- Georgiana and Harvard Falls
Georgiana and Harvard Falls trail is a 2.4 mile out and back trail leading to waterfalls. At the very start of the trail, you will pass beneath two highways. I kept the dogs on-leash for this section, but once we hit the forest, I let my brother’s dog off leash. Bowie has good recall and it is much easier to hike holding one leash then two. The trail starts out lovely through the forest, then gets dicey as you maneuver over boulders along the river and waterfalls. The climb gets harder the higher up you go and even though the boys wanted to keep going, I made them turn around before the last 0.3 miles. They were clearly exhausted, and I still had to get them all the way back down the rocks. The rocks were manageable for Max because he can jump very high, but Bowie struggled to get up and down some boulders, so we would have to go a different route. As you get closer to the top and the waterfalls, it is unclear where the trail is so you are really just climbing up boulders. I found it very difficult with a leash in hand and challenging for the dogs as well. My advice is to do as much climbing as you feel comfortable, but don’t be afraid to call it quits and turn back when it gets to be too much!
2. Sabbaday Falls
This is an easy 0.7 mile out and back trail that leads to Sabbaday Falls. It is one of the most popular hikes on the Kanca Highway and thus parking can be difficult. The trail is only open during the summer and fall. There is a lovely stream leading up to the falls. We encountered five other dogs on this trail, which can be narrow around the falls, so not a great trail to bring your dog if they are not dog/people friendly.
3. Franconia Falls
The Franconia Falls Trail is a 6.9 mile out and back trail that follows the Pemigewasset River to a waterfall. The best part about this waterfall is it forms a natural slide, so this is a common place for swimming and families. The trail itself is flat and easy, it’s just long with 3.5 miles before you reach the falls. We did this hike on a very hot summer day and there were not as many opportunities for Max to jump in the river as I thought there would be. Some of the riverside is up on a cliff and some is blocked by deep brush and forest. There were a few smaller streams along the way that he was able to drink from, but I really wanted him to go for an all-out swim along the trail so that he wouldn’t overheat. By the time we got to the falls, Max was quite hot and exhausted. He went for a swim and then took a nap on the rocks. It was another long walk back to the car. He had a lot of fun, but I would probably do this hike again with him closer to the fall when the temperatures are a bit cooler.
4. The Basin
Basin Cascade Trail is a 2.5 mile out and back trail, famous for its pooling waterfalls and swimming holes. This is a very popular trail and family friendly. Bring water shoes, as there is a creek crossing. Parking can be difficult at busy times.
5. Ripley Falls
Ripley Falls Trail is a 1 mile out and back trail leading to a 100 ft waterfall. This trail is very family-friendly, and we passed a lot of kids, but I was surprised as the kids seemed to struggle with the creek crossing and the scramble down boulders to get down to the falls. The trail is also very narrow, with a steep drop on the side. I was honestly shocked at how many parents brought their kids here. There were multiple dogs at the waterfall when we got there and I honestly felt overstimulated and I think Max did too. There isn’t really anywhere to go, as the falls are surrounded by massive boulders, some of which Max couldn’t even jump up on and he can jump impressively high. To get a view of the falls, you have to be almost in the river itself. One of the dogs was barking incessantly at Max and other dogs, so we were trying to navigate our way around boulders, children, and dogs. We ended up making our way down the river a little bit where it was quieter and having a peaceful, relaxing rest there before making our way back.
6. Lower Falls of the Swift River
This is not a trail, but still a nice stop along the Kancamagus Highway. There is plenty of space along the rocks of the river to explore. Here you can find mini waterfalls and swimming holes all along the river. It can be crowded on hot days during the summer, but the parking lot is a good size and people often don’t stay long as there are no trails.
