Hike To The Highest Waterfall In New Hampshire

Secluded Arethusa Falls is one of the most beautiful and also the highest waterfall in New Hampshire. Bemis Brook tumbles 200 feet down from the falls into an exquisite pool. Most hikers visit the falls by taking Arethusa Falls Trail directly. If you’re looking for an alternative route that showcases even more waterfalls, cascades, and pools, check out Bemis Brook Trail, which runs parallel to the main route. This trail provides an alternate but rougher hike right alongside the brook.

Bemis Brook Trail ascends at mostly easy grades past water features such as Fawn Pool, Coliseum Falls, and Bemis Brook Falls.

John Best/All Trails

Bemis Brook Trail, like other waterfall trails in New Hampshire, is best visited in the spring or after significant rain events when water flow is high.

Jim Doty/All Trails

Idyllic scenes like this one await hikers who follow Bemis Brook Trail.

Matt McLinden/All Trails

In between the falls and cascades, Bemis Brook briefly pauses in several picturesque pools.

Rachel Antonucci/All Trails

On hot summer days, the pools along Bemis Brook Trail are a perfect place to cool off. Your canine friends will love it too!

Steven Hyde/All Trails

From the end of Bemis Brook Trail, hikers can continue on for another mile to reach Arethusa Falls, the main attraction.

Flickr/Robert Linsdell

The trailhead and parking for Arethusa Falls Trail and Bemis Brook Trail is located at the top of a 0.2-mile spur road (Arethusa Falls Rd.; sign for Arethusa Falls), which leaves the west side of U.S. Route 302 in the township of Hart’s Location, New Hampshire. There is no fee to park here and the parking is plowed in winter. The trailhead and trails lie within Crawford Notch State Park. For more information, visit the park’s website.