I stopped in at the AMC Cardigan Lodge in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region to check out the available hiking.  The lodge is located on an AMC-owned reservation in between Cardigan Mountain State Forest and Welton Falls State Forest.  It’s a great parking location for several different hiking routes up Mount Cardigan, in addition to other flatter trails at the base, including winter ski trails.

I had time for the 2.8 mile hike to Welton Falls and back.  I hopped on the Lower Manning Trail into Welton Falls State Forest and followed the Fowler River the whole way.  Towards the end of the trail, I came to the falls themselves in a green, mossy ravine.  The trail goes around to the base of the falls, or stay left to see the top of them.

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

Welton Falls hike

It was an easy hike, and something I’d like to do again in warmer weather due to the abundance of swimming holes.  There are plenty of other trails to check out on my next visit as well.