Amoskeag Falls

Amoskeag Falls is a waterfall system where the Merrimack River drops 54 feet (16 meters) over roughly a half-mile stretch in downtown Manchester. The cascade forms the dramatic core of the landscape here.

Samuel Blodgett built a canal and lock system in 1807 to allow vessels to bypass the falls during the Industrial Revolution. This construction helped transform the area into a manufacturing center.

The name comes from the Pennacook word Namoskeag, meaning good fishing place, reflecting the importance of this site for Native American fishing communities.

The falls can be viewed from walking paths that run along the river and offer spots for fishing and photography. The location is easily accessible from downtown and has several entry points to explore the area.

Native Americans carved natural rock cavities on an island at the upper section to store food supplies during fishing season. This reveals how well they understood and used the landscape for their needs.

Location: New Hampshire

Part of: Merrimack River

GPS coordinates: 43.00222,-71.47278

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42