As you will begin to observe while sampling the waterfalls in this region, each New England state has its own peculiarities. A wide variety of experiences can  be had as you move from state to state. As you will see below, the waterfalls of each state offer the enthusiast great variety in hiking terrain, geological structure, biological environments, and water characteristics.

Connecticut

Approximately half the Connecticut waterfalls described in this guide are under the protection of the state park system or other nonprofit organizations such as The Nature Conservancy. As a result, these waterfalls are often located in parks that also have  picnic facilities. Many of these sites are furnished with picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms and ample parking. The enforcement of state park rules and regulations has kept most areas clean and prevented the sites from becoming local party zones. 

Connecticut’s lack of mountainous topography does tend to result in more seasonal falls. To ensure a flowing waterfall, it is best to plan your visit before the dry spells of summer (in other words, before mid-July) or after a rainstorm.

Maine

Large sections of Maine remain relatively undeveloped. Vast expanses of wilderness can be found throughout the state, but primarily in the northern half. These wildernesses harbor remote waterfalls yet to be publicly documented or even discovered. The best chance for discovering your own private New England waterfall has to be in the state of Maine. Wildlife sightings are also more common in this state because of the lack of development.

Expect long backcountry roads when reaching some of the trailheads for the waterfalls of Maine described in this guide. Low-clearance vehicles may not be able to access the formal trailhead parking areas. Make sure to see individual descriptions for more information. Some waterfalls do not even have a trailhead; more than a dozen popular waterfalls in Maine are accessible only by canoe. These waterfalls were omitted from this guide, but we still recommend visiting them if you enjoy lengthy canoe, kayaking, or whitewater rafting trips.

Maine may be the northernmost state of New England, but its swimming holes still manage to warm to refreshing temperatures with the sun’s rays in summer. These swimming spots are very popular, both with local residents and among visitors from other states.

Some waterfalls require you to pay entrance fees. Public reserved lands, such as the KI Jo-Mary Multiple Use Forest, require a modest entrance fee. Baxter State Park, the home of Mount Katahdin and dozens of scenic waterfalls, also requires a fee for out-of-state residents.

Massachusetts

Waterfalls are few and far between in Massachusetts, making it difficult to visit more than a few in a day. The Berkshire region, where the bulk of waterfalls in this state can be found, is the only place where you can visit multiple waterfalls in a day.

Very few waterfalls in this state have swimming holes. Similar to Connecticut, most waterfalls are either located within the state park system or managed by organizations. The Trustees of Reservation, a nonprofit group dedicated to “preserving the Massachusetts landscape,” has made a great effort to preserve several waterfall sites.

New Hampshire

It is no surprise that the majority of waterfalls in New Hampshire are found in or near the White Mountain National Forest. The high peaks of the White Mountains create hundreds of permanent and seasonal waterfalls. Within the last decade the White Mountain National Forest adopted a per-car fee for many of the trailhead parking lots. This fee, $3 in 2002, is used for maintenance of trails and roads, as well as related expenses. Other waterfalls in this region have become commercialized and are more costly to visit.

This guide’s longest, most challenging hikes with the greatest elevation gains are found in New Hampshire. Unlike other states, many trips to waterfalls in New Hampshire can be extended by continuing farther on the trail to mountain summits, remote ponds and lakes, wilderness areas, and some of the finest scenic vistas in New England.

New Hampshire also offers backpacking opportunities, some of the coldest waterfall swimming holes, colorful foliage, and some of the tallest waterfalls in New England.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is not gifted with waterfalls like the other states. Our research indicates that Rhode Island only has one waterfall worthy of your attention. Perhaps there is still a waterfall or two to be discovered, which may end up in future editions of this guide.

Vermont

Avid hikers may be left unsatisfied with the waterfall trips in Vermont; the majority of falls are roadside attractions or require hikes of less than 0.5 mile. The waterfalls in this state are more likely to please swimmers and those who are unable to hike long distances.

Many of Vermont’s waterfalls have been partially altered or ruined altogether by dams created through hydroelectric projects and power stations. As a result, locals are actively protective of the waterfalls left in their natural state. The Vermont River Conservancy is one organization fighting to purchase and protect the lands that waterfalls lie on.

Vermont is home to the finest swimming holes known among New England waterfalls. Warm, refreshing, and clean, the swimming holes naturally attract a slew of visitors during summer months. The translucent emerald-green color, so familiar in tropical waterfalls, creates lovely pools. Always carry your bathing suit and towel; you will surely need them.