Purgatory Falls - Lower Falls
Purgatory Falls - Lower Falls things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Hiked this area for the first time today. Parked in the very small lot that leads to Lower Purgatory Falls. Parking lot is very small (maybe 6-7 cars) with strict No Parking signs out on the street. Hike in to the Lower Falls is only maybe 1/3 of a mile. Easy trail to walk on. Falls were beautiful and likely stronger than normal due to all the rain we've been having. I continued north for another 2.5 miles to reach the upper Falls. The trail is somewhat well marked with yellow or faded white tree markings. Again due to all the rain, there were several muddy areas but they were still manageable. A couple small creek crossings as well. The trail is through a primarily pine forest and meanders along Purgatory Creek for the majority of the way. As I approached the Upper Falls, the elevations were a bit more dramatic and rocky. At one point, I was going down some large rock towards the waterfall and slipped and fell pretty hard due to some wet pine needles and leaves. All in all, a good and enjoyable hike. Just about 6 miles round-trip. Most of the trail is easy but a few small sections trending towards moderate. Almost all the trails have many tree roots and small r9cks so be sure your footing is good.
Frank LukovitsFrank Lukovits
40
Beautiful waterfall within a short hike. The two other waterfalls are about another hour of much hiking. Got there at dusk. Disappointed in this visit due to all the trash in the vicinity of the first waterfall, left behind from what I assume the large group of 25+ people (family reunion?) who were wrapping it up on the next hillside when I showed up. I hope some from the group came back to clean up, but I don't know. I'd hate to see the town shut this down to non-residents because a few disrespectful gits. Signage for parking was confusing, so I parked a mile back at the Milford trails lot. Almost all the cars that were in the Purgatory parking lot were out-of-state, and one car was blasting music for no real reason. As I hit the trail, I felt like I was walking into a rave. You could still hear the bass 25 minutes into the walk. Awesome to have a large picnic and enjoy this spot, but there are others who want to experience Purgatory Falls without actually feeling like they are in purgatory. Sorry this is long and that I feel like a woodland Karen.
James NHJames NH
80
First time here & I was amazed at what looked like an Oregon rainforest in mid-winter New Hampshire. In the falls vicinity, all was lush & green as summer. Mosses, ferns, rhododendrons thriving in technicolor green. The falls themselves were a force of nature, roaring down into a class V gulley before ripping away down the river's torrent. Above the falls is a tranquil, translucent pool that changes personality quickly as it approaches the falls. Aside from this, trails run in all directions, each equally gorgeous & nourished by the spray of the falls and countless offshoot streams & bogs. Tree roots and giant boulders painted neon green by myriad ferns & microflora. Great place to see giant hemlocks thriving. I'd advise against taking elderly or very young guests, or anyone without good footing. The trail is very rocky (large rocks), steep and narrow with steep drop-off in places. Definitely wear hiking boots - lots of standing water throughout.
S SmartS Smart
00
I gave this hike a 5 star...AFTER my wife and I spent most of our time there cleaning up a huge mess of someones party for 20 or 30 people. Plates with foid, bottles, cans, sippy drinks with straws, booze bottles all on the bank in the rocks and in the water. I literally had tears in my eyes with fury and sadness as we cleaned up the mess from children and adults who left whatever they were eating and drinking in the spot they were sitting. This may have been a party for the memorial for Dave because we saw many chalk marks and signs "RIP Dave". The picture of the falls was after we cleaned up. Have we regressed to troglodytes, people? If you see a mess do your part. If this is you who made it do not be an animal. This planet is tiny and we have nowhere else to go. Take care of it.
Mark WilliamsonMark Williamson
160
Further down from Purgatory Falls, lower falls is benefiting from the recent heavy rainfalls. Not as easy to access as Purgatory Falls, it's still impressive to see 🙈, though it's not a Niagara. I noticed a little "cave" on this waterfall. Near this waterfall is a run off from the heavy 🌧️ rainfall that looks like another waterfall, which you can cross over. Trails to this waterfall are difficult with lots of (I am)roots and (Rolling) stones to walk over. You may even see parts of the foot bridge that recently washed out further upstream. Bring bug 🐛 repellent and a good pair of hiking 🥾 shoes.
Stephen PriestStephen Priest
40
Beautiful, calm, quiet, easy trails. The water under the lower fall seemed a bit shallow, but maybe it's always near that level, I'm not familiar with it's routine. Had a nice dip in the water by the first falls. Most of it isn't more than calf to knee deep, but there's an area that's waist to chest deep where it's easy to float. Water was lovely cold with the warm days we've been having. Several good spots to sit and eat or chill. I look forward to going back and checking out the other two falls!
KediilKediil
00
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Address
Purgatory Rd, Lyndeborough, NH 03082
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woodlandhiker.com
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4.5
(201 reviews)
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