Thompson Falls

A short hike to a series of classic White Mountain cascades 
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
0.70 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Pinkham's Grant (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The trail coincides with the Way of the Wildcat Nature Trail as it begins and travels along the Peabody River. After about 0.2 miles, the Way of the Wildcat nature trails loops back to the trailhead to the right and the Thompson Falls Trail continues to the left along the river until it turns upward to follow Thompson Brook. The trail crosses a ski area access road and continues along the brook. Just over half a mile into the hike, the trail reaches the lower Thompson falls, a lovely cascade with a pool below, which can be accessed by a short side trail on hiker's left.

The trail continues up a steep granite face then crosses the brook before continuing upward. Pay close attention to the yellow blazes designating the trail as it is easy to lose the trail as it crosses the brook. The trail follows along Thompson Brook as it creates a series of cascades and rapids for the next 0.1 mile to the point where the trail ends. This section of trail is much steeper than the rest of the trail. 

Other Information

Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:

  • With knowledge and gear
  • To leave your plans
  • To stay together
  • To turn back
  • For emergencies
  • To share the hiker code with others.

 Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!

Trail Manager

For more information, visit the White Mountain National Forest website or contact:

White Mountain National Forest: Androscoggin Ranger District

White Mountain National Forest: Androscoggin Ranger District
300 Glen Road
Gorham, NH 03581-1399
Phone: (603) 466-2713 x 0
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for extreme weather. Bring rain/wind gear, warm clothing, and matches/fire starters.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From Gorham, take NH-16 south for 9.7 miles to Wildcat Mountain Ski Area and park in the main lot. From the Village of Jackson at junction of NH-16 and NH-16A, go north on NH-16 for 9.9 miles and then turn right into the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area parking lot.

To get to the trailhead, use the boardwalk to walk around the ski lodge. Turn left. The Thompson Falls Trailhead starts in the trees on the left and coincides with the Way of the Wildcat Nature Trail. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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