Profile Falls
New Hampshire · 35-foot drop · Franklin Falls Dam Reservation (USACE) · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Profile Falls is a 35-foot two-stage cascade on the Smith River just upstream of where it meets the Pemigewasset, on US Army Corps of Engineers land south of Bristol. The 0.3-mile trail leads to a wide pool that is one of New Hampshire's classic swimming holes. The name comes from a facial profile silhouette visible in the rock edge from certain angles. Best in summer; the slab becomes a dangerous slide during spring runoff.
The trail
0.3 miles each way, rated easy with 20 feet of elevation gain. USACE parking lot off NH-3A just south of Bristol. Free.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Falls (this page) | — | 35 ft | easy · 0.3 mi | Y | Free |
| Welton Falls | 8 mi | — | — | — | Free |
| Welton Falls | 9 mi | — | — | — | Free |
| Elizabeth Falls | 10 mi | — | — | — | Free |
| Sculptured Rocks | 11 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Livermore Falls | 15 mi | — | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~35 ft)
- Carlon Falls35 ft
- Horsehead Creek Falls35 ft
- Ortega Falls35 ft
- Seven Falls35 ft
- Stack Rock Falls35 ft
Same best season in New Hampshire
- Georgiana Falls30 ft
- Sabbaday Falls45 ft
Questions visitors ask about Profile Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Profile Falls?
Profile Falls is 35 feet (10.7 m) tall. Height is sourced from NewEnglandWaterfalls.com.
Is Profile Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Profile Falls is inside Franklin Falls Dam Reservation (USACE). See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Profile Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Franklin Falls Dam Reservation (USACE) permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Profile Falls?
Profile Falls has a swimmable area. The large pool at the base is one of the best-known swimming holes in central New Hampshire — wide, calm, and waist-to-chest deep in most places.
When is the best time to visit Profile Falls?
Peak flow is typically June, July, August, September. Season-wise: summer. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Profile Falls?
No entrance fee. Franklin Falls Dam Reservation (USACE) is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Profile Falls from a major city?
Profile Falls is 2 miles from Bristol (about 3 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in New Hampshire
Where it is
43.5684, -71.7343
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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