Welton Falls State Forest is a state forest in Alexandria, New Hampshire, encompassing 219.1 acres of varied landscape. The area features dense hemlock and beech woodlands, with the scenic Welton Falls and Fowler River at its heart. This state forest also serves as a gateway to the more challenging terrain of the adjacent Cardigan Mountain State Forest, offering opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, and road cycling.
Welton Falls State Forest…
34
Routes
5
(16)
Average rating
285
People visited

5.0
(4)
50
hikers
7.73km
03:37
540m
530m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

9
hikers
2.30km
01:15
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

2.72km
00:48
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

10.5km
04:11
600m
600m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(1)
26
riders
35.2km
01:33
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
41.6km
02:21
720m
720m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5
riders
45.2km
02:15
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

9
riders
72.8km
03:06
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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2
runners
3.03km
00:21
90m
90m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
9.79km
01:12
380m
380m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.26km
00:16
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7.52km
01:31
510m
510m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Welton Falls State Forest offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and road cycling. Its diverse landscape includes dense woodlands, the scenic Welton Falls, and serves as a gateway to more challenging mountain terrain. The forest encompasses 219.1 acres in Alexandria, New Hampshire.
Welton Falls is a 30-foot total drop waterfall located within the state forest, carved by the Fowler River. It is a central feature of the forest, easily accessible via a short trail. The area around the falls includes brookside paths and forested gorges.
Yes, Welton Falls State Forest features a network of well-maintained hiking trails. These trails range from moderate riverside walks to steeper ascents towards mountain summits. More information on hiking routes is available in the Hiking in Welton Falls State Forest guide.
The Welton Falls trail itself is considered a moderate 2.5-mile (4 km) hike, approachable for a half-day outing. The Lower Manning Trail offers a short, scenic route to the falls. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in Welton Falls State Forest and Family-friendly hikes in Welton Falls State Forest guides.
Yes, Welton Falls itself is a prominent waterfall within the forest, accessible via trails. The area around the falls features brookside paths. A dedicated guide for Waterfall hikes in Welton Falls State Forest is available.
Welton Falls State Forest serves as a gateway to the adjacent Cardigan Mountain State Forest, offering access to mountain summits. From the 3,121-foot (951 m) treeless granite summit of Mount Cardigan, panoramic views of west-central New Hampshire, including the White Mountains, are available. Similar views can be found from Firescrew Mountain.
Yes, the area around Welton Falls State Forest offers various road cycling routes. These include loops that encompass the state forest and lead towards Mount Cardigan and Firescrew Mountain. A guide for Road Cycling Routes in Welton Falls State Forest provides more details.
The forest's well-maintained trail system is suitable for jogging and running. These routes offer varied terrain and elevation for different fitness levels. Information on specific routes can be found in the Running Trails in Welton Falls State Forest guide.
Welton Falls State Forest is a popular destination, with more than 1,500 visitors sharing their experiences on komoot. The routes within the forest have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Welton Falls State Forest does not have a dedicated official website or direct phone number. It is managed by the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. For general inquiries, contact the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands at 603-271-2214.
The forest is characterized by dense hemlock and beech woodlands, offering serene and shaded paths. Its centerpiece is Welton Falls, a 30-foot waterfall, and the Fowler River. The forest also provides access to the more challenging terrain of Mount Cardigan and Firescrew Mountain.
Beyond its natural beauty, Welton Falls State Forest contains historical remnants. These include old cellar holes and stone walls, which offer glimpses into early settlements in the area.

