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Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff
Destinations:
Arethusa Falls (2000'), Frankenstein Cliff (2150')
Trails:
Arethusa Falls Trail, Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail, Frankenstein Cliff Trail
Region:
NH - Central East
Crawford Notch State Park
Location:
Harts Location, NH
Rating:
Moderate
Features:
Waterfall, cliffs, brook, loop hike
Distance:
4.7 miles
Elevation Gain:
1300 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:
Actual:
2:00
Typical:
3:00
Outing Duration:
Typical:
5:00
Hike Date:
Wednesday, 2/28/2001
Last Updated:
1/20/2008
Weather:
Cold, clear
Author:
Donna Parisi
Route Summary
Follow Arethusa Falls Trail 1.3 miles until it ends at Arethusa Falls. Note that after 0.1 mile, Bemis Brook Trail veers off to the left and rejoins the main trail after a half-mile, providing a rougher route that runs closer to the brook.
From the falls, follow Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail for 1.3 miles where it intersects with Frankenstein Cliff Trail.
Turn right onto Frankenstein Cliff Trail and follow that all the way back to the parking area. Note that after 0.8 mile there will be a nice outlook from an open area.
Place
Split
Miles
Total
Miles
Split
Time
Total
Time
Parking area (1240')
0.0
0.0
0:00
0:00
Arethusa Falls
(2000')
1.3
1.3
0:30
0:30
Jct. Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail/Frankenstein Cliff Trail (2420')
1.3
2.6
Parking area (1240')
2.1
4.7
1:30
2:00
Legend
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Outdoor Learning Ideas
Learn about nature today!
Environ- mental education is
the hands on method of learning about the earth we live on. Learning in nature is a type
of active learning
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learning
. It not only provides knowledge about
nature
, but also works
as physical education
.
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Trail Guide
Winter hike. Started at 8:00 am. It was 10 degrees, cold and clear.
The trail was hard packed to the falls. Snowshoes recommended for Frankenstein Cliff.
Gear - light polypro top and bottom, sock liner/wool-poly blend over, Gortex pants, fleece top, Columbia shell, neck and leg gaitor. Asolo boots packed with snowseal, poly hat, and gortex gloves.
The backpack was warm as toast for the 30 minutes to falls. I watched some ice climbers go up the falls, climbed up the side and slid down (not recommended). Great 2 hour getaway!
Welcome
Welcome hikers, walkers, and snowshoers!
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Driving Directions
The trailhead is located on a spur road off the west side of Rt. 302, 3.4 miles south of the Willey House in Crawford Notch State Park.
Other Notes
Since the above report, the hiking trails have been rerouted a little bit, but should still be easy to follow. The latter part of the Arethusa Falls Trail has been modified: it still ends upon meeting Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail, but now terminates 0.2 mile above the falls instead of directly at the falls. At the junction, descend a spur path to reach the falls.
To get the best views of the falls requires crossing Bemis Brook which can be a challenge in high-water conditions which is ironically the best time to view the 200-foot Arethusa Falls.
The total mileage to do the Arethusa Falls/Frankenstein Cliffs loop is now 4.9 miles instead of 4.7 miles.
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