Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
435.00 ft (132.59 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.20 mi (1.93 km)
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Ripley Falls is a 100-foot waterfall that flows over a smooth rock wall. The rushing water maintains contact with the rock wall during the majority of its descent because the rock wall is at a 60-degree angle. The falls are located within Crawford Notch State Park and can be accessed from the trailhead off of Highway 302. The trailhead parking area is well marked from the highway. The trail is 1.2-miles round trip.

From the trailhead, follow the Ethan Pond Trail for 0.2 miles until the junction with the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail. The Ethan Pond Trail crosses a railroad track shortly after leaving a parking lot before entering the woods. The trail is mostly flat with an elevation gain of approximately 400 feet along the 0.6 miles to the base of the waterfall. Upon reaching the junction, continue left to hike the remaining 0.4 miles on the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail. To return to the trailhead, retrace your steps back to Ethan Pond Trail and back to the parking lot. Arethusa Falls could be combined with this hike to create a longer loop including two beautiful waterfalls.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Quick hike to a large waterfall.

Cons

Crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

1,461.00 ft (445.31 m)

Highest point

1,896.00 ft (577.90 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Waterfalls
Family friendly
Geologically significant
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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