Ripley Falls Hike

Mileage: 1 mile round trip
Type: out and back
Location of Trailhead: Wiley House Station Road, Hart’s Location, NH
Approximate Duration: ½ hour
Highlights: Ripley Falls
Suggested Maps: A free map of hiking trails in Crawford Notch State Park at various locations throughout the park, or view it online by clicking here.

Ripley Falls is one of two spectacular sets of falls popular with visitors to Crawford Notch State Park. The 100 foot high falls are located one half mile from the trailhead, making them easily accessible for hikers of all ability levels. Parking is located at the trailhead at the end of Wiley House Station Road. If you are headed south on U.S. Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park, Wiley House Station Road is on the right about a mile past the Wiley House site. Visitors can stop at the Wiley House for trail maps and other area information.

We hiked to Ripley Falls at the end of a week-long stay in Crawford Notch, camping at Dry River Campground and hiking in the area. We awoke on our final morning to a light rain and packed up camp quickly. Not quite ready to head for home just yet, we decided to visit Ripley. We were treated to an empty trail and the rain even stopped for a while. In good weather during peak season, however, this popular site can become crowded and parking is limited. I would recommend this hike as an early morning or after dinner walk during the summer months.

From the trailhead, your hike will begin on Ethan Pond Trail which is also the Appalachian Trail. Soon, however, turn left onto Ripley Falls trail which leads directly to the falls. Stay for a while to enjoy Ripley and maybe even dip your feet. Then, retrace your steps one half mile back to your car.

Alternatively, hikers looking to cover more miles may cross Avalanche Brook at the bottom of Ripley Falls and head south on Ripley And Arethusa Falls Trail towards Arethusa Falls or Frankenstein Cliff.  Click here for a nearby loop hike that includes both of these Crawford Notch landmarks!