Crawford Notch State Park: Water Falls!

CROWFORD NOTCH STATE PARK

Bemis Brook and Fawn Falls, Harts Location, New Hampshire - Though Arethusa Falls draws the majority of attention along Bemis Brook, there are two smaller waterfalls which can be accessed in route to (or from) the much larger attraction. Bemis Brook Falls is the middle falls along its namesake stream, and the larger of the two additional waterfalls below Arethusa. The falls are composed of four individual stair-steps which drop consecutively for a total of about 30 feet. The fourth and largest of the tiers is separated a bit further from the other three drops, and as such is a bit more difficult to photograph but the trailside vistas of the falls allow easy viewing of the whole series of falls. FMI

AT LARGE in America: video brief

Arethusa Falls, Harts Location, New Hampshire -

Discounting the seasonal/ephemeral waterfalls, our research indicates that Arethusa Falls is the single longest drop in New England. However, its height is of great controversy. We have come across sources stating that Arethusa is anywhere from 125 feet tall to "well over 200 feet in height". Several other sources believe the falls to be about 160 feet, with which we tend to agree.

This multi-tiered plunge appears to fall from the sky. From the trail and the bottom viewpoints, you cannot see anything above the falls, aside from a few trees on the side of the river. What you do see is a peaceful and heavenly expression of Bemis Brook. The streams of water range from extremely powerful during high water run off times to hundreds of trickles during prolonged draughts. The gracefulness of the falls for the most the summer is what makes this waterfall a must-visit.

Over the years, we have seen many inexperienced hikers struggle on the trail just to have the chance to see Arethusa Falls. They may be exhausted along the trail, but we have never seen anything short of a relieved smile at the waterfall. Everyone appears deeply content when they finally reach the falls. Arethusa Falls becomes, in a nutshell, a job well done for all who witness its elegant beauty. This is also one waterfall you will not want to miss during peak fall foliage. FMI