Rocky Glen Falls

Tiered cascade on Cascade Brook with a short, rocky approach

InsideFranconia Notch State Park

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.

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

Tips

Start from The Basin lots and follow Basin–Cascade Trail past Kinsman Falls.
Cross Cascade Brook at the signed crossing; it can be hazardous in high water.
Arrive early on weekends—parking fills and the brook crossing is easier with lower flows.
Pack microspikes in late fall through spring; this shaded ravine ices up quickly.
If lots are full, use the weekend/holiday hiker shuttle rather than parking on I‑93.