Glen Ellis Falls

Glen Ellis Falls is a powerful 64-foot plunge waterfall in Pinkham Notch, where the Ellis River pours over a granite ledge into a deep, mist-filled basin at the base of Mount Washington. The falls are remarkably photogenic — the single clean drop, framed by ancient granite walls stained with iron oxides in shades of rust and copper, creates a scene that looks pulled from a landscape painting. The volume of water is impressive for a White Mountain waterfall, and the falls rarely slow to a trickle even in dry weather.

The trail is one of the easiest major waterfall hikes in New Hampshire — a 0.3-mile walk from the parking lot on Route 16, passing through a short tunnel under the road before descending stone steps to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. The total hike takes just 10 to 15 minutes, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. A series of stone staircases provides safe access to the viewing area, where the mist from the falls provides natural air conditioning on warm days.

The falls are beautiful year-round. Spring snowmelt produces thundering volume, summer offers comfortable hiking, fall foliage frames the granite in spectacular color, and winter transforms the falls and surrounding gorge into an ice-coated wonderland. The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, is just up the road and offers additional trail information and dining.