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!
Visit Glen Ellis Falls NH
Please note: We strongly recommend that you double-check the website or call for more up-to-date information for this site.
What you need to know if you're visiting Glen Ellis Falls:
- Fee: Be sure to bring along cash for the $3 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! The NH Fish and Game Department and the White Mountain National Forest have provided tons of great information HERE for safe hiking in NH. 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
While it is unlikely that you would get lost when you stick to the trail at Glen Ellis Falls, it is important to always be prepared. Learn more about the Hike Safe Card.
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 elevation, you will need additional items and provisions.
More NH Family Hikes
Visiting New Hampshire?
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