Hiking in New Hampshire is the best way to clear your head and get back to yourself. But not all hikes need to lead to self-improvement. Some can simply be enjoyed for the sake of having fun! These are the ones with fun features and destinations that offer things you won’t find anywhere else. If these are the outdoor endeavors for you, you’ll want to try this beauty of a trail!
Thompson Falls, located in the White Mountains, can be found on a 1.5-mile hike that makes for one of our favorite day trips.
iip-photo-archive / Flickr
The Thompson Falls Trail is extra-special because finding it requires a bit of investigation! The trailhead can be accessed at the base of Wildcat Mountain Ski Area in Gorham.
Seiko Ono / alltrails.com
The trail was created in 2011 making the waterfall acccessible to those in search of it. It’s hard to believe that before this time, it was just about hidden.
Thomas Lubanski / alltrails.com
Today, it’s still a bit hidden unless you know what you’re looking for. Once you’ve arrived at the ski area’s parking lot, make your way to the main building and the small staircase headed towards the river. At the river you’ll see the sign marking the start of the trail.
Hilary Prizer / alltrails.com
The start of the route is open, but it soon enters the shaded woods.
giuliana carpentieri / alltrails.com
Signage here is relatively clear and easy to follow.
Nick Hebditch / alltrails.com
The waterfall features seven tiers and the overall cascade-style drop is about 150-feet.
Wildcat Mountain / Facebook
Just after a heavy rain you should be able to hear the waterfall as you approach it.
alan48 / Flilckr
In the summer we love slipping into the swimming hole the sits just beneath the falls.
Gorham New Hampshire / Facebook
If the weather isn’t quite warm enough, you can simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the New Hampshire woods.
Jianxin Zhang / alltrails.com This is one of those spots that will remind you just how lucky you are to be here! Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfall, simply pack up and turn around to head back to the trailhead and the ski area parking lot. it’s as simple as that!
The Thompson Falls Trail can be enjoyed all year long, but we like it best in the summer and fall. If you hate to leave the dogs at home you’ll especially love that they’re welcome to come along on this adventure. Just be sure to keep them on a leash. You can learn more about the route by checking out this page on alltrails.com.
iip-photo-archive / Flickr
Seiko Ono / alltrails.com
Thomas Lubanski / alltrails.com
Hilary Prizer / alltrails.com
giuliana carpentieri / alltrails.com
Nick Hebditch / alltrails.com
Wildcat Mountain / Facebook
alan48 / Flilckr
Gorham New Hampshire / Facebook
Jianxin Zhang / alltrails.com
This is one of those spots that will remind you just how lucky you are to be here! Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfall, simply pack up and turn around to head back to the trailhead and the ski area parking lot. it’s as simple as that!
If you like the idea of this hike there are more places to enjoy a mountain swim. You can swim underneath a waterfall at this refreshing natural pool in New Hampshire!
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Address: Thompson Falls, Hale’s Location, NH 03812, USA
