During my road trip across New England, I discovered a treasure trove of waterfalls—some world-famous, others delightfully hidden. These top 10 best waterfalls in New England deliver everything from scenic short walks to jaw-dropping drops that echo through forested gorges. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone looking for a peaceful stop on a scenic drive, each waterfall on this list offers something memorable.
Let’s explore the must-see falls you won’t want to miss
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1.1.Arethusa Falls – New Hampshire
📍 View on Google Maps
🌐 Visit NH State Parks
Nestled in Crawford Notch State Park, Arethusa Falls is widely considered one of the tallest waterfalls in New England, plunging over 140 feet. The moderate 2.8-mile roundtrip hike is filled with forest views and gentle inclines. When I visited in early fall, golden leaves were drifting onto the trail, adding a magical touch.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Challenging hike, but the view at the end is totally worth it.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.2. Bash Bish Falls – Massachusetts
📍 Google Maps
🌐 Massachusetts DCR Info
Bash Bish Falls straddles the Massachusetts–New York border and is one of the most iconic waterfalls in New England. The final 60-foot drop between two dramatic boulders is powerful and photogenic. You can approach it from either side—Massachusetts for a steeper trail or New York for an easier hike. I recommend the NY side if you’re with family or want an easier walk.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Best visited in fall. Parking can be tricky, but the falls are spectacular.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.3. Moss Glen Falls – Vermont (Granville)
📍 Google Maps
🌐 Vermont Tourism
Located right along Route 100, this roadside beauty is one of my favorite quick stops. Surrounded by evergreens and maple trees, Moss Glen Falls drops over 35 feet and is particularly scenic after a rain. The short boardwalk makes it accessible for all ages, and the peaceful vibe makes it a perfect picnic spot.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Quick stop, but absolutely stunning. No hiking required!”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.4. Screw Auger Falls – Maine
📍 Google Maps
🌐 Maine State Parks – Grafton Notch
Located within Grafton Notch State Park, this waterfall features a series of plunges into a pothole-shaped gorge. It’s a fascinating geological site with picnic tables nearby. I loved walking along the rim trail and photographing the unique rock patterns.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Great stop during a Maine road trip. Well-marked and peaceful.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.5. Diana’s Baths – New Hampshire
📍 Google Maps
🌐 US Forest Service Info
These cascading pools are a summer favorite and offer shallow wading areas for kids. A wide gravel path leads to the falls in under a mile, making it ideal for families. I recommend bringing a towel and extra shoes—you’ll want to dip your feet in.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “My kids loved it! Easy hike and relaxing waterfalls.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.6. Kent Falls – Connecticut
This is one of the most visitor-friendly waterfalls in New England. A paved path runs alongside the falls, and a wooden observation deck offers great photo spots. I loved how the water tumbled down a series of gentle drops, making it ideal for a quiet afternoon.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Great for families. Beautiful in autumn!”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.7. Beaver Brook Falls – New Hampshire
This peaceful and tall waterfall near Colebrook is a gem in the Great North Woods. It’s a quiet, non-touristy spot with a large grassy area, picnic tables, and forest surroundings.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Peaceful and serene. Hardly anyone around!”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.8. Glen Ellis Falls – New Hampshire
A short hike with stone steps and railings leads to one of the most dramatic drops in the White Mountains. Glen Ellis Falls pours down a sheer 64-foot cliff and echoes through the narrow gorge.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “One of the most beautiful short hikes in NH.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.9. Lye Brook Falls – Vermont
📍 Google Maps
🌐 USDA Forest Service
At over 125 feet tall, this hidden waterfall near Manchester is reached by a moderate 4.4-mile hike. The trail is peaceful, winding through tall pines, and ends with a view of the falls surrounded by moss-covered boulders.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Moderate hike with a huge payoff. Bring good shoes!”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
1.10. Sabbaday Falls – New Hampshire
Located along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, this short 0.7-mile hike leads to a gorge with wooden walkways and three cascading falls. It’s an excellent quick stop with huge photo potential.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Easy to get to, well maintained, and absolutely gorgeous.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
2. Best Waterfall Hikes in New England
Some of the best waterfall hikes in New England aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the journey. I recommend these trails for travelers who want to enjoy the woods, get some steps in, and earn their view.
Arethusa Falls Trail – New Hampshire
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🔁 Distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip
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⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate
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🌐 Trail Info – AllTrails
💡 This trail is beautiful year-round, but especially in October when the leaves glow amber and gold.
Lye Brook Falls Trail – Vermont
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🔁 Distance: 4.4 miles roundtrip
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⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate
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🌐 USDA Trail Info
💡 Go early and bring bug spray. The shade and mist attract mosquitoes in summer.
Bash Bish Falls Trail – Massachusetts
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🔁 Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip (from New York side)
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🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
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🌐 Mass DCR Info
💡 I recommend combining this trail with a picnic at Taconic State Park nearby.
Bingham Falls Trail – Vermont
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🔁 Distance: 0.5 miles
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⛰️ Difficulty: Easy
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📍 Google Maps
💡 This is a great stop if you’re heading to or from Stowe. Be careful—the rocks are slick!
Glen Ellis Falls Trail – New Hampshire
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🔁 Distance: 0.4 miles
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🥾 Difficulty: Easy with steps
💡 Wear good shoes—there’s a lot of downhill stone steps, but the view is breathtaking.
3. Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Waterfalls in New England
While the top waterfalls get most of the love, I’ve found some truly magical hidden gems during my New England adventures. These quieter spots offer peaceful hikes, surprising beauty, and a genuine off-the-beaten-path feel. If you’re like me and love discovering places most tourists miss, you’ll want to add these to your itinerary.
3.1. Doane’s Falls – Royalston, Massachusetts
📍 Google Maps
🌐 The Trustees of Reservations
This series of small cascades tumbles down Lawrence Brook, surrounded by lush woods and rocky outcroppings. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and rarely crowded. A nearby trail connects to Tully Lake and Tully Gorge.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
📝 “Quiet and beautiful—felt like I had the place to myself.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
3.2. Purgatory Falls – Lyndeborough, New Hampshire
Not as ominous as it sounds! This moderate hike leads to a tall, narrow waterfall in a deep gorge with mossy rock walls. I recommend visiting after a good rain—the flow is much stronger.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Unexpectedly gorgeous. Felt like a fantasy novel location.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
3.3. Campbell Falls – Norfolk, Connecticut
Tucked near the Massachusetts border, Campbell Falls plunges into a small gorge surrounded by a peaceful forest. It’s not well-marked, which keeps crowds low. The path is short but rocky—wear good shoes.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
📝 “Serene, romantic, and barely anyone there. A real treasure.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
3.4. Buttermilk Falls – Ludlow, Vermont
This is a lesser-known Vermont fall located off the beaten path. A short walk takes you to a beautiful three-tiered cascade with shallow pools and mossy rocks. Great spot for solitude and photography.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 “Short walk, but the view is beautiful. Loved the natural setting.”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
3.5. Wadsworth Falls – Middletown, Connecticut
📍 Google Maps
🌐 Wadsworth Falls State Park
Two falls for the price of one! The Big Falls is a wide curtain cascade, and the Little Falls is a charming series of smaller steps. It’s a great family spot with trails and picnic areas.
⭐ TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
📝 “Perfect for a weekend walk. Big Falls is stunning after rain!”
➡️ TripAdvisor Reviews
4. Waterfalls by State: Plan Regionally
To make your trip even easier, I’ve grouped these falls by state. Whether you’re visiting one part of New England or road-tripping through all six states, this breakdown helps you create a convenient route.
4.1. Maine Waterfalls
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Screw Auger Falls – Grafton Notch State Park
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Angel Falls – 📍 Google Maps, remote but stunning
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Step Falls Preserve – Short hike, panoramic views, Maine Trail Finder
4.2. Vermont Waterfalls
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Moss Glen Falls (Granville) – roadside beauty
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Lye Brook Falls – remote and tall
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Buttermilk Falls – peaceful and photogenic
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Bingham Falls – near Stowe, great for quick visits
4.3. New Hampshire Waterfalls
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Arethusa Falls – tallest in NH
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Diana’s Baths – family-friendly
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Glen Ellis Falls – dramatic and loud
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Purgatory Falls – hidden and serene
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Sabbaday Falls – scenic highway stop
4.4. Massachusetts Waterfalls
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Bash Bish Falls – state favorite
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Doane’s Falls – tranquil and local
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Goldmine Brook Falls – lesser known but lovely
4.5. Connecticut Waterfalls
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Kent Falls – multi-tiered with stairs
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Wadsworth Falls – two for one
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Campbell Falls – on the MA border
4.6. Rhode Island Waterfalls
Rhode Island doesn’t have many large waterfalls, but Stepstone Falls in Arcadia Management Area is worth visiting.
📍 Google Maps | 🌐 RI DEM Website
5. Seasonal Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in New England
As someone who travels for waterfalls all year round, I’ve learned that timing is everything. New England’s waterfalls transform dramatically through the seasons. To make the most of your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Spring (April to early June) – The most powerful flows
Spring is hands down my favorite time to explore the best waterfalls in New England. With snowmelt rushing through the mountains, even the smallest streams turn into dramatic cascades. Trails can be muddy, but the sound and force of the water make it all worth it.
What to know:
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Trails may be wet and slippery—bring waterproof boots.
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Check New England trail conditions before hiking.
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Many waterfalls are at their most photogenic during this time.
Summer (Late June to August) – Best for families and swimming
If you’re visiting with kids or planning a picnic, summer is the perfect time for gentle walks and waterfall hikes in New England. Many falls like Diana’s Baths or Kent Falls have shallow areas where you can splash around.
What to know:
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Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
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Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
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Some smaller falls may have lower flow in August.
Fall (September to early November) – Unbeatable scenery
Autumn in New England is magical. Picture golden leaves swirling around a thundering cascade—it’s absolutely stunning. Water flow may be lower than in spring, but the colors make up for it.
What to know:
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Pack layers—mornings and evenings are chilly.
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Combine your visit with a fall foliage drive. Try Vermont’s Route 100 or Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire.
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Ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Winter (Late November to March) – Frozen falls & peaceful trails
Some waterfalls in New England become surreal ice sculptures in winter. Moss Glen Falls, Glen Ellis Falls, and Bash Bish Falls are especially striking in snow. You may need traction cleats or snowshoes depending on conditions.
What to know:
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Always check weather alerts before traveling.
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Avoid trails with steep drops unless you’re experienced and prepared.
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Dress warmly, and pack emergency gear if hiking alone.
6. Safety & Hiking Tips for Waterfall Adventures
I always say—beautiful views aren’t worth risking your safety. Here are my go-to rules when exploring the best waterfall hikes in New England. Whether you’re on a short family stroll or tackling a long forest trail, these tips will help you stay safe and enjoy the journey.
Wear the Right Footwear
Waterfall trails are often muddy, uneven, or rocky. Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are ideal. I also carry a pair of slip-resistant sandals for wading at places like Diana’s Baths or Buttermilk Falls.
Pack Smart
My hiking essentials always include:
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Water bottle or hydration pack
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Trail snacks or granola bars
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Bug spray (especially in spring and summer)
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Sunscreen and hat
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First aid kit
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Downloaded Google Maps or AllTrails route
I also keep a lightweight emergency blanket and portable phone charger for longer hikes.
Check Trail & Weather Conditions
Use AllTrails or your state’s parks website to check recent trail reports. After heavy rains, some areas may be flooded or dangerous to hike.
Avoid Climbing Wet Rocks
They might look like the perfect photo spot, but slippery rocks around waterfalls cause most hiking injuries. If you want great photos, stay on marked paths and use zoom instead.
Let Someone Know Your Plans
Especially for solo hikers, I recommend texting a friend with your expected return time. Cell service can be spotty in forested areas.
Respect Nature & Local Rules
Always follow Leave No Trace principles:
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Stay on the trail
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Pack out your trash
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Don’t disturb plants or wildlife
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Avoid loud music or drones near others
Some parks may have rules about pets or swimming. Follow posted signs or check online before your trip.
7. Map: Explore the Best Waterfalls in New England
To help you plan your road trip or weekend adventure, I created this custom Google Map featuring every waterfall mentioned in this article. It includes directions, trailheads, and notes for each stop.
Click here to open the full map
(You can save it to your Google Maps account and access it from your phone on the go.)
Each pin is color-coded by state, and hidden gems are marked with a star.
8. Final Thoughts and My Personal Favorites
After exploring dozens of trails across the region, I can say that the best waterfalls in New England aren’t just the tallest or most visited—they’re the ones that make you stop, breathe, and smile.
If you’re short on time and want my personal top picks, here’s what I suggest:
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Best for scenic drama: Arethusa Falls, NH
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Best hidden gem: Campbell Falls, CT
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Best for families: Diana’s Baths, NH
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Best fall foliage views: Moss Glen Falls, VT
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Best photography spot: Bash Bish Falls, MA
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic weekend, these falls offer something unforgettable. I recommend visiting at least one in each state if you can—it’s the best way to experience the beauty and diversity of New England’s landscapes.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to visit waterfalls in New England?
A: Spring (April–June) has the most powerful water flow. Fall (late September–October) offers stunning foliage. Summer is great for swimming, and some trails remain open during winter.
Q: Are dogs allowed on the trails?
A: Most trails are dog-friendly, especially state parks. Always check the park website or signage for leash rules.
Q: Are there entrance fees?
A: Some parks charge small fees ($4–$10 per vehicle), but many are free. Carry cash just in case.
Q: Can I swim at these waterfalls?
A: Some waterfalls, like Diana’s Baths and Kent Falls, have shallow pools. However, swimming is not permitted everywhere—watch for posted signs.
Q: Do I need hiking experience to visit these places?
A: Not at all! This guide includes everything from roadside falls to moderate hikes. Choose based on your comfort level.
10. Downloadable Travel Itinerary (PDF)
To make your journey smoother, I’ve created a free downloadable travel itinerary. It includes:
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Driving route by region
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Estimated time per stop
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Trail difficulty and length
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Best time of day to visit
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Notes on parking and accessibility
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TripAdvisor links for reviews
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Room for your own notes
