Dry Brook Waterfalls, Franconia Notch – With spring officially here, many are making plans to photograph waterfalls in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Today, I am going to introduce to you three waterfalls in Franconia Notch that may interest you. You may not recognize the name “Dry Brook”. But once you view the included images you will realize that two well known waterfalls in the White Mountains are on it.
These are not roadside waterfalls, and a photographer must hike up the Falling Waters Trail in Franconia Notch to reach them. Be forewarned, the terrain is very rugged, and only ones who are comfortable hiking in rough terrain should venture to these waterfalls. I hate making these comments but feel obligated to.
The first waterfall and my favorite of the Dry Brook falls along the Falling Waters Trail is Stairs Falls (above). It is a small, but unique waterfall that can be photographed from a few vantage points. A photographer will have a great time with this one. If short on time these falls make for a great destination.
The second waterfall on Dry Brook is Swiftwater Falls (above). This waterfall is located just above Stairs Falls in the area of where Falling Waters Trail crosses Dry Brook. And it is often overlooked because the only time it is picturesque is after heavy rains and during spring snow-melt. A photographer will be able to find interesting perspectives of this waterfall, but I think a straight on view is the most powerful.
The final and most impressive waterfall on Dry Brook is Cloudland Falls (above). This waterfall is located above Swiftwater Falls along the Falling Waters Trail. Even though Cloudlands Falls is the biggest of the Dry Brook falls, photographers get frustrated when trying to compose shots of it because of the distracting blowdowns that line the brook.
Cloudland Falls is the last named waterfall on Dry Brook. But if you continue up Falling Waters Trail, you will find a few more cascades (above) to photograph. The trail does get rougher above Cloudland Falls, and if you are carrying a lot of camera gear, it can be tricky. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can photograph Walker Brook Cascades on your way back to the trailhead.
To license any of the above images for usage in publications, click on the image. And you can view more images of the waterfalls along this brook here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.