and have a Lion King moment as you take in the beauty below. It makes all the climbing and panting and pain worthwhile.

Here's a steep trail that's not only worth every step but worth the drive first to New Hampshire.

Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park

Nestled in the gorgeous White Mountains, nearly 1,000 feet off the ground, across winding, rocky and mercifully shaded paths, New England's highest waterfall awaits. It cascades down a 140-foot granite cliff, striking for its beauty, grandeur and refreshment (especially on a steamy-hot day).

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Arethusa Falls is New Hampshire's tallest single-drop waterfall. Depending on the season, your route and speed, the 1.5-mile journey from the parking lot to this breathtaking destination can take about an hour.

The White Mountains Visitors Center notes that Edward Tuckerman discovered the falls in 1875, naming the location Arethusa for a nymph in Greek mythology who turned into a fountain.

Today, hikers from all over the world gather there after some serious climbing to bathe under the falls, devour lunch, take plenty of pictures and simply enjoy the view.

How Tough Is It to Hike to Arethusa Falls?

You'll find easier hikes and you'll find harder hikes. Trail enthusiasts generally grade the trek to Arethusa as "moderate," putting it somewhere in the middle.

I tried Arethusa for the first time about 10 years ago and didn't have much fun. Back then, I burned most of my calories by walking from the couch to the fridge and tossing and turning in bed at night. I wasn't active and it didn't take long for the New Hampshire mountainside to remind me I had work to do.

READ MORE: Walk on Water at This Cool Massachusetts Trail

I'm in much better health now, which allowed me to tackle the trail with energy on a return pass in August 2024. It was a hot day, my legs were on fire and all I could think about was dinner but I made it to the falls feeling overall splendid. It helped that I did the hike with my good friends Sarah, Dave and Jeff. We commiserated and told silly jokes the whole way up and down, which only heightened the experience.

We got to Arethusa via the Frankenstein's Cliff trail. It's an indirect route to the main attraction but well worth the time and extra effort because of the view of the valley you get from said cliff, and the neat railroad track you walk under to get there. About halfway through the walk to the falls, it's something pretty to hold you over.

How to Get to Arethusa Falls

Arethusa Falls is off of Route 302, Crawford Notch, in Harts Location, New Hampshire.

Your GPS will offer the best route, but if you're going from Massachusetts, you'll likely take I-93 North to US-3 North via Exit 35 to Route 302.

Oh, and book a comfy hotel room or a cabin to stay the night after your hike. You'll have earned it -- and you won't feel like driving home right away.