Glen Ellis Falls
Swimming hole in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire · Waterfall
Glen Ellis Falls is a waterfall swimming hole. It is near Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. Fee notes: USFS recreation pass or day fee may apply at Pinkham Notch / Glen Ellis parking. Best season: May–October for views.
Typical season: May–October for views
About Glen Ellis Falls
**Glen Ellis Falls** is one of New Hampshire’s most-photographed waterfalls and a top search for **Glen Ellis Falls NH**. but it is primarily a **scenic stop**, not a swimming hole. The Ellis River drops about **64 feet** into a gorge beside Route 16 in **Pinkham Notch**. Use this page for access and safety, then swim at Jackson Falls or other White Mountains swimming holes.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfall
- Water body
- Ellis River
- Fee
- USFS recreation pass or day fee may apply at Pinkham Notch / Glen Ellis parking
- Nearest town
- Pinkham Notch
- State
- New Hampshire
- Coordinates
- 44.24060, -71.25310
- Best season
- May–October for views; spring for strongest flow. Summer weekends fill the lot by late morning.
- Access difficulty
- Easy to moderate — short path with stairs down to the viewing platforms (~0.3 mi round trip).
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Nearby WMNF campgrounds and Pinkham Notch lodging — not at the falls lot.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Waterfall viewing, photography, short hike
- Facilities
- Parking lot and seasonal facilities at the Glen Ellis / Pinkham Notch corridor; check USFS / AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
- Listing last updated
- October 6, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitMay, October for views; spring for strongest flow. Summer weekends fill the lot by late morning.
- AccessEasy to moderate. short path with stairs down to the viewing platforms (~0.3 mi round trip).
- FacilitiesParking lot and seasonal facilities at the Glen Ellis / Pinkham Notch corridor; check USFS / AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
- Camping nearbyNearby WMNF campgrounds and Pinkham Notch lodging. not at the falls lot.
Highlights & features
- Iconic Pinkham Notch waterfall
- Short stairs hike
- Pair with Jackson Falls for swimming
- ~64-foot Ellis River plunge in a hemlock gorge
- High-volume search keyword with viewing-first intent
- Gateway to Wildcat / Tuckerman hiking corridor
How to get there
Drive **NH Route 16** through Pinkham Notch. Turn into the signed **Glen Ellis Falls** parking area. Follow the short paved path and stairs to the viewing platforms. Do not scramble off-trail into the gorge.
Drive **NH Route 16** through Pinkham Notch. Turn into the signed **Glen Ellis Falls** parking area. Follow the short paved path and stairs to the viewing platforms. Do not scramble off-trail into the gorge.
Plan your visit
Budget 30, 45 minutes. Bring a USFS pass if required. For a swim afterward, continue toward Jackson for Jackson Falls rather than entering the Glen Ellis plunge pool.
Access & fees
White Mountain National Forest scenic area. Parking fee/pass rules apply. Swimming at the falls is discouraged. respect postings and barriers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Glen Ellis Falls NH?
In Pinkham Notch on Route 16 between Jackson and Gorham in the White Mountain National Forest. Signed Glen Ellis Falls parking serves the short path to the viewing platforms.
Can you swim at Glen Ellis Falls?
Swimming at the falls and plunge zone is typically discouraged or restricted for safety. Visit for the view, then swim at nearby Jackson Falls or other listed NH river pools.
Do you need a pass for Glen Ellis Falls?
White Mountain National Forest recreation parking often requires a USFS pass or daily self-pay. Confirm current fee rules at the lot kiosk.
How long is the hike to Glen Ellis Falls?
About a 0.3-mile round trip with stairs to the lower viewing area — easy for most visitors who can manage steps.
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Map & location
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.