Lincoln, New Hampshire

Stairs Falls, situated in the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, is a remarkable natural attraction in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Location Added By:

Tom Riley (GoXplr Account)

About This Location

Stairs Falls, situated in the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, is a remarkable natural attraction in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Despite its relatively modest height of 15 feet, the waterfall captivates visitors with its graceful cascades that flow effortlessly down a steep granite face. The sound of rushing water, combined with the serene environment, creates an atmosphere of tranquility that beckons nature lovers and hikers alike.

As the water tumbles down, it collects in a shallow pool at the base of the falls. This pool, while too small for swimming, offers a prime vantage point for observers to admire the waterfall's beauty. From this angle, one can truly appreciate the intricate patterns the water forms as it dances over the rocks. Come spring, Stairs Falls comes alive, gushing with newfound vigor. This is attributed to the melting snow from nearby Mount Lincoln and Little Haystack Mountain, which feeds the Dry Brook, ensuring a robust flow through the waterfall.

For those interested in a hiking adventure, Stairs Falls is conveniently located just 0.9 miles from the Falling Waters Trailhead. It serves as the first major stop on the 3.2-mile Falling Waters Trail, which features two other magnificent waterfalls – Swiftwater Falls and Cloudland Falls. Those who venture further along the trail are rewarded with the sight of these cascading wonders, making it an exceptional 3-for-1 waterfall hike, especially if one completes the journey up to Cloudland Falls.

Access to the trail and the falls is made easy, thanks to the extensive parking available at the Old Bridle Path Trailhead off I-93. But during peak times, or for those seeking an alternate parking spot, there's additional space available across I-93 at the Lafayette Place Campground. A distinct feature for visitors parking here is the underground highway tunnel, which ensures safe passage to the trailhead.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone simply looking to soak in the beauty of nature, Stairs Falls, with its mesmerizing cascades, offers a memorable experience in the midst of the pristine White Mountains.

Location Features

No items found.

Locations

Address:
Route 93, Lincoln, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
44.136639, -71.672889
Directions to location:
Click here for location directions
Directions to parking area:
Click here for parking directions
Parking Notes:
There is a very large paved parking lot located at the Old Bridle Path Trailhead off I-93. Additional parking can be found across I-93 at the Lafayette Place Campground where there is an underground highway tunnel to the trailhead.

Reviews

Have you visited this location before? Let us know what you thought! (Feature coming soon!)