Obscure and unspoiled – Winneweta Falls

Almost unvisited, this is really unique waterfall.

Trail into Winneweta Falls

The trailhead is an obscure little pull-off on the west side of Route 16 just North of Jackson Village. I’m sure most people have zipped right by this brown and yellow trail sign. Right out of the car you’ll have to cross The Ellis River, so make sure you’re willing to get your feet wet. From there the trail heads North onto the Jackson Ski Touring Nordic Trails. A moderate climb uphill leads to the first glimpse of the falls, modest by most standards but quite unique in its geology.

Made up of petite shelves, this 80 or so foot waterfall has a wedding cake like look to it. At the top the Miles Brook squeezes into a gentle granite notch then plunges down onto the steps below.  If you feel like exploring futher up the river either head up along the trail or bushwack uphill following pools and small drops that, in the spring time are draped with purple and white Violets. Thanks to the small number of visitors this is one of the least impacted waterfalls this close to the road, and Jackson.

The top of Winneweta Falls

Like many of the other falls spread throughout the Mount Washington Valley this one was a favorite for many of the victorian hikers back in the day.  Both above and below the falls are a multitude of smaller pools worth exploring, the nicest being right upstream from the main falls. A small arc of frothy water sprays into a long slender poll filling a cleft in the bedrock as deep as 8 feet.

Be sure to tread softly along the banks and stream to keep the ferns, violets and other delicate plant life as pristine as it was before you showed up.