The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail passes two picturesque sets of falls before clambering above tree-line and landing at the doorstep of the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut, one of eight backcountry huts offering hiking accommodations and meals in the White Mountains. For most hikers, the falls and hut will be used as places to catch their breath before tackling the mighty Mt. Washington. The first falls reached are seen directly from the trail. This small set of cascades is seen on your right at the distant end of a frigid pool named Gem Pool. Further up, a spur trail will lead you right and slightly downhill to a commanding view of the upper falls, which are split into two sections about 50 feet apart. From this position, the upper falls appear to consist of a 100-foot drop into deep pools of water. The true total drop of the falls is hundreds more, but scrambling to find them is just not an option here; starting at Gem Pool, the terrain along the trail is notoriously steep. Some estimate the total drop to be 600 or 700 feet. Although we have not experienced all routes to the summit of Mt. Washington, we doubt we will find another access trail to this mountain that we will enjoy more than the waterfall-packed Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.

The trail to the falls begins near the restrooms and immediately enters the woods. Follow the gently climbing trail for 1.0 mile and you will reach a junction with a path that leads left to the Cog Railway base station. Stay straight here and continue hiking, mostly uphill, for 1.1 additional miles and you will see Gem Pool, a pretty emerald pool at the base of a small cascade on your right. The trail to this point has been moderate, but in order to reach the more impressive upper falls, you will have to travel on rougher and steeper terrain. To continue, cross the stream in front of Gem Pool and continue climbing for 0.2 miles further, at which point you will reach a spur trail on your right. Take this spur trail, and in about 200 feet, you will reach the upper falls often called The Gorge.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

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