Pros & cons
PROS
- Short, rewarding hike with continuous cascades along Cascade Brook
- Three-tier waterfall with photogenic granite and clear pools
CONS
- Rocky, rooty footing with a brook crossing that can be tricky in high water
- Views are somewhat limited unless you scramble to a nearby ledge
Overview
Rocky Glen Falls is a three-tier, roughly 37-foot cascade on Cascade Brook, tucked above The Basin. It’s also called “Upper Falls.” The draw here is the variety: polished granite, tight chutes, and small plunge pools framed by dense forest.
Getting There
Park at The Basin’s lots off I‑93 and follow signs to The Basin, then pick up the Basin–Cascade Trail toward Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls. Trail signage is clear, but pay attention near brook crossings.
The Hike
Expect about 0.5 miles to Kinsman Falls and another ~0.5 miles to Rocky Glen Falls, out-and-back on the same rocky, rooty path. You’ll encounter “root ladders,” sections that feel like a creekbed after rain, and a rock‑hopping brook crossing to reach the falls. After wet weather or in spring runoff, that crossing can be hazardous or impassable.
What You’ll See
Cascade Brook is one long gallery of waterworks—unnamed slides, Kinsman Falls’ narrow chute, then Rocky Glen’s tiered drop into clear pools. There’s a close-up viewpoint, but some angles are obscured unless you carefully scramble to nearby ledges. On warm days, shallow spots along the brook are popular for a quick wade.
Geology, Simply Put
This notch is a classic glacial valley. Meltwater and sediment scoured potholes like The Basin below, while tributaries such as Cascade Brook spill from Lonesome Lake, creating hanging‑valley waterfalls like Kinsman and Rocky Glen. Hard granite and weaker intrusions guide where the water cuts slots and ledges.
Best Time to Visit
Open 24 hours, but go early for softer light and fewer people, especially on weekends when The Basin lots fill. Late September to October foliage makes this ravine pop. In winter, shaded ice forms fast—microspikes (and sometimes snowshoes after storms) are smart.
Practicalities
- Parking and pit toilets are at The Basin lots; the northbound lot links via a pedestrian tunnel.
- Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails; keep them leashed.
- If parking is slammed on busy weekends/holidays, a hiker shuttle often runs in the notch—avoid parking along I‑93.
- Bring grippy footwear and be ready to rock‑hop; carry a map or offline app for the junctions.
Where it is
44.1262, -71.6936Tips for Rocky Glen Falls
- 01Start from The Basin lots and follow Basin–Cascade Trail past Kinsman Falls.
- 02Cross Cascade Brook at the signed crossing; it can be hazardous in high water.
- 03Arrive early on weekends—parking fills and the brook crossing is easier with lower flows.
- 04Pack microspikes in late fall through spring; this shaded ravine ices up quickly.
- 05If lots are full, use the weekend/holiday hiker shuttle rather than parking on I‑93.
Amenities
Near Rocky Glen Falls
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayKinsman FallsShort, beautiful cascade with a refreshing pool off The Basin trailParking · Restroom
0.6 mi awayKinsman Pond TrailBrookside climb to a quiet pond, with hut and loop optionsModerate · 2.2 mi · 1.2 hr
0.8 mi awayThe BasinGlacial pothole with rushing cascades just steps from the roadParking · Restroom
0.8 mi awayBasin-Cascades TrailWaterfall ramble from The Basin to Kinsman and Rocky Glen.Moderate · 2.6 mi · 1.8 hr
0.8 mi awayCascade Brook TrailShort, splashy loop of waterfalls and slick granite in the NotchModerate · 2.9 mi · 1.8 hr
1 mi awayLonesome Lake HutLakeside hut with hot meals, views, and a short hike inLodging · Restroom
1 mi awayLonesome LakeSerene tarn with big Franconia Ridge views and a cozy hutTrailhead · Parking
1.2 mi awayFranconia Ridge TrailIconic ridge loop with waterfalls, 360° views, and serious exposure.Challenging · 9.1 mi · 7.5 hr
