Glen Ellis Falls rewards you with gorgeous views and a beautiful waterfall after hiking a family-friendly trail.
When it comes to the White Mountain National Forest, there is no shortage of beautiful hiking trails. This gorgeous 66-foot plunge waterfall is your reward for hiking the Glen Ellis Trail. It's a pretty big reward for a short little hike that's great for kids and adults.
Although the trail is wide, there are places where the path traverses rocky areas. There are wide stone steps about halfway to the bottom of the falls - more than a hundred of them!
This is a popular trail that is well-maintained. Allow 30-60 minutes total, and that's a bit generous. If the parking lot is very full, you may want to choose another spot as crowded trails aren't nearly as much fun, in my opinion. Find more short hikes in the Pinkham Notch area here.
Be sure to stock your Beach & Boat Tote with sunscreen and bug spray in the car for this outing!
Frequently Asked Questions
While Glen Ellis Falls is free to visit, you will need a parking pass for the White Mountain National Forest. The cost is $5 per day.
Unfortunately, because of all the stairs, Glen Ellis is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Swimming is not allowed at Glen Ellis Falls.
Dogs are welcome, however, they must be on a leash at all times.
Plan on about 15 minutes to hike the 0.4 miles (or about 600 feet) out and back trail.
The Ellis River plunges down Glen Ellis Falls a total of 64 feet.
Visit Glen Ellis Falls NH
Please note: We strongly recommend that you double-check the website or call for more up-to-date information on this site.
What you need to know if you're visiting Glen Ellis Falls:
- Fee: Be sure to bring along cash for the $5 parking fee.
- Location: Pinkham Notch, NH (The waterfall itself is in Jackson, NH.)
- Parking: small lot
- Swimming: Prohibited
- Dogs: allowed but must be on a leash
- Best Time to Visit: June through October
- Bathrooms: a vault toilet is available
- Picnicking Area: yes
The parking area can be found on Rt. 16 in Pinkham Grant, NH on the west side of the road. To get to the trailhead, hikers walk through an underpass.
Learn more about Glen Ellis Falls here.
For more information on finding amazing waterfalls in New Hampshire, visit New England Waterfalls. I highly recommend their book also called New England Waterfalls.
Safe Hiking in NH
It is important to be prepared when hiking! Here are the ten essential items that you must have for day hikes:
- Map
- Compass
- Warm Clothing:
- Sweater or Pile Jacket
- Long Pants (wool or synthetic)
- Hat (wool)
- Extra Food and Water
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Matches/Firestarters
- First Aid Kit/Repair Kit
- Whistle
- Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants
- Pocket Knife
It is also important to note that cell phone coverage is spotty and you cannot rely on phone apps to help you navigate. Plan on bringing a compass and map (I love this waterproof map).
Keep in mind that if you are doing longer hikes, or those at higher elevations, you will need additional items and provisions.
More NH Family Hikes
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