Glen Ellis Falls in September 2010

Glen Ellis Falls is a perfect example of how people can view waterfalls differently. There were a number of waterfalls in New Hampshire in the White Mountains area that I had visited before Glen Ellis Falls, and many of those falls were rated more highly. While many of those falls, like Ripley and Arethusa Falls, were pretty, I just wasn’t overwhelmingly impressed. I hadn’t really seen any waterfall that stood out to me. I hadn’t necessarily even planned on visiting Glen Ellis Falls, it just so happened to be on the route I was taking heading in to Maine.

So I was VERY pleasantly surprised when I got my first glimpse of Glen Ellis Falls from the base. The waterfall is about 60+’ tall, but wow, is it a powerful waterfall.  There may be the same amount of water at other falls nearby, but here all of the water is forced through a crest that is not that wide. I instantly knew, though, that this was going to be one my favorite waterfalls from my trip through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Glen Ellis Falls was so inviting.

Not to mention that it’s also a VERY easy waterfall to visit. To visit Arethusa and Ripley Falls, I had to take longer walks, not that they were too bad. The short hike to Glen Ellis Falls is an added benefit. You can add on the falls by exploring further downstream, where there are a number of other interesting drops.

Directions:

1. I arrived at the falls from US-302. At the junction of US-302 and NH-16, head north (really the only option).
2. After heading north on NH-16/Pinkham Notch Road for a ways, you’ll come to the parking area for the falls. If you’re heading north, it will be on the left side of the road, clearly marked with a sign for Glen Ellis Falls.
3. The parking area had openings, which was surprising since it was Labor Day weekend, so you’ll probably be able to find spots most anytime. From there, head toward the trail to Glen Ellis Falls.
4. You’ll pass under NH-16 through a tunnel, and then from there, follow the stairs down to the falls. There are a number of stairs.

Accessibility: 9/10 (without further exploration)
Height: 64′
Length of Hike: 0.6 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Glen Ellis Falls?