Best Scenic Waterfall Hikes Near North Conway: Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls Explored
Discover two of North Conway’s top waterfall hikes—Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls—where forest trails meet rushing waters. Perfect for all skill levels, these scenic spots provide invigorating adventures with clear trail info, seasonal tips, and practical advice to help you plan your escape in the White Mountains.
Wear slip-resistant footwear
Both trails cross wet, rocky terrain that can get slippery, especially near the waterfalls. Hiking shoes or boots with good grip will keep you safe.
Bring enough water
Although these hikes are short, they require steady effort. Carry at least one liter per person and extra on warm days for hydration.
Start early or late
To avoid crowds and experience softer natural lighting perfect for photos, plan your hike around early mornings or late afternoons.
Respect marked trails
Stay on established paths to protect fragile plant life and reduce erosion, especially at Glen Ellis Falls where steep areas are sensitive.
Best Scenic Waterfall Hikes Near North Conway: Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls Explored
North Conway invites you to step into two dynamic worlds where water shapes the journey. Diana’s Baths offers a brief but rewarding stroll along a brook that dares you to linger, its stepped pools catching sunlight through the leaves. This 1.3-mile out-and-back trail holds gentle elevation changes, weaving forest and rock with smooth paths and occasional roots that remind you to watch your footing. The cool currents push forward over smooth granite, creating cascading pools perfect for a summer stop or a refreshing break.
A short drive away, Glen Ellis Falls challenges you with a slightly steeper walk. The trail stretches about 1.2 miles with a 200-foot elevation gain amid hemlocks and birches that arch overhead like old guardians. Here, the Waterfall Trail leads you to a striking 64-foot drop where the cold, roaring water charges into the rocky basin below. The terrain can be slippery near the overlook, demanding sturdy footwear and attentive steps. Both hikes offer the chance to engage with water’s force—one playful and accessible, the other raw and commanding.
Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to catch soft light on the falls and avoid peak crowds. Bring enough water—these hikes might be short but they ask for quick bursts of effort, especially on Glen Ellis Falls. Footwear with good grip is essential as both paths cross damp surfaces and uneven earth. For families or casual hikers, Diana’s Baths provides a manageable introduction with pockets of shaded rest spots. Those ready to press a bit harder will find Glen Ellis Falls rewarding—a brief climb with views that hold the power of the wild White Mountain streams.
In every season, these spots display unique moods. Spring rains swell the waterfalls, summer invites cool wading near the pools, fall colors frame the rushing water, and winter transforms the cascades into shimmering ice sculptures if you’re up for snowy trails. Respect the environment and stay on marked paths; the surrounding ecosystem is fiercely alive and demands thoughtful passage.
Together, Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls offer accessible encounters with nature’s force and beauty—two adventures close to North Conway's doorstep, inviting you to move with the water and feel the landscape’s pulse.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails to Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls?
Yes, dogs are allowed on both trails but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect local wildlife and other hikers. Bring water and watch for ticks.
Is swimming permitted at Diana’s Baths?
Swimming is allowed in the pools at Diana’s Baths during warm months, but be cautious of slippery rocks and cold water temperatures. Avoid swimming near the falls where currents are stronger.
What are the parking options for these hikes?
Both trailheads have designated parking areas. Diana’s Baths parking lot fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early is advised. Glen Ellis Falls parking is smaller and less crowded but also fills up during peak seasons.
Are these hikes family-friendly?
Diana’s Baths is suitable for families with children due to its gentle terrain and short distance. Glen Ellis Falls is better for older kids and adults comfortable with moderate elevation and uneven ground.
Can you see wildlife on these hikes?
Expect to sight songbirds, chipmunks, and occasionally deer. Early mornings and fall are great times to observe local fauna, but always keep a respectful distance.
Is the Glen Ellis Falls overlook wheelchair accessible?
No, the trail to Glen Ellis Falls is not wheelchair accessible due to natural terrain and elevation changes. Diana’s Baths has some accessible viewing areas closer to the parking lot.
Recommended Gear
Hiking shoes with good traction
Necessary to navigate slippery rocks and uneven terrain safely on both trails.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Ensures you stay hydrated throughout the hike, especially in warm weather.
Insect repellent
Helps protect against mosquitoes and biting insects common during summer months.
Traction cleats or microspikes
Recommended for icy or snowy conditions, particularly on the Glen Ellis Falls trail.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "A small boulder field just past Diana’s Baths offers quiet spots for reflection away from the crowds."
- "Look for a quiet nook behind the upper cascade at Glen Ellis Falls for a different waterfall perspective."
Wildlife
- "Black-capped chickadees sing along the trails, and eastern brook trout lurk beneath the water’s surface."
- "Keep an eye out for barred owls at dusk near Glen Ellis Falls."
History
"Diana’s Baths was historically a local picnic and swimming spot dating back to early 1900s tourism in the White Mountains. Glen Ellis Falls is named after early settlers who farmed in the area, marking the landscape’s change from agriculture to conservation."