Purgatory Falls

Length: 0.6 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: -50 feet

Rating (click for info): 5/10

Height: 20'

River: Purgatory Brook

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Purgatory Road in Lyndeborough, NH. From the junction of Rt. 101 and Rt. 101A, take North River Road. Drive 0.8 miles and continue straight onto Purgatory Road. The parking area is reached in another 0.5 miles, and is on the left.

About the Hike:
Purgatory Falls is a short, wide waterfall located on Purgatory Brook. There are actually three waterfalls on this brook, but the most popular waterfall, also called Lower Purgatory Falls, is easiest to access. For the others, see Upper and Middle Purgatory Falls. Head to the far right side of the parking area and begin your walk on Purgatory Brook Trail. Quickly pass Upland Trail on the right. The trail to the falls is very short and mostly flat. Halfway there, there is a very limited view toward Pack Monadnock. Upland Trail rejoins from the right at the falls. Purgatory Falls is short, but fairly wide and voluminous. To the right of the main waterfall, some water spills over the rock to form another smaller cascade. Above the waterfall, there is a pond with a small cement dam. You can walk up to this area to see the falls from above.

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