Hike to Arethusa Falls

Come join Don and myself for a hike Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliffs. Arethusa Falls is the highest waterfall in New Hampshire plunging more then 200 feet and Frankenstein Cliffs over great views of Crawford Notch. Our hike starts from the Arethusa Falls parking lot located off of Route 302, west of Bartlett.  The trip will proceed from the parking area and hike parallel to the Maine Central Railroad tracks (which are used by an excursion train from North Conway to the Crawford notch visitor center).  The trail then passes under the railroad trestle and proceeds up to Frankenstein Cliffs.  The trail ascends via switchbacks, steeply in places, with gravely footing (which can be slippery if wet). When we reach Frankenstein Cliffs we’ll stop for lunch and admire the views south through the notch. After lunch we’ll continue onto Arethusa Falls. The terrain becomes flatter is a slight incline and as we get close to the Arethusa Falls the descent begins.  The second stop will be at the Falls allowing the group to take in the beauty of the cascading waterfall.  After the break we’ll descend back to the parking area via the Arethusa Falls trail (which is moderate in slope and has good footing).  Total distance is about 5 miles and total vertical 1200 feet.