Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Cascading down a sloped cliff for over 100 feet before a gentle plunge into a small pool, Ripley Falls is a must-see waterfall in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The hike to get to Ripley Falls is just 0.5 miles, making this an easy and fun hike with a high reward at the end. On our most recent visit in Sept 2022, we had the waterfall to ourselves and enjoyed dipping our toes in the water in the pool at the base of the falls.
Looking for more amazing and easy hikes in the White Mountains? Check out:
Quick Look at the Ripley Falls Hike
Distance: 1 mile (out and back) Elevation Gain: 300 feet Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Ripley Falls is a short hike but does have several short and steep sections to get you up about 300 feet in elevation. The trail is a mix of rocks and roots with a little scrambling, but generally easy walking.
After crossing train tracks, the trail continues for 0.5 miles. Right before the falls, take a left to descend down to the waterfall. You can see complete details about our hike to Ripley Falls below.
Where to Park for Hiking Ripley Falls, New Hampshire
Ripley Falls is located off route 302 in Crawford Notch. You can find a well-marked parking lot with signage for Ripley Falls. The parking lot is up a small road. There is just a small parking lot, but it is possible to park alongside the small dirt road on the way up to the parking lot.
Complete Details of our Hike to Ripley Falls
Parking in the parking lot for Ripley Falls. There are no facilities here except a small information sign.
The trail starts after crossing railroad tracks just after leaving the parking lot. From here the trail follows a stream, mostly staying above the water on a hill. The trail is generally gradual with a few steep sections and is well marked. Almost at the end of the hike, the trail splits and you will stay left to get to Ripley Falls. This is a well-marked trail junction.
The trail descends to the falls and you can scramble over a few rocks to get down to the pools.
When we visited, we were lucky to have the waterfall almost to ourselves on a Saturday in Sept, but if you want to avoid the crowds, consider getting an early start by waiting until the afternoon.
The waterfall flow varies based on the season and the amount of rain, but even when we visited after an especially dry summer, there was plenty of water flow.
Things to Know About Hiking the Ripley Falls Trail
The information below is to help you plan your hike – let me know in the comments if I missed anything and I’ll continue to update you with the best information.
Best time of Year to Hike to Ripley Fall
You can hike to Ripley Fall all year long, although the best time to hike is between late May and October. At this time of year, the temperatures are comfortable, but it is also the most crowded. Try to hike early or late in the day to avoid crowds, or visit on a weekday. Hike to Ripley Falls in the Winter can be quite beautiful as the fall freeze. Use caution in the winter approaching the base of the falls as there are rocks that can become drifted in snow.
It’s always helpful to check the most recent reviews of the trail for trail conditions at All Trails.
Are Dogs Allowed at Ripley Falls
Yes – Dogs are allowed on a leash and you are required to clean up after your pet.
Is Ripley Falls a Good Hike with Kids?
The Ripley Falls hike is an excellent choice for younger children as it offers a short hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end. Kids will enjoy the small amount of rock scrambling and the water at the base of the falls.
