Gibbs Falls is located in Bean’s Grant NH, which is located in Crawford Notch within the White Mountain National Forest.
Gibbs Falls has a 35 foot total drop, not a very steep waterfall but more of a small cascade.
Directions to Gibbs Falls: Rt. 302 across the street from the Appalachian Mountain Club in Carroll NH you will see a large sign for Crawford Path. Enter there and take a left into the large parking lot for Crawford Path. At the far side of the parking lot on the right hand side is Crawford Connector which will take you across the street to the Crawford Path trail heading to Gibbs Falls.
Gibbs Falls & Crawford Path Information: Pets are allowed, be sure to bring a leash and a bag to collect dog droppings. Bathrooms are available at the parking area only. Crawford Path is located in the White Mountain National Forest. The trail quickly gains 300+ feet of elevation. This trail will give you the feeling you are deep in the forest. The smell of the pines here are something you want to put in a bottle. The trail also gives you the feeling you are about to see a Moose or a bear. On our trip here we didn’t see either, but it was a lot of fun. The trail looks like it is normally well maintained. The day we went, there was a large tree blocking the trail which we had to go around. All of the muddy spots were either bridged or rocks were placed like steps over the mud. On this trail you won’t hear the waterfall until you are almost there, unlike many of the other waterfalls we visited. This may be due to the thick forest and the fact we weren’t following the stream. Once you arrive, you will see a footbridge. Best waterfall photos are taken from the bridge, depending on the water height. Also, while you are there, be sure to take the trail to “Crawford Cliff.” This trail is less than .1 of a mile and before you reach the Crawford Cliff it will take you to “The Pool” (The Pool GPS Coordinates: N44° 13.265′ | W071° 24.281) slightly upstream from Gibbs Falls. To the Southeast of the bridge at Gibbs Falls you will also see the old foundation remains of some sort of mill that used to use the power of the falls to run the mill.
Another point worth mentioning: According to a sign at Gibbs Falls (shown below), there is a second trail that leads from Rt. 302 to Gibbs Falls that is only .2 of a mile. It appears this trail follows the falls down the mountain. We did not take this trail during this hike.
