Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop – New Hampshire

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This is a fun loop in Hart’s Location, New Hampshire, located in Crawford Notch State Park. It’s about 5 miles long and about 1,600 feet in elevation. I’ve hiked this twice now, once in the summer and once in the fall. I enjoyed the hike both times I visited. I will say the beginning of the hike isn’t that well-marked and both times I’ve done the hike, I’ve gotten turned around within the first half mile. Both times I ended up walking along the train tracks but it did offer beautiful views of the Frankenstein Trestle. Using AllTrails also helped me get back on track!

In both seasons, the trail was pretty muddy and slippery in spots. I didn’t have hiking poles when I did the hike but I do think they could be helpful to provide stability and traction. The cliffs are such a beautiful spot in both seasons and they weren’t crowded either time I visited. In autumn I feel like the cliffs are such a hidden gem for foliage views!

The peace and quiet from the cliffs disappeared the closer we got to the falls. There were so many people scrambling around, playing in the water and taking pictures. A lot of people had dogs with them too! It was hard to get a good picture showing the actual size and scale of the falls without getting other people in the shot but it was beautiful. Instead of doing the whole loop you could just go straight to the falls, which seems to be the more family-friendly route.

From the trailhead parking lot, you can drive about nine minutes to Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center. They have restrooms here and a small store selling hiking necessities and souvenirs like stickers and patches. This was a great spot post hike to rest and rehydrate before driving home.

🥾 Approximately 4.9 miles round trip

⛰️ Approximate elevation gain 1,581 feet

💧Waterfall height approximately 140 feet

🌲 Moderate to hard (depending on fitness level)

💰 $5.00 fee (if I remember correctly)

🚽 Pit toilets available

**Click on the map above for the AllTrails map**

There are so many fun hikes and outdoor activities to do in New Hampshire. I feel like it’s an underrated area.

Have you done this hike before or been to Crawford Notch State Park? Let me know in the comments below!

📍I acknowledge the lands mentioned in this post are the ancestral lands of the Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy) and N’dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis) people.