Description
Crystal Cascade is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall in Pinkham Notch within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. At 100 feet tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in NH. It is a two-tiered waterfall with the top section falling 70 feet and the lower section falling 30 feet. The waterfall consists of horsetails and a block and it is fueled by the Ellis River. Ellis River flows strongest during spring when the snow melts and after heavy rainstorms. That said, the waterfall is a wonderful location to visit year-round.
The journey to the waterfall starts at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center off White Mountain Road (NH-16) where the Tuckerman Ravine Trail begins. From the trailhead, the waterfall is just .35 miles away and it typically takes only 10 minutes to hike to Crystal Cascade. The trail is extremely wide, well-maintained, and well-marked. Dogs are allowed to hike to Crystal Cascade when kept on a leash.
The viewing area of the waterfall separates it from many other waterfalls in New Hampshire. There is a beautiful stone lookout area that allows visitors to look directly at the waterfall instead of just from its base. The stone lookout does have walls so no visitors will get injured.
Be sure to check out nearby Thompson Falls and Glen Ellis Falls – located just 10 minutes away!
Waterfall Specs
- Height: 100-foot total drop
- Type: Horsetails and a block
- Water source: Ellis River
- Swimming: Prohibited and/or not possible
Crystal Cascade Location
- Park: White Mountain National Forest
- Address: Tuckerman Ravine Trail
- Town: Pinkham’s Grant
- State: New Hampshire
- GPS: Lat 44.26078 Lng -71.25726
- Parking Notes: There are about 100 parking spaces at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center where visitors can access Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Crystal Cascade. Parking is free.
- Parking Directions: HERE
- Location Directions: HERE
Tom Riley (store manager) –
10/10 WATERFALL! It is massive and there is a well-maintained trail to access it. A must-visit spot!