8 New Hampshire Hikes With Beautiful Cascading Waterfalls

Waterfall hikes are special in New Hampshire, but cascading waterfalls don't get as much credit. Most of the time, larger waterfalls with bigger drops get the glory; however, some of the best waterfalls in New Hampshire are cascading falls.

Cascading waterfalls are a series of smaller waterfalls, as opposed to one large drop. They are stepped, so they often will last a large section of a hike. Instead of hiking to the waterfall, you hike along it.

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The 8 Best Cascading Waterfall Hikes in New Hampshire

There are many cascading waterfalls to be explored in New Hampshire. And even the smallest of falls has some of the most unique beauty. Below are 8 of the best cascading waterfalls in New Hampshire to hike to or swim in.

Falling Waters Trail, Lincoln, NH

According to a Visit White Mountains article, the Falling Waters Trail in Lincoln, NH, is a 2.6-mile round-trip hike that should take about 2 hours to complete. This trail will lead you to the top of Little Haystack, one of the most iconic peaks, and views, in all of New England.

Flume Gorge, Lincoln, NH

This is a touristy one, but a beautiful and powerful cascading waterfall. Walk along a wooden pathway along the falls and feel the mist as it splashes in the air. This is one of two waterfalls on the list that requires purchasing a ticket; see more on the NH State Parks website.

Nancy Cascades, Hart's Location, NH

This waterfall is a showstopper. You can see the 300-foot waterfall by taking the Nancy Brook Trail in Crawford Notch. See photos and more info about the falls on the Visit White Mountains website.

Rainbow Falls, Plymouth, NH

Rainbow Falls is a very easy 1.6-mile loop, with the falls being a halfway marker. This is a very quiet trail, as the trailhead only accommodates 5 or 6 cars.

Zealand Falls, Grafton, NH

This is one of the most unique cascading waterfalls in New Hampshire, although it is very small. According to a New England Waterfalls article, if you catch the falls on a sunny morning, the sun hits the face of the Zealand Falls and illuminates the top of the waterfall.

Lost River Gorge, Woodstock, NH

This is the second cascading waterfall that requires a ticket purchased on the Lost River Gorge website. Because you have to purchase a ticket, expect the best. The trail, much like the Flume Gorge, is a wooden walkway with stairs, railings, etc.

In addition to walking along the cascading falls, you can crawl in the boulder caves on site too.