This past week my boyfriend and I completely unplugged and went camping at our spot that we frequented back in 2015 (you can see photos from our first trip here). We saw the land from a somewhat different perspective now 4 years later. Things have changed. A storm had hit in 2017 completely removing campsites that were previously there. In return we have changed. This visit was a retreat, I think previously we had seen it as a real adventure, but this time it was relaxation and leisure. Needless to say we had a great time reflecting, enjoying the outdoors and disconnecting from our technology/work/life. It was great.

We had been lounging at our campsite and walking the river for most of our trip so our last full day in Hart’s Location we had to go on a hike – it was time to get up and really move. One mile from our campground was Arethusa Falls. It was an estimated 1 hour hike to the falls and 1 hour back. We hiked up somewhere between 1500′ and 2000′ in about 1.2 miles. We don’t have hikes like these in little Rhode Island. It was the perfect balance of fun and keeping the heart rate pumping. Not to mention the beautiful scenery that surrounded us on our way up to the even more beautiful falls.

After our hike up 2000 feet we were greeted by the beautiful Arethusa Falls – a 200ft Water fall. This waterfall comes from the headwaters of Bemis Brook and tumbles over a granite cliff on the western slope of Crawford Notch. It really creates the perfect little hideaway in the middle of the White Mountains. Many were here during our visit playing in the brook and falls, taking pictures, cooling off and just sitting to enjoy the view. It’s worth the hike! Because there were so many people around it took some time for us to weasel our way in and get a few minutes underneath the falls with my camera. I made my way over trying very hard not to photo bomb anyone. I very much enjoy being behind the camera – not in front of one.

Except when you have to take an obligatory selfie.

Finding this waterfall in NH has made me really want to find others on any trips I go on in the future. And as always walking the Saco River is one of the most relaxing things to do. The views are so picturesque. You feel like you’re away from it all. It’s nearly silent. And if it’s too hot you can find a swimming hole just by looking around.

We will be back soon – until then I’ll refer to these photos wishing I was there instead of at a desk – you should too.