Hike up Arethusa Falls with me, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 140 feet! We drove by randomly on the way to lunch from the Owl Roost at Bretton Wood Vacations and since I am obsessed with waterfalls, it caught my eye. After getting food fueled up, we drove back to the entrance, Frankenstein Cliff Trailhead, which of course I liked the name (had a cat in college named Frankenstein) and took that as another good sign. Briefly we checked out the sign about 1.5 miles… almost all uphill and rated as moderate (it’s not, more like difficult to non-hikers) but boy was it worth it. The above video doesn’t do it justice honestly! Make sure to bring water, wear good hiking shoes especially if it is raining and take your time enjoying nature. The falls were first discovered by Edward Tuckerman in 1875 and he chose the name “Arethusa” which in Greek mythology, was the name of a nymph that turned into a fountain. The name Arethusa comes from Greek mythology. She was a nymph who ran away from her home in Arcadia beneath the sea and came up as a fresh water fountain on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily. Learn more about this epic, magical space at AllTrails or visitwhitemountains.com.
Technically this amazing scenic waterfall is at Crawford Notch State Park off Route 302 in Harts Location. The hike to get there is long and arduous but once you get there, you will immediately say, “worth it!” and gaze in awe at what Mother Nature has created all on her own. Some debate about the height size exists: 200 feet versus 150-160 feet. But unless you are going to climb to the top and measure it yourself, you’ll just have to agree it’s a doozie!
This doesn’t look like Frankenstein to me but maybe on a clearer day. It was hella muddy in there so we opted straight for the falls.So you can see for yourself the distance it says… not sure if I believe that but regardless, Google Maps will track you in you want to know for sure at Arathusa Falls.Over the train tracks we go after parking your car at Arathusa Falls.The full trail map to screenshot for your safety at Arathusa Falls.Off we go into the woods on a whim at Arathusa Falls.And stumble upon this pile of marker rocks at Arathusa Falls.It was still wet from raining for days at Arathusa Falls and this slug was living his best life.Clearly marked signs dot the woods at Arathusa Falls.My power plus one taking a breather and enjoying nature at Arathusa Falls.Rock steps built into the path at Arathusa Falls.It was still a little misty at Arathusa Falls.Rocks everywhere to steady yourself at Arathusa Falls.I can only imagine the vivid colors in the fall at Arathusa Falls.Raindrops on tree branches at Arathusa Falls.I kind of wanted to crawl into this tree root Star Wars style at Arathusa Falls.Across one of the many small bridges at Arathusa Falls.A slight trickle of a hint of Arathusa Falls ahead.Carefully placed boards to keep out of the mud at Arathusa Falls.Across another bridge at Arathusa Falls.And up huge steps built into the ground with trees at Arathusa Falls.Just when you’re like are we there yet and legs are burning, a sign appears at Arathusa Falls.Then you go down just as drastically as you went up at Arathusa Falls.At this point, you can hear the waterfall gushing and your spirit gets very excited at Arathusa Falls. Yes, that’s the trail still.First views of Arathusa Falls!I climbed around rocks, trying to get the best shot of Arathusa Falls.But honestly no photo will do it justice at Arathusa Falls. You have to see it for yourself!We then proceeded to head back shortly thereafter and dreaded the hike to the car at Arathusa Falls. It was muddy, slippy and challenging to see the light of day through the misty forest.And I did it all in these Sperry sneakers! Not recommended but all I had with me when traveling at Arathusa Falls.We finally got back to the car and my dogs were barking! We wanted to cook at home that night so loaded up on groceries at this small store Whitefield Market & Deli including Guinness as it was cool enough to enjoy!
I slept like a champ that night after absorbing nature and watching some crazy movie about giant ants eating people and drinking kegs like beer wine. I was rolling! We had a nice synergy going where I made hearty mountain area ingredient pancakes that morning and my power plus one cooked a very tasty scratch spaghetti dinner. That morning we woke up more leisurely and had time to go explore the area at our own pace with no real itinerary so here’s what we got into…
Make sure to take a day to play and explore in New Hampshire! We just went on a whim to where the wind was blowing – and the sun was shining to North Conway, Bethlehem and Littleton which is actually quite large and a place to return to for sure. Lunch one day was at Black Cap Grille with a lobster (pronounced lobstah) roll and pastrami sandwich, grabbing a last minute discount hoodie at Hanes outlet at North Conway Village for shopping, poking through tiny one street Bethlehem at the most delicious vegetarian cafe at The Maia Papaya to finding the coolest store Baba Yaga in Littleton. A Slavic folklore character, Baba Yaga’s rejection of societal norms and her embodiment of feminine power and emancipation has led to her being portrayed in modern media as a source of wisdom and power, rather than evil. I most certainly can identify with that!
The first thing I noticed was this architectural gem in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.And these beautiful Victorian houses in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.The cutest tiny town you’ll ever see in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. A lot of shops are not open early in the week and limited summer hours.I think I found my people in Bethlehem, New Hampshire!This Barbie dream house is just stunning in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.A little walkabout further down the street in Bethlehem, New Hampshire with an antique shop full of goodies I’m guessing.In my own habitat, I always want to support mom and pops in Bethlehem, New Hampshire which led us here.The cutest little place which I learned is just a mom no pop in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Quiche is an East Coast favorite in Bethlehem, New Hampshire and everything here is vegetarian.I got a pesto & cheese panini stuffed with veggies in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. It was soooooo good!My guest was fascinated with the Jewish culture in Bethlehem, New Hampshire where the New York City flock congregates.So we peaked inside where guests are allowed… I think in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Religious teachings of the Jewish faith in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.We met a Jewish family outside who did not want to be photographed and told us most come in the summer and live right next door in a massive apartment complex in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Next on our road trip was Bethlehem, New Hampshire.This space was not looking little at all in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Even this apartment office is adorable in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.The main street in Bethlehem, New Hampshire is actually quite large in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.The church that really stands out against the blue sky in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.And from the front corner in Bethlehem, New Hampshire in classic New England style.A peak down the street in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.I’m guessing this place is poppin on the weekends at night in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. This guy was waving hello!A very cool mural in Bethlehem, New Hampshire that leads to the river walk.The shop that caught our eye and vibes in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.But first we got drawn into this rad shop in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.I learned all about Baba Yaga which my guest told me all about in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.It’s giving occult vibes in Bethlehem, New Hampshire or all places!There it is, the magic and witchcraft element in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.This amazing art flanked a whole wall and was trippy yet stunning in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Soon we walked down to the end of the main street in Bethlehem, New Hampshire and there wasn’t much else but the courthouse.So we headed down the river walk in Bethlehem, New Hampshire and were met with these beautiful vibrant flowers.Just stunning with the sky that day in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Loving on this old walkway tunnel in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.A view of the entrance in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.And views of walking inside it in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Views to the right in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.Views to the left in Bethlehem, New Hampshire which is now a brewery.When I have more time to explore, Schilling Beer Co. will be a great place to have lunch and some beer in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.On the way back to the Owl Roost, we stopped on a random pull off space and caught these river views right down the street.The urge to float in that water like I did as a child was strong in New Hampshire! Looks like I may have to return…
