Local Natural Wonders - Day 55

Local Natural Wonders - Day 55 - Bridal Veil Falls in Franconia, New Hampshire

This 5 mile, moderate, out and back hike leads to one of New Hampshire’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a great hike for children, as the trail follows the Coppermine Brook from about the one mile marker on, with numerous places to stop for a picnic or climb the rocks before reaching the cascade itself with its natural rock slide and small pool for swimming. If you want to make a longer adventure of it, you could spend the night at the Coppermine shelter, or one of the tent sites near the base of the falls.

Directions to Bridal Veil Falls:

From I-93, take Exit 32 and turn onto NH 112 toward Woodstock. Continue following NH 112 past Woodstock, Lost River Valley Gorge, the Mt. Moosilauke parking lot for the Beaver Brook Trail, etc. Turn right onto NH 116 north, and from here the Coppermine Road is 7.7 miles on the right. For anyone heading south on NH 116, the Coppermine Road is on the left, one mile after the Franconia Airport.

Coppermine Trail Description from NH Family Hikes:

The trail follows the dirt road where you parked in the beginning, but turns left into the woods at a sign after half a mile. After another half mile, the trail joins Coppermine Brook, which flows from the waterfall. Just after this, bear right to stay on the trail where a cross-country ski trail goes left. It climbs upward at an easy but steady grade. There are many herd paths which lead from the trail to small cascades or peaceful places on the brook. 0.2 miles before the waterfall, the trail crosses the brook on a bridge, and continues up the other side, passing a shelter on the way.

The trail ends on a large 'island' in the middle of the brook. From here, you can sit on the rocks and view the waterfall, or you can step across the stream and climb up the flat rocks to get closer. Unlike most waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls is best seen from the side. The iconic shape is set back, several feet above you; a long water slide connects the brook at the end of the trail with the waterfall.