Garfield Falls

Length: 0.5 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 0 feet (+100 feet on return)

Rating (click for info): 8/10

Height: 40'

River: East Branch of Dead Diamond River

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Magalloway Road in Pittsburg, NH. Magalloway Road leaves the east side of Rt. 3 11.5 miles north of Rt. 145. There is no sign for the road, but the entrance is very wide and there is a marker for the lookout tower on Magalloway Mountain. As you go, ignore any diverging spur roads that look rougher than the main road. Also, you are required to yield to logging trucks, which will probably force you off the road if you don't. Drive 1.2 miles and continue straight (right) at a fork just after a bridge over the Connecticut River. In 1.7 miles past the bridge, take the left fork to stay on Magalloway Road as Cedar Stream Road goes right. In another 2.4 miles past this junction, stay straight as the road for the Magalloway Mountain trailhead turns right. In another 4.3 miles, the road makes a long 180-degree turn to the right. 1.1 miles past the turn, bear right at a fork onto Garfield Falls Road as Magalloway Road goes left. From this junction, drive another 1.3 miles to a small parking area with a kiosk.

About the Hike:
Since it is located just about as far away from civilization as possible in New Hampshire, some explorers may question driving 12 miles down a rough logging road just to see a waterfall. But Garfield Falls is worth the effort. Aside from the driving, the hike to the waterfall takes only about 15 minutes, and it's down an easy dirt path. Find the trail on the opposite side of the parking area as the kiosk. Garfield Falls Path descends gently through the remote northern forest for just 0.2 miles to reach the main waterfall. The 40-foot, voluminous cataract is a striking feature in the total isolation of the wilderness. The trail descends past the falls on a wooden steps and runs along the flat river at the bottom. After taking in the scenery of the area, you can return the way you came. For a bonus, walk through the woods along the river above the main plunge for a short distance to get to another waterfall upstream (this can be glimpsed from the viewing area for the main waterfall).

Printable directions page