Glen Ellis Falls
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Glen Ellis Falls

4.9
·219 reviews·Jackson, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Glen Ellis Falls

Glen Ellis Falls

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.9
(219 reviews)

"Incredible spot and super short hike, lots of stairs but so worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 64-Foot Plunge

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.

TikTokInstagram
Scenic Staircase Trail

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.

TikTokInstagram
Upper Viewing Platforms

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.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Access & Parking

The main parking area and tunnel access to Glen Ellis Falls can be closed for construction. Be prepared to park along Route 16 and find a makeshift trail to the main path. Always check local advisories before your visit.

Stairs & Accessibility

The trail features numerous stone steps, estimated between 80-90, leading down to the falls. While many find it manageable even with physical limitations, consider using higher viewing platforms if the full descent is challenging. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Fall foliage season
Why
Stunning autumn colors
Crowd
High
When
After rain
Why
More powerful falls
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#waterfalls #newhampshire #newengland #familyhike #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ #nh #glenellisfalls #wow #motivation
@traceytcat
33.6K likes • 583.2K views

Check for Closures First

Parking lot & tunnel can close for construction. Park roadside & find makeshift trails. TikTokReddit :warning:

Mind the Stairs!

Lots of steps! Take your time, use handrails if needed. Higher platforms offer great views too. TikTokReddit :athletic_shoe:

📍Glen Ellis Falls (NH) #falls #nature #newhampshire #Summer #misty #rain #woods #capcut #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryoupage #viral #foryou #demure #roblox
@bonrudio13
14.3K likes • 139.9K views
The Crazy Glen Ellis Falls! 💦 Glen Ellis Falls 📍 Glen Ellis Scenic Area, Jackson, NH 🥾 .4 miles, 85ft elevation gain, out & back ⚠️ Please remember to always follow leave no trace principles, including packing out all your trash. #hiking #hike #waterfall #waterfalls #newhampshire #newengland #waterfalls💦 #nh #whitemountains #whitemountainsnh #newhampshireoutdoors #nhdaily #newenglandhikes
a.hoyt
716 likes • 36.2K views

Cash for Parking

If the lot is open, parking is $5 cash only via an envelope system. Bring small bills. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Pack Out Trash

Leave No Trace! Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty. Instagram :recycle:

Come along with me to Glen Ellis Falls trail! 🍂🏞️ Hiking ASMR! • • • • • • • • • • #carebycara #asmr #asmrsounds #waterfall #hike #healthylifestyle #dailymovement #cleanliving #nature #falltime #fallseason #natureasmr
asmrbycara
345 likes • 38.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check for Closures First

Parking lot & tunnel can close for construction. Park roadside & find makeshift trails. TikTokReddit :warning:

Mind the Stairs!

Lots of steps! Take your time, use handrails if needed. Higher platforms offer great views too. TikTokReddit :athletic_shoe:

Cash for Parking

If the lot is open, parking is $5 cash only via an envelope system. Bring small bills. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Pack Out Trash

Leave No Trace! Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty. Instagram :recycle:

Go Off-Trail (Carefully)

Further downstream, explore pools and smaller falls, but be cautious of slippery rocks. TikTok :rock:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(219 reviews)

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

Beautiful 64-foot waterfall
Short, scenic trail
Impressive stonework

What People Dislike

Many stairs
Parking closures
Crowded on weekends

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is a parking area, but it is subject to closure for construction. If closed, you'll need to park along Route 16. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokInstagram

Public transport options are very limited in this area of the White Mountains. Driving is the most practical way to reach Glen Ellis Falls. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

If the parking lot is open, there is a $5 day-use fee, payable in cash via an envelope system. Reddit

Glen Ellis Falls is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have limited availability. TikTok

No, the parking fee is cash only, typically collected via an honor system envelope. It's best to have small bills on hand. Reddit

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. Instagram

The fee is for parking. The trail access itself is generally free, but parking fees apply if the lot is open. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main trail is a short out-and-back, approximately 0.3 to 0.4 miles roundtrip. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTokReddit+1

Restrooms are not available at the falls itself. Plan accordingly before you arrive. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

Weekday mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and get better photos. Evenings can also be less crowded. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Yes, there are multiple viewing platforms along the trail, including one at the top and several along the descent to the base. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTokReddit

Fall foliage season offers vibrant colors, while winter provides a unique icy landscape. Spring and summer offer lush greenery. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Glen Ellis Falls is a great option for families looking for a rewarding, short outdoor adventure. The trail is only about 0.3-0.4 miles, making it manageable for most children. TikTok+1 However, be prepared for the numerous stairs – it's a good idea to carry younger children or take frequent breaks. TikTokReddit The sound of the waterfall is captivating for kids, and there are often opportunities to explore smaller pools downstream (with supervision!). Reddit Remember to pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities at the falls. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Glen Ellis Falls is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The primary cost is the $5 parking fee (if the lot is open and you have cash), which is a small price for such a stunning natural attraction. Reddit The hike itself is free, and the experience offers significant visual rewards for minimal expense. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Glen Ellis Falls Trail Experience

The Glen Ellis Falls trail is a relatively short, out-and-back path, typically measuring around 0.3 to 0.4 miles. While the distance is minimal, the trail is characterized by a substantial number of stone steps, often cited as being between 80 and 90. TikTok+1 This descent leads you to the base of the impressive 64-foot waterfall. Many visitors find the hike manageable, even those with less strenuous fitness levels, but it's important to be prepared for the stair count. Reddit

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. Reddit The trail itself is generally well-maintained, and the journey is enhanced by the sounds of the rushing water and the surrounding forest. Instagram+1

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. TikTokReddit This adds a small element of adventure but requires vigilance. Always check local advisories before heading out.

Understanding the Falls and River

Glen Ellis Falls is a stunning 64-foot waterfall located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. It's a significant natural attraction, drawing visitors with its powerful cascade and scenic beauty. The falls are part of the Ellis River, which flows through the picturesque landscape of the region. TikTokInstagram+1

The water from Glen Ellis Falls eventually feeds into the Saco River and makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Instagram The sheer volume and force of the water can be particularly impressive after periods of rain, creating a dramatic spectacle. TikTok 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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

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