Hiking to Glen Ellis Falls in the White Mountain National Forest

The hike to Glen Ellis Falls is short in distance but features tremendous scenery.  The trailhead is off Route 16 in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. 

The Ellis River, which feeds the falls, begins its downward flow from the eastern slopes of Mount Washington. Near Glen, New Hampshire, the river flows into the Saco River, which meanders through Maine on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Hiking Glen Ellis Falls

I pulled into the parking lot mid-morning on a wet, late summer day. With some luck, a downpour gave way to scattered sunshine as I hit the trail. The entire hike is about a half mile. A set of somewhat steep stairs lead towards an overlook of the falls. 

Glen Ellis Falls tumbles about 64 feet and is nothing short of spectacular.  The weather may have kept others away when I was there because I did not see another person in the hour or so it took to visit. The Ellis River flowed nicely because of the recent rainfall, making the falls an even prettier sight.  I was so happy I took the time to stop here. I got the impression from talking to some locals at Mount Washington that this was a must see highlight in the area that is often overlooked.

If you are in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, I highly recommend visiting the beautiful Glen Ellis Falls.