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Frankenstein Cliffs and Arethusa Falls Loop

Distance:
5.2 Miles / 8.4 km
Type:
Loop
Difficulty:
Moderate
Time to Hike:
2 hours, ~36 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Park:
Crawford Notch State Park
Town:
Hart's Location, New Hampshire
Directions:
44.148501, -71.366596
Added:
February 04, 2020
Updated:
February 10, 2020

The Frankenstein Cliffs and Arethusa Falls Loop at Crawford Notch State Park near Hart's Location, New Hampshire is a moderate to difficult 5.2-mile loop hike that features stunning vistas from the Frankenstein Cliffs and includes a stop at the massive 140-foot tall waterfall, Arethusa Falls.

This hike has a little bit of everything, a 140-foot waterfall, great views of the White Mountains, cliffs, and a railroad bridge. In the winter (my favorite time to do this hike) you can check out the frozen waterfall and the ice coming off the cliffs. It's also a popular spot for ice climbing, so I like watching ice climbers scale the frozen waterfall.

You'll get a decent workout hiking up to the falls, then again heading up to the cliffs, but overall there's not a ton of mileage. Hikers should note that hiking this trail clockwise, or as shown in the GPS track here, is easier than counter-clockwise because of the steeper elevation change near the Frankenstein Cliffs.

I would say it's doable for older kids, and I saw plenty on the trail. I would recommend wearing traction if you do this trail in the winter, and unless there's a lot of fresh snow, you won't need snowshoes.

Difficulty
This hike should be considered moderate to difficult depending on your skill level and direction that you hike this trail. If hiked clockwise, the trail is certainly moderate, but if hiked counter-clockwise, the trail will likely be more difficult.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.

Parking
There are two parking areas - a lower one, right next to the main road, and another one further up the hill on Arethusa Falls Road. The coordinates provided will bring you to the lower parking lot.

Railroad Danger
Please note that this trail brings hikers along the Conway Scenic Railroad tracks. During the winter, the scenic train has a very infrequent schedule, but that does not mean that the train does not come barreling down these tracks. Hikers should be aware that there is a trail that runs adjacent to these railroad tracks and hikers should use this trail instead of hiking along the tracks for obvious reasons. Hike at your own risk.

Other Warnings
Hikers should be aware of a few things before heading out to explore the Frankenstein Cliffs and Arethusa Falls. During the winter, ice, snow, and melting water can make this trail dangerous especially near the waterfall and cliff's edge. Hikers should bring ice spikes or some sort of traction for their feet to ensure a safer hike.

Explore 13 trails near Hart's Location, NH
  1. Parking

    44.148501, -71.366596
  2. Main Trailhead

    44.148452, -71.36673
  3. Point-of-Interest

    44.148979, -71.388434
    Point-of-Interest
  4. Vista point from the trail

    44.153147, -71.372875
    Vista point from the trail
  5. Arethusa Falls frozen over in Winter 2020

    44.146747, -71.39235
    Arethusa Falls frozen over in Winter 2020
  6. Climable ice fall

    44.155498, -71.368558
    Climable ice fall
  7. Vista from the top of Frankenstein Cliffs

    44.15263, -71.371826
    Vista from the top of Frankenstein Cliffs
  8. Point-of-Interest

    44.155143, -71.366405
    Point-of-Interest
  9. Vista from the top of Frankenstein Cliffs

    44.152596, -71.371812
    Vista from the top of Frankenstein Cliffs
  10. Climbable ice fall in winter

    44.155493, -71.368593
    Climbable ice fall in winter
Explore other trail routes for this hike, added by the MyHikes Community via Trip Reports.
No community routes found. To add your own route as a Community Route for this Trail guide, please leave a Trip Report with a GPX file on this Trail.

Hazards

Ticks - Lyme Disease More Info (CDC)
Rockfalls / Ledges / or Scrambles

Seasons

All

Blaze Color

Blue

Blaze Dot

Yellow
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1,364 '

Total Change
1,863 '

Ascent
1,768 '

Descent

Photo Albums

1 Trip Report

No Star-Ratings
Write-up by:
nikkiseeseverything user profile picture
5.2 miles / 8.4 km
Trail added
February 04, 2020
Hiked on
February 02, 2020
Updated on
February 10, 2020

Weather Forecast

In Hart's Location, NH

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