Gleason Falls is a 10-foot cascade on Beards Brook in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, about 3.5 miles northwest of Hillsborough village. The brook tumbles over boulders just below a stone arch bridge, and the falls can be seen from the road.
The falls
Lidar data puts the cumulative drop of the gradual cascade at about 10 feet. A large boulder splits the cascades in midstream, and below them lies a deep, dark pool. The falls sit beneath the stone arch bridge.
Getting there
From US 202 in Hillsborough, head onto West Main Street, then 2.6 miles northwest on Beard Street to a pull-off on the right just before the stone arch bridge over the brook. The turnout fits two cars as of July 2024, with an easy 0.1-mile walk out and back and about 22 feet of gain. The falls stand on private property, confirmed with the town in 2017.
When to go
April to November is the recommended season.
On site
The falls are visible from the bridge looking downstream, a view for visitors with limited mobility, though not the best one. Viewpoints on both sides of the road overlook the falls and the rocky gorge around them, and dogs must be leashed. Swimming is rated poor.
History and name
Gleason Falls is the historical name. Raymond J. and Rena M. Hooper donated the falls in 1967 so that everyone could enjoy them.
Nearby
Loveren Falls is about 5.9 miles away, Chipmunk Falls about 9.5 miles and Bailey Brook Falls about 11 miles.
Distances are straight-line.