Glen Ellis Falls | Northern NH

Information

Landmark: Glen Ellis Falls
City: Northern NH
Country: USA New Hampshire
Continent: North America

Glen Ellis Falls, Northern NH, USA New Hampshire, North America

Glen Ellis Falls is a waterfall located in the White Mountain National Forest in Northern New Hampshire, USA.

The falls drop approximately 64 feet over a granite cliff face.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall cascades over a sheer granite cliff. The water is typically clear, with a light brown or green tint depending on recent rainfall and sediment. The surrounding vegetation consists of dense mixed forest, primarily deciduous trees like maple and birch, interspersed with conifers such as spruce and fir. The rock formations are primarily metamorphic, showing layers and striations from geological processes.

Location & Access Logistics

Glen Ellis Falls is situated 1.5 miles north of Glen, New Hampshire, along the scenic Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112). The parking area is directly off the highway. From the parking lot, a paved, but steep, 0.2-mile trail leads to the base of the falls. There is no public transport directly to the falls; access is via private vehicle. Parking is available in a designated lot, which can fill during peak seasons.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The falls are a result of glacial erosion, with the Saco River carving its path through the granite bedrock over millennia. The area is part of the White Mountain National Forest, established in 1918, preserving the natural landscape and watershed. The specific geological formation is a classic example of a post-glacial waterfall.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the waterfall from the viewing platform at the end of the paved trail. Photography of the falls and surrounding forest. Short walk on the paved trail. No swimming or climbing is permitted at the falls.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the trailhead parking area. There are picnic tables and trash receptacles. Limited cell phone signal (primarily AT&T and Verizon) is present in the immediate vicinity of the parking lot, but can be unreliable. No food vendors are located directly at the falls; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography, early morning or late afternoon provides softer light. The falls are accessible year-round, but winter access can be restricted due to snow and ice. Spring (April-May) offers increased water flow due to snowmelt. Summer (June-August) provides the most accessible conditions. Autumn (September-October) offers foliage viewing opportunities.

Facts & Legends

A local legend tells of a young woman named Glen Ellis who, in the 18th century, was pursued by an Indigenous warrior and leaped to her death from the cliff to escape him, giving the falls their name. Historical records do not confirm this legend, but it persists in local folklore.