Summer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is like nowhere else. The cool mountain air, dramatic landscapes, and an ever-changing sky create the perfect setting for a getaway that’s just as exciting as it is rejuvenating. Whether you’re heading out for your first hike or revisiting a favorite summit, there are always plenty of things to do in the White Mountains, including waterfall hikes like Arethusa Falls. It’s one of the tallest and most captivating waterfalls in New Hampshire, and only requires a moderate 1.5-mile trek through a hardwood forest to witness it.
Apart from stunning waterfalls like Arethusa Falls and Sabbaday Falls, New Hampshire’s White Mountains are one of the more rewarding destinations in New England. Each turn in the road reveals a new adventure, whether you’re following a scenic byway or chasing more hidden waterfalls in NH. From engaging hiking trails in the area like the Frankenstein Cliff Loop, which offers jaw-dropping views and a more challenging trek into the Arethusa Falls Trail, or more peaceful walking paths and scenic outlooks, there are plenty of things to do in the White Mountains.
Waterfalls in New Hampshire are scattered all over the region, and with the right guide or a bit of curiosity, you can find several in a single day. There’s so much more to see between waterfall hunts and mountaintop views, especially in and around Franconia Notch State Park. You can ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, explore the Flume Gorge with its towering granite walls and covered bridges, or paddle across Echo Lake with the Franconia Range rising in the background. The park is a haven for outdoor lovers and history buffs alike, with geological wonders, mountain biking trails, and even a chance to visit the Old Man of the Mountain memorial.
When the day is done, there’s nothing better than returning to a warm, welcoming place that’s as memorable as the day’s adventures. Our charming New Hampshire Inn offers a refined lodging experience near Franconia Notch State Park, with all the comforts that make a getaway feel special. From plush beds to gourmet breakfasts and an acclaimed fine dining restaurant on site, our New Hampshire Inn is more than just a convenient place to stay.
Ideally located for day trips to Arethusa Falls, Franconia Notch, and other top spots in the White Mountains, our Bed and Breakfast offers a relaxed atmosphere with thoughtful hospitality at every turn. Whether hiking, chasing waterfalls, or just soaking in the summer mountain air, Sugar Hill Inn is the ideal basecamp for your next White Mountains escape. Book your stay today!
Hiking to Arethusa Falls in New Hampshire
If you’re planning a summer hike in the White Mountains, the Arethusa Falls trail should be high on your list. Located in Crawford Notch State Park, this popular trail delivers everything you want in a New Hampshire hike: Lush forest, a moderate challenge, and a stunning payoff. The Arethusa Falls Trail is about 1.4 miles one way and gains around 800 feet in elevation. It’s a well-marked path that’s perfect for anyone looking to experience a classic waterfall hike without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Along the way, you’ll cross small streams, walk under a canopy of maples and birch, and get occasional glimpses of the mountains above. At the end of the trail, Arethusa Falls NH makes an unforgettable impression. The water drops nearly 200 feet over a granite cliff, making it one of the tallest and most dramatic waterfalls in NH. Depending on the season and recent rainfall, the falls can be a gentle trickle or a roaring cascade. Either way, the setting is incredible, with moss-covered boulders, cool mist in the air, and a sense of being deep in the wild.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, consider linking this hike with the Frankenstein Cliff Loop, which adds sweeping views and a more rugged terrain to the mix. The Frankenstein Cliff Loop is just over 5 miles long and features an elevation gain twice that of the Arethusa Falls Trail. Frankenstein Cliff is a giant rock formation that you’ll see from the highway, and it gets its name thanks to the resemblance to the famed monster of the same name. Just kidding! The cliff was actually named after German painter Godfrey Frankenstein.
From the top of the Frankenstein Cliff Loop hike, you’ll have a gorgeous view. From there, you can see Mt. Crawford, Bartless Haystack, and Mt. Tremont. Below you, you’ll see the scenic Saco River winding its way through the Notch. You can even walk a little further on the trail for views of Mt. Washington! It’s an impressive hike and a great addition to your trip to Arethusa Falls. If you’re in the mood to chase more New Hampshire waterfalls, you’re in luck. Add one or more of these waterfalls near Crawford Notch to your list!
- Ripley Falls – Just down the road from Arethusa, this 100-foot slide waterfall is an easy add-on.
- Sabbaday Falls – Located off the Kancamagus Highway, this accessible trail leads to a multi-tiered waterfall with wooden viewing platforms.
- Flume Cascade and Silver Cascade – Both visible from Route 302 in Crawford Notch, these roadside waterfalls are perfect for a quick stop.
The Best Lodging Near Franconia Notch State Park
After a day of hiking to Arethusa Falls or exploring Franconia Notch, the right place to unwind makes all the difference. Located just a short drive from Franconia Notch State Park, our New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful mountain escape paired with the kind of thoughtful hospitality you won’t find in larger hotels. From the moment you check in, everything feels considered, from the hand-selected local artwork to the warm welcome from owners and staff who know the White Mountains inside and out.
The guest rooms and suites at our New Hampshire Inn are individually decorated, offering a comfortable blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Many rooms feature fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private porches overlooking the mountains. Mornings start with a hearty, made-to-order breakfast that rivals anything you’d find elsewhere, and evenings can be spent enjoying cocktails by the fire or indulging in a multi-course meal at the inn’s top-rated restaurant.
Whether you’re returning from a climb up Frankenstein Cliff or a scenic drive to view more New Hampshire waterfalls, coming back to our White Mountains Bed and Breakfast feels like coming home. Perched in the small hamlet of Sugar Hill, you’re close to the region’s top attractions but away from the more crowded tourist corridors. You can get to Arethusa Falls NH, Cannon Mountain, the Flume Gorge, and the Kancamagus Highway with ease, all while enjoying the calm and comfort of a boutique property known for exceptional service.
It’s no wonder many guests return year after year. Book your New Hampshire getaway to the White Mountains today!
