Winniweta Falls

Length: 1.8 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Easy

Elevation Gain: 310 feet (+50 feet on return)

Rating (click for info): 5/10

Height: 40'

Source: Miles Brook

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Rt. 16 in Jackson, NH. Look for a small pull-off with a hiking sign on the west side of the road 2.8 miles north of the north end of the northern Rt. 16A loop and 6.3 miles south of the entrance to the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge and Pinkham Notch visitor center. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
This cute cascade chain located in a ravine below Rocky Branch Ridge is among the more difficult waterfalls to access, not because it is remote, but because it is separated from the road by the Ellis River. No bridges exist anywhere near the trail, and the Ellis River can be dangerous to cross depending on conditions, leaving Winniweta Falls accessible only during a select time of year. In late summer and fall, as long as there hasn't been a rainy period, the river is shallow and calm enough to wade across without fear (only 1-2 feet deep). This does make for a unique hiking experience, with some amount of planning necessary, including choosing the proper footwear to walk through the water and then make the short hike to the falls. Once you are able to find them, the waterfalls offer some peace and solitude while absorbing the scenery and, since you'll have already crossed the river, the opportunity to splash around in the stony pool below the cascades.

Starting at the pull-off, follow the Winniweta Falls Trail through a clearing and down to the bank of the Ellis River. Wade across, using caution on the round stones and pebbles under the current. On the other side, the narrow pathway heads through another brushy clearing. Stay straight through the intersection with two ski trails, and at 0.3 miles beyond the river, bear left and join one of the ski trails. At this location on the way back, you'll notice a 'do not enter' sign facing the other way. The trail remains level for another 0.1 miles, then approaches Miles Brook briefly before swinging uphill. The trail climbs moderately across the hillside, crossing a minor drainage, climbing some more, and contouring back over to the brook after 0.35 miles. Look on the left side of the trail for an unmarked path leading out to the brook. This will put you right in the middle of the cascades that make up Winniweta Falls. From here you have a cool view over the stream as it churns around it in a deep pothole and cascades down weathered ledge to end at a two-tiered pool at the base. It takes some effort to get down to the base, but if you can find your way around through the woods, you have a nice view looking up at the multi-tiered cascade from the pool. Just above the top of this fall, beyond a bouldery stretch of the brook, is a small gorge formation with a little cascade into it. Upstream from this is another smaller waterfall of similar character to the lowest one but of smaller magnitude. Cascades continue up beyond this, and further exploration can be rewarding. The cross country ski trail continues uphill and parallels the brook past where the official hiking route ends.

Printable directions page