Waterfalls are one of those things that people just seem to gravitate to. The sounds and sights of water rushing over a cliff into a refreshing pool of water are tough to beat. A trip to the northeast gives visitors ample opportunities to set their sights on some incredible waterfalls. One well-sought-after waterfall is the Glen Ellis Falls, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s discover why this New Hampshire waterfall should make your travel itinerary.
Where Is Glen Ellis Falls?
Glen Ellis Falls is in north central New Hampshire. The falls are found in the White Mountain National Forest just southeast of Mt. Washington. Those visiting the falls from Boston can expect the trip to take about three hours.
About the White Mountains
The White Mountains make up about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and stretch into the state of Maine. With it taking up so much real estate in the state, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the more popular travel destinations for those visiting from Boston, New York City, and Montreal.
The White Mountains hold the tallest peak in the northeastern portion of the United States – Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington stands at 6,288 feet and held the record for the fastest surface wind gust in the world, an astounding 231 miles per hour in 1934. A portion of the Appalachian Trail crosses through the White Mountains and is maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
How Do I Get to Glen Ellis Falls?
Sometimes you have to do some serious work to get the reward of a great waterfall, and while the effort is usually worth it, sometimes it just isn’t an option. Visiting Glen Ellis Falls is less than half a mile from the parking area, making it a short journey to the waterfall.
While the trail to the falls isn’t flat, its rating is easy. This makes it perfect for families to successfully enjoy it. Hikers should expect to encounter rock stairs on the trail.
Is the Trail to Glen Ellis Falls Dog-Friendly?
It can be a bummer when you get to a trail with your furry friend, only to realize that dogs aren’t permitted to hike with you. Dog owners are in luck with Glen Ellis Falls! Leashed dogs are allowed to hike the Glen Ellis Falls trail.
How Tall Is Glen Ellis Falls?
Glen Ellis Falls is a 64-foot-tall waterfall. The waterfall makes a list as one of the top 10 tallest waterfalls in the state. While it’s not the tallest waterfall in the country, it’s still an exciting sight to see a spot worth visiting.
Traveler’s Tip: Go for a swim in one of these Stunning Lakes in New Hampshire.
Other Things to do Near Glen Ellis Falls
There’s no shortage of things to do when visiting the area around Glen Ellis Falls. You’ll have no trouble filling your time with plenty of adventures in this area of New Hampshire. Let’s look at a few activities you can’t miss near Glen Ellis Falls.
Drive the Mt. Washington Auto Road
Want stunning views but don’t have time to squeeze in a hike? Add driving the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and you won’t be disappointed. You don’t need a reservation to drive this scenic route, but you will need to pay a small toll to access the road.
You’ll drive a 7.6-mile ascent with an average grade of 12%. Most people spend about 30 minutes making the drive up and an additional 30 to 45 minutes coming back down.
You can either make the drive on your own or take a guided tour. The route can be nerve-wracking for some as there are no guardrails. However, the views are worth the trip!
Take the Chair Lift Ride at Wildcat Mountain
Riding a mountain chair lift can give you a unique perspective on the scenery around you. Those enjoying the Wildcat Mountain chair lift ride will ride the high-speed quad up to the 4,000-foot summit of Wildcat Mountain.
The ride gives visitors 360-degree views of both Mt. Washington and the nearby Presidential Mountain range. At the time of this article, tickets to ride the chair lift start at $16 per person.
Book a Ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad
What can be better than a scenic mountain train ride? Spending a day on the Conway Scenic Railroad means experiencing Mt. Washington Valley and Crawford Notch. There are various excursion options depending on your time constraints, budget, and sightseeing desires.
One of the most popular options includes a photo excursion ride. This late fall experience gives visitors a beautiful fall foliage ride with the opportunity to stop and take in the gorgeous fall colors. This is a must-do for photo enthusiasts.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re a fan of all things trains, You Have to Experience the NH Rail Trails.
Spend a Day at StoryLand
Those with children won’t want to miss StoryLand in Glen, N.H. This unique amusement park focused on bringing fairy tales to life. With a focus on family fun, no one will feel left out of the adventure.
There are over 30 kid-friendly attractions that strive to put kids right in the middle of their favorite stories. From teacups to a wooden roller coaster to a dinosaur safari ride, you’ll find yourself making memories to last a lifetime.
In addition to rides, there are shows to capture your attention. If you’d like dinner and a show, you’re in luck! There are character dinners that are sure to fit the bill.
Book a Side by Side Tour With Alpine Adventures
Looking for something a bit more thrilling than a family theme park? Take a look at Alpine Adventures in North Woodstock, N.H. If you want to take a trip off the beaten path with some guidance, look no further than this guided side-by-side tour.
During your visit, you’ll drive side by side with a guide leading the way and receive training before heading off onto their 300-acre private mountain sanctuary.
Throughout the guided tour, you’ll stop multiple times to learn about the land’s history and take in the beautiful mountain views. Riders must be at least 10 years old, and a licensed driver over 21 is needed.
Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of New Hampshire’s Glen Ellis Falls
It sometimes feels like the west has all of the jaw-dropping landscapes, so it might come as a surprise how much beauty is in the New England area. With an abundance of hikes, wildlife viewing, and scenic routes, you’ll already be planning a return trip before you leave.
Have you ever visited Glen Ellis Falls? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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