Kentucky Hiker Project

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Georgiana and Harvard Falls Out and Back

Map of Georgiana and Harvard Falls Out and Back, White Mountain National Forest

Elevation Profile of Georgiana and Harvard Falls Out and Back

Overview. There are many beautiful brooks in White Mountain National Forest and Harvard Brook is one of the prettier among them. The falls were gorgeous and the pools were delightful with the pool at the top of Harvard Falls giving off infinity pool vibes. Just take care on the hike and avoid slipping on wet rock - the easiest path is often away from the brook where less erosion has taken place.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 2.65 miles
Elevation Gain | 768 feet
Physical Demand | Moderate to Strenuous with Class 2 Scrambles
Navigational Skill | Beginner

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 44.067003, -71.688756
Junction | 44.067033, -71.689794
Georgiana Falls | 44.073878, -71.698000
Harvard Falls Viewpoint | 44.076822, -71.699275
Harvard Falls | 44.077664, -71.699744

Parking. Limited parking is available at the trailhead off US-3 just short of the northbound I-93 overpass. There are no facilities at the trailhead, but a gas station is nearby.

Trail Navigation. The trail isn’t well marked and has suffered a good bit of erosion, but is easily followed - walk to where the trail meets the brook and make your way uphill alongside it.

  • Locate the trailhead at the far end of the lot and walk under the overpass for the northbound lanes of I-93

  • Hook right at the fork and then wrap left to walk under the second overpass for the southbound lanes of I-93

  • Enjoy the forested walk and depart the highway noise as the trail meets with Harvard Brook

  • From here, the trail meanders alongside the brook with many spots to pop into the water; make your way upstream taking time to checkout what interests you

  • Reach Georgiana Falls that is a split fall with a large plunge pool

  • From here, the trail steepens a bit and some route finding will be required to identify a safe path to avoid scrambling across roots and rock

  • Reach a nice view across from Upper Harvard Falls

  • Continue uphill to reach the top of the falls where a number of pools are available to enjoy

  • Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead

HIKER NOTE - Falls, Flumes, Cataracts, and Slides. Many of the watercourse features you can think of appear here and hiking all the way to the top isn’t required to enjoy a nice day by some rushing water.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Long falls from high places can happen here. Be smart and stay safe on the clifftops and atop the falls.

CAUTION - Be Bear Aware. Black bear are plentiful in the region. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips

CAUTION - Moose. Be aware and never approach moose. Leave a wide berth and turn back if needed.

Georgiana (and Harvard) Falls Trailhead

Take the right fork and head north before crossing under the second overpass

Early scenes on Harvard Brook

One of several small cascades

It was easier to walk the brook in many places than deal with roots on the trail

A small water slide

Georgiana Falls and pool

Smartphones still have a ways to go for long exposure, but they’ll get there

This was the largest pool on the route

Harvard Falls from the viewpoint listed above

Closer shot of the falls

Plenty of action atop Harvard Falls

Pool above Harvard Falls

Looking out over I-93 and the mountains from the top of Harvard Falls