About this spot
Thompson Falls is a seven-tiered cascade dropping roughly 130-150 feet down the west flank of Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch. Access is an easy 1.4-1.5 mile round-trip trail starting behind the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area base lodge off NH-16, crossing a footbridge over the Peabody River. A shaded swimming hole sits at the base of the lower tier and draws hikers all summer, with multiple guides and reviews confirming it as a go-to local dip spot. Granite ledges near the falls get slick with spray and currents strengthen sharply after rain or snowmelt, so the real hazard is footing above the lower pool rather than the swim itself. No fees or permits; best visited March through October, with icy approaches in winter.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.