
Glen Ellis Falls
A breathtaking 64-foot waterfall in the White Mountains, accessible via a scenic, stair-filled trail.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Glen Ellis Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 64-foot waterfall in the White Mountains, accessible via a scenic, stair-filled trail.
"Incredible spot and super short hike, lots of stairs but so worth it!"

Check for Closures First
Parking lot & tunnel can close for construction. Park roadside & find makeshift trails. :warning:
Mind the Stairs!
Lots of steps! Take your time, use handrails if needed. Higher platforms offer great views too. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 64-Foot Plunge
Base of the falls
Witness the powerful cascade of Glen Ellis Falls, a breathtaking 64-foot drop into the Ellis River.

Scenic Staircase Trail
Trail to the falls
Descend a well-maintained trail with numerous stone steps, offering beautiful views and the soothing sound of water.

Upper Viewing Platforms
Along the trail
Enjoy impressive vistas of the falls from higher vantage points before reaching the base, perfect for those with mobility concerns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Parking
Stairs & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Closures First
Parking lot & tunnel can close for construction. Park roadside & find makeshift trails. :warning:
Mind the Stairs!
Lots of steps! Take your time, use handrails if needed. Higher platforms offer great views too. :athletic_shoe:
Cash for Parking
If the lot is open, parking is $5 cash only via an envelope system. Bring small bills. :moneywithwings:
Pack Out Trash
Leave No Trace! Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty. :recycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Closures First
Parking lot & tunnel can close for construction. Park roadside & find makeshift trails. :warning:
Mind the Stairs!
Lots of steps! Take your time, use handrails if needed. Higher platforms offer great views too. :athletic_shoe:
Cash for Parking
If the lot is open, parking is $5 cash only via an envelope system. Bring small bills. :moneywithwings:
Pack Out Trash
Leave No Trace! Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty. :recycle:
Go Off-Trail (Carefully)
Further downstream, explore pools and smaller falls, but be cautious of slippery rocks. :rock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glen Ellis Falls for its stunning beauty and relatively short, accessible hike. The powerful cascade and scenic trail, despite its stairs, are major highlights. Some find the parking situation inconvenient when the main lot is closed, and crowds can be an issue on busy days.
"Short and relatively easy .3 mile walk to the beautiful falls. I'm close to sixty years old and in poor physical shape (I'm overweight and have bad knees) I still did it with relative ease. We also saw a couple well into their seventies on the trail. There's 80 or 90 stair steps that lead to the bottom of the falls, but one can cut that in half by ending their decent at one of the higher viewing platforms you'll come to first."
John Nevers
"Incredible spot and super short hike. It’s cool how the trail goes under the highway! A lot of stairs but so worth it!"
Amanda Haselden
"There is an easy to access parking lot with a bathroom. You need to pay $5 for a day pass. It is cash only via an envelope system! The hike is easy with a well maintained trail."
Cassie Pruitt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glen Ellis Falls is located on Route 16 in the White Mountain National Forest, NH. The main parking area and tunnel access can be closed for construction, requiring roadside parking and a short walk to the trail.
Yes, there is a parking area, but it is subject to closure for construction. If closed, you'll need to park along Route 16.
Yes, Glen Ellis Falls can be visited in winter, offering a unique 'winter wonderland' experience. Be prepared for icy conditions on the trail and stairs.
Public transport options are very limited in this area of the White Mountains. Driving is the most practical way to reach Glen Ellis Falls.
If the main parking lot is closed, park safely along Route 16 and look for a path or 'makeshift trail' leading towards the main trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If the parking lot is open, there is a $5 day-use fee, payable in cash via an envelope system.
Glen Ellis Falls is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have limited availability.
No, the parking fee is cash only, typically collected via an honor system envelope. It's best to have small bills on hand.
While not explicitly mentioned for this specific site, a White Mountain National Forest pass might cover parking fees if you plan to visit multiple areas within the forest.
The fee is for parking. The trail access itself is generally free, but parking fees apply if the lot is open.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail is a short out-and-back, approximately 0.3 to 0.4 miles roundtrip.
The trail is considered easy in terms of distance but involves a significant number of stairs (80-90). Many find it manageable, but it can be challenging for some.
Restrooms are not available at the falls itself. Plan accordingly before you arrive.
While swimming directly at the main falls is not recommended due to strong currents and slippery rocks, there are smaller pools and swimming areas further downstream.
Weekday mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and get better photos. Evenings can also be less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the silky water effect. Mid-morning light can be good, but be mindful of harsh shadows.
Yes, there are multiple viewing platforms along the trail, including one at the top and several along the descent to the base.
Experiment with shutter speeds: a slower speed (e.g., 1/2 second or longer) creates a smooth, misty effect, while a faster speed captures water droplets.
Visiting on a weekday morning or during the off-season (like late fall or early spring) will significantly reduce the number of people in your shots.
Fall foliage season offers vibrant colors, while winter provides a unique icy landscape. Spring and summer offer lush greenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: If the main parking lot is closed, the roadside parking and makeshift trail can be a bit more challenging with strollers or very young children. Consider visiting when the main access is open if possible, or be prepared for a slightly more rugged start to your adventure.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Maximizing value: Combine your visit with other free or low-cost activities in the White Mountains, such as scenic drives along Route 16 or exploring nearby hiking trails that don't require fees. Pack your own lunch and snacks to avoid expensive tourist trap dining options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Glen Ellis Falls Trail Experience
Community insights highlight that you don't need to go all the way to the bottom to get fantastic views. There are several higher viewing platforms along the way that offer excellent perspectives of the falls, which can be a great option for those who find the full descent challenging. The trail itself is generally well-maintained, and the journey is enhanced by the sounds of the rushing water and the surrounding forest.
It's crucial to be aware that the main parking area and tunnel access can be closed due to construction. In such cases, visitors are advised to park along Route 16 and locate a makeshift trail to connect to the main path. This adds a small element of adventure but requires vigilance. Always check local advisories before heading out.
Understanding the Falls and River
The water from Glen Ellis Falls eventually feeds into the Saco River and makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The sheer volume and force of the water can be particularly impressive after periods of rain, creating a dramatic spectacle. While the main falls are the primary draw, some adventurous visitors explore further downstream to discover additional pools and smaller cascades, though caution is advised due to slippery rocks.
The geology of the area, with its granite formations, contributes to the unique character of the falls and the surrounding riverbed. The stonework along the trail and near the falls is also noted for its aesthetic appeal, adding to the overall charm of the location.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit