Best trails near Stairs Falls
4.6(19,211 reviews)
Want to check out Stairs Falls from the trail? Good news: 5 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 10 scenic trails in the Stairs Falls area. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Looking for a challenge? Choose from 5 moderate or hard routes. No matter how you like to get out in nature, the trails through Stairs Falls are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(16005)
•Hard
•8.6 mi
This extremely popular hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is one of the best day hikes in the area for a variety of reasons. Beginning near the Lafayette Campground in Franconia Notch State Park, this great hike offers some of the best views in New England! As a bonus, you will ascend three peaks including the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range - Mount Lafayette.
You’ll start along the Falling Waters Trail and walk by Stairs Falls and then the larger Cloudland Falls....
2
3
(578)
•Hard
•6.9 mi
•Est. 5h 35m
Head towards the Falling Waters Trail which heads uphill and crosses a brook and passes Stairs Falls and Swiftwater Falls. You will pass more cascades before arriving at the Franconia Ridge Trail at Little Haystack Mountain. Follow the ridge over to Mount Lincoln before retracing the same route back down to the start point.
4
(507)
•Hard
•10.4 mi
•Est. 7h 9m
Hiking counterclockwise, you will begin with a flat stretch of trail following the bike path. Once you arrive at Falling Waters Trail you begin to climb towards Haystack. The ridge crosses four summits before heading down towards Greenleaf Hut. Reservations must be made through the AMC in advance if you wish to stay overnight at the hut.
5
(14)
•Hard
•17.1 mi
•Est. Multi-day
This loop summits five peaks on either side of Franconia Notch:
1) North Kinsman
2) Mount Lafayette
3) Mount Lincoln
4) Little Haystack
5) Mount Liberty
Expect incredible views along the way on a clear day. You will pass the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut which is open during the summer months. Anyone wishing to stay there needs to make reservations through the AMC ahead of time, but hikers are welcome to stop in.
Trail reviews for Stairs Falls
Not a easy trail. It took us 9 hours with frequent stops and rests. Counterclockwise is easier.
Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot
Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop
Trail head to Cloudland Falls was a moderate hike in the rain, well worth a bit of sweat. Just about an hour there and back.
Difficulty: Moderate
Little Haystack via Falling Waters Trail
BE PREPARED FOR THE RIDGE. It was about 50°F when I went, but as low as -2° at the summit, as well as lots of snow, zero visibility, and very slippery rocks. I took the falling waters trail up and went down old bridle path, you’ll see a lot of cool waterfalls and do some rock scrambling before reaching the ridge. Super fun hike but definitely check the conditions before you go!
Mount Lincoln via Little Haystack Mountain
Incredible trail! Tough going at times, an endurance trail, but what views! Today was 60°, no wind... I only wore a tank top on the ridge. No need for microspikes or even a jacket. You can see 360° all of New Hampshire, with mountains beyond mountains undulating away. It's a magical climb with everything: waterfalls, rocks, roots, ridges.
Conditions: Muddy
Parking: Free, Large lot
Difficulty: Hard
Well built trail, beautiful views, not muddy.
Liberty, Haystack, Lincoln, and North Kinsman Mountain Loop
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails near Stairs Falls?
There are plenty of things to do on hiking trails near Stairs Falls. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 5 hiking trails, and more.
Where is the best place to hike near Stairs Falls?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike near Stairs Falls is Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop, which has a 4.8 star rating from 16,005 reviews. This trail is 8.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,815 ft.
What is the longest trail near Stairs Falls?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail near Stairs Falls is Liberty, Haystack, Lincoln, and North Kinsman Mountain Loop. This trail is estimated to be 17.1 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain near Stairs Falls?
Stairs Falls: With an ascent of 6,725 ft, Liberty, Haystack, Lincoln, and North Kinsman Mountain Loop has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Mount Lafayette, North Lincoln, and Little Haystack Loop with 3,943 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail near Stairs Falls?
The most popular and difficult trail near Stairs Falls is Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop with a 4.8-star rating from 16005 reviews.