Arethusa Falls
Hart’s Location, NH
One of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls, about 140 feet, reached by a 1.5-mile trail from US-302 in Crawford Notch State Park. The lower lot is small; there is a second lot up the side road.
Arethusa Falls is a waterfall in Hart’s Location, New Hampshire, on the west side of Crawford Notch in the White Mountains. It lies in Crawford Notch State Park, where Bemis Brook plunges over a granite cliff. According to the current estimate of the Appalachian Mountain Club the fall is about 43 metres (140 feet) high; it was originally measured at 54 metres (176 feet).
The Arethusa Falls Trail is 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) long and starts on US Route 302. According to Lonely Planet, the trailhead is about 0.8 kilometres (0.5 miles) south of the Dry River Campground on US 302.
If you prefer something shorter, the same park has other destinations. These include the Ripley Falls Trail (about 1 mile round trip from US 302) and the short Pond Loop Trail at the Willey House visitor center. For your planning, check parking options and trail conditions in advance.
- Nearest town
- Hart’s Location, NH
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.1476, -71.3693
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Big Rock CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Arethusa FallsToilets
- Along the River Campground & CabinsCampsite13 mi from Arethusa FallsWi-Fi
- Beech Hill Campground and CabinsCampsite13 mi from Arethusa FallsElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Twin Mountain / Mt. Washington KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover14 mi from Arethusa FallsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Dolly Copp CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Arethusa FallsTentsCaravans
- Jefferson CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Arethusa FallsElectricityDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
All campsites in New Hampshire · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arethusa Falls?
Arethusa Falls is in Hart’s Location, NH, at GPS 44.1476, -71.3693. It is about 4 mi from Crawford Notch.
Can you camp near Arethusa Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Dry River Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 72 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Arethusa Falls?
Arethusa Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: White Mountain notches: Mount Washington to Franconia.
What is there to see near Arethusa Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Washington Cog Railway (9 mi), Glen Ellis Falls (9 mi), Jackson Village (9 mi) and Sabbaday Falls – Kancamagus Highway (11 mi).
When is the best time to visit Arethusa Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)