The White Mountains near North Conway offer some of New England’s most invigorating waterfall hikes, where rushing water commands attention and forests lean close, inviting exploration. This guide highlights two standout trails—Sable Falls and Arethusa Falls—each distinct in character yet equally rewarding for hikers eager to engage with nature’s powerful rhythms.

Start with the Sable Falls hike, an accessible 0.5-mile loop that climbs gently 100 feet through stands of fir and maple. The trail presses tightly along the rocky brook, which pushes relentlessly over granite steps, daring you to keep pace. Expect a sturdy but straightforward path with wooden stairs and a handrail protecting slippery edges. The waterfall itself bursts over a rocky cliff, sending cool spray into the air—a refreshing reward after a brief ascent. This trail is ideal for families or anyone seeking a quick taste of the White Mountains’ water-carved wonders.

For a more vigorous challenge, Arethusa Falls awaits about 3.7 miles from Lower Falls Road. This 3.2-mile round trip stretches uphill through dense northern hardwoods, gaining 850 feet in elevation. The terrain becomes rockier and steeper, with roots gripping the earth as tightly as you’ll need to. The forest here hums with wind-sifted leaves and the call of distant ravens. Arethusa Falls commands respect; it’s New Hampshire’s tallest single-drop waterfall at 140 feet, her curtains of water crashing fiercely into the pool below, swirling with relentless energy. Allow extra time for steady, thoughtful pacing and watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet.

Both hikes benefit from early starts to avoid afternoon crowds and to catch the light as it filters through the canopy, edging toward golden hues near dusk. Hydrate frequently; even short hikes in this terrain can draw energy fast. Sturdy boots with grippy soles will help you navigate slick rocks and uneven ground.

Pack a small daypack with water, a basic first aid kit, and weather-appropriate layers—mountain conditions can change abruptly. Keep a camera or smartphone ready but stay present; here the waterfalls aren’t just views, they’re living forces drawing you into their flow.

Whether you opt for the gentle approach of Sable Falls or the demanding ascent to Arethusa Falls, you’ll discover landscapes that are fiercely themselves—unchanged by time, shaped by endless currents, daring you to engage fully and respectfully. These hikes are more than walks; they’re meetings with nature at full volume, practical in challenge but rich in reward.