Arethusa Falls Hike: New Hampshire’s Tallest Waterfall Is Worth Every Step

I grew up hiking 14'ers in Colorado.  I love to hike. It's in my DNA. The beauty of New Hampshire has my heart.  The views, the air, the feeling of living life here is a beautiful thing.  Being outdoors is my reset.

If you’re looking for a hike in New Hampshire that delivers a serious “wow” moment at the end, Arethusa Falls needs to be on your list. Tucked into the heart of the White Mountains, this is the tallest waterfall in the state, dropping roughly 160 feet, and it’s one of those spots that feels even bigger in person than it does in photos.

Hike Details

The most popular route is the Arethusa Falls Trail, a roughly 2.8-mile round trip (out-and-back). Plan for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace and how long you hang out at the falls, which, trust me, you will. Elevation gain sits around 750 feet, so it’s not nothing, but it’s manageable for most hikers.

Difficulty

I’d call this one moderate. The trail starts out fairly mellow, winding through a classic White Mountain forest with a gradual incline. As you get closer to the falls, it steepens up a bit, with some rocky sections that’ll get your legs working. Nothing technical, just watch your footing, especially after rain.

READ MORE: You Can Hike to These Abandoned Ruins Deep in the New Hampshire Woods

What You’ll See

This hike checks a lot of boxes. You’ve got peaceful woods, a couple of stream crossings, and if you time it right in the fall, the foliage is unreal. But the real payoff? That first glimpse of Arethusa Falls. The water fans out as it drops, crashing down a massive rock face. It’s loud, it’s misty, and on a hot day, it feels like nature’s air conditioning. Sounds amazing, right?

What Makes It So Special

There are a lot of waterfalls in New Hampshire, but this one stands out. It’s not just the height, it’s the setting. The falls feel tucked away, almost hidden until you’re right there. And once you arrive, there’s space to sit, take it in, and just be for a bit. I just want to pack my lunch and sit for a while. It’s one of those hikes that gives you a legit sense of reward without needing to commit to an all-day trek.

Quick tip: go early or later in the day if you can. This is a popular spot, especially on weekends. But even with a few people around, it still feels like a moment you’ll remember.

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