Champney Falls Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a easy in-and-out trail to Champney Falls in the White Mountain National Forest, on the Kancamagus Highway.

This trail crosses Twin Brook and climbs along Champney Brook to Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls.

Getting Started

There is a large parking lot on the left, a short distance west of Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (sign says Champney Brook Trail.)There is a day use fee of $5 which can be paid using an envelope from the kiosk which is then deposited in a green locked post adjacent to the kiosk. If the lot is full, parking is permitted along the highway. There are pit toilets a short distance up a path from the lot. There is no cell service here, so download Gaia maps before you go. Put phones on airplane mode to save battery life.

There is a rock-hopping crossing of Twin Brook shortly after leaving the trail head. At around .5 miles the trail approaches the Champney Brook, so stay to the right as the old trail is closed. This avoids two additional brook crossings. At 1.4 miles the loop trail exits to the left. The trail sign is missing and as of this writing (July 5, 2022) has not been replaced. The signpost with other trail information is still there at the intersection. The loop trail descends a short distance, crosses a tributary, then reaches the base of Champney Falls at .2 miles. Pitcher Falls can be seen in a gorge off to the left. The loop continues via a stone staircase that climbs along Champney Falls which is quite steep and can be very slippery, so use caution. The loop trail bends to the right and returns to the main trail, where you take a right to return to the parking lot. Climbing in this area can be dangerous and it is advised to avoid climbing out above the top of the falls. Serious injuries have been sustained by hikers in this area. The entire hike including climbing up along the falls to do the short loop is about 3.7 miles.

Taking Children

This hike is a 10 for children who are experienced hikers and enjoy being in the woods. Younger children or older children not accustomed to walking this distance may find it challenging. Strollers cannot be used on this trail. Children must be closely supervised to ensure their safety on wet ledges and rocks, especially if the water flow is high after periods of heavy rain.