Waterfalls of New Hampshire -Ellens Falls

Albany , Carroll County, NH , USA

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The falls from the base

Details:

In the Bolnick’s book, “Waterfalls of the White Mountains”, the index and master list at the end of the book has information on waterfalls that aren’t included in the book. Things like this tend to make me curious. Ellens Falls is said to be on Hobbs Brook, roughly a mile upstream from the Kancamagus Highway bridge. ‘Nuff said. The bushwack wasn’t too bad, but the mosquitos were as bad as I’ve ever faced. If I had to guess, I’d say live food doesn’t come that way often, and they were determined to make the best of their windfall. Like flying army ants. Unbelievable. Anyhow, faint with blood loss, I ran upstream, leaping over branches, rocks, and whatever obstacles were in my way. After much cursing and running, I heard roaring water. Finally, Ellens Falls. The brook drops over a 25′ rock face into a pool. It was a nice little forgotten waterfall. The more I look at the picture, the more I think there may be another drop just upstream. Just above and to the right of the falls, I think I see another rock face. Oh well, guess I’ve got to go back. I think I’ll give myself a good thick coat of DEET and creosote this time. As bad as the mosquitos were (and I’m no sissy about bugs) I’ll be going back. Just to be sure, I’ll once again offer my veins, arteries, and capillaries to the hordes of ravenous bugs. I’ve just gotta know…

Geology and Bedrock Structure:

History:

Photography Notes:

This is a moderately photogenic waterfall. A tripod will be helpful in capturing the falls. A polarizer is indispensible. The color range here tends to be on the cool side, so a warming filter might be desirable. If it’s a sunny day, shoot early or later to avoid the sunlight streaming through the trees. A focal length of 50mm (as your eye will see the falls) should suffice.

Directions:

Access is from Route 112, about 1.5 miles west of the Dugway Picnic Area. Park by the bridge, and start moving upstream. The forest will be fairly thick, lots of hemlock trees with spiky branches parallel with the ground. Eye protection is highly recommended. The falls are roughly a mile upstream. And be prepared to be positively devoured by mosquitos…bring your repellant.

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