Franconia Falls

Beginning at the increasingly popular Lincoln Woods Trailhead, Franconia Falls involves a relatively easy, scenic hike to a popular series of cascades. With only approximately 300 feet of elevation gain over 6.4 miles round trip, this is the perfect hike for families and beginners, and it is among one of the easiest hikes in the White Mountain National Forest. The wooded trail follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, occasionally opening up and offering gorgeous mountain views, while wildflowers dot the trail during the spring. 

The Franconia Falls Trail heads left off of the Lincoln Woods Trail and continues along the water to the falls. You’ll find boulders and large flat rock slabs for sitting in the sun, taking a break, or enjoying a picnic. In addition to being a great place for photography and appreciating nature, Franconia Falls is also known as a swimming hole. With chutes that make natural waterslides and a series of cascades and pools, it’s a beautiful place to cool off during the summer when water levels are low enough to be safe for swimming.