Champney Falls
A moderate 3.1-mile hike in NH's White Mountains leading to picturesque Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Champney Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate 3.1-mile hike in NH's White Mountains leading to picturesque Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls.
"Discover multiple cascades on this rewarding hike, a true gem of the White Mountains!"
Bring Cash for Parking
A $5 fee is often required for parking. Bring cash and a pen to fill out the self-registration envelope . :moneybag:
Waterproof Footwear is Key
Expect stream crossings and potentially wet feet. Waterproof boots and extra socks are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Champney Falls
Main waterfall area
Witness the picturesque cascade tumbling over rocks, a rewarding sight after your hike.
Pitcher Falls
Just before Champney Falls
Discover this unique double-cliff waterfall, often a highlight for hikers .
Kancamagus Highway Views
Along NH-112
Enjoy scenic overlooks and the general beauty of the White Mountains on your drive to the trailhead .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Champney Falls
Trail Conditions & What to Pack
Waterproof footwear and extra socks are highly recommended.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Parking
A $5 fee is often required for parking. Bring cash and a pen to fill out the self-registration envelope. :moneybag:
Waterproof Footwear is Key
Expect stream crossings and potentially wet feet. Waterproof boots and extra socks are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Don't Miss Pitcher Falls
Hike a little further before Champney Falls to find Pitcher Falls, a unique and beautiful cascade. :camerawithflash:
Check Trail Conditions
Trails can be slick in winter with ice or dry in drought. Crampons may be needed in icy conditions. :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Parking
A $5 fee is often required for parking. Bring cash and a pen to fill out the self-registration envelope. :moneybag:
Waterproof Footwear is Key
Expect stream crossings and potentially wet feet. Waterproof boots and extra socks are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Don't Miss Pitcher Falls
Hike a little further before Champney Falls to find Pitcher Falls, a unique and beautiful cascade. :camerawithflash:
Check Trail Conditions
Trails can be slick in winter with ice or dry in drought. Crampons may be needed in icy conditions. :snowflake:
Pet-Friendly Trail
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Champney Falls Trail! :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Champney Falls for its beautiful cascades and the rewarding hike through the White Mountains. The trail offers a good mix of terrain, from gentle paths to rocky scrambles, and the opportunity to see multiple waterfalls, including the unique Pitcher Falls. While some find the trail challenging or note dry falls during droughts, the overall experience is highly valued for its natural beauty and accessibility.
"Beautiful hike with a mix of everything. Bring $5 and a pen for parking. Great 360 view at the top. Some flies on the way up but all clear at the top."
Frank Zhang
"There’s a lot to explore along this trail! My latest adventure on Champney Falls Trail was visiting the numerous waterfalls along Champney Brook. Tacking in a little over 4 miles and about 700’ elevation gain makes it pretty easy going for the area. However, it's important to note that some steep parts near the falls can be very slick in winter. It was manageable with crampons, though! The solid layer of ice under the snow could make it very tricky without them.
It’s easy to navigate, with yellow blazers helping guide you. There are a few Brook crossings, which require cautious footing. It's important to be mindful of the weather conditions and water levels. Getting up close to Pitcher Falls, especially when the falls are flowing, will nearly guarantee your feet being submerged in water. Proceed with caution; I recommend bringing extra socks! The views are worth all these obstacles, though. Pitcher Falls is the highlight of the trail with that unique double-cliff view!"
Benjamin Moreau
"Moderately difficult terrain; steady uphill climb on trail of roots and rocks. For most of the hike, you need to watch your feet. The record drought completely dried up the creeks and the falls was a mere dribble in late September. Still a worthwhile hike. We made the uphill trek in a little over an hour and a half."
Bill Marett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Champney Falls trailhead is located off the Kancamagus Highway (NH-112), about 10 miles from Conway or 20 miles from Lincoln, NH. There's a small parking lot accessible from the highway.
Yes, the Kancamagus Highway is renowned for its stunning scenic beauty, especially during the fall foliage season. It offers numerous overlooks and access points to natural attractions like Champney Falls.
The trailhead is directly accessible from the Kancamagus Highway. Look for the designated parking area. It's a popular stop for those driving the scenic route.
Absolutely! The Kancamagus Highway is dotted with other natural wonders like Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, making it a great day trip destination.
Yes, Champney Falls is accessible year-round, but winter conditions can be challenging. The falls may be frozen into icicles, and stream crossings can be hazardous with ice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a formal ticket booth, a parking fee of $5 is typically required. You'll usually find a self-registration box at the trailhead where you can pay with cash and a pen.
Champney Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours, but it's best to visit during safe daylight conditions.
No, advance booking is not required for Champney Falls. It's a natural trail, and access is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos. Rainy days can make the falls more dramatic and reduce visitor numbers.
For day hiking on the Champney Falls trail, no special permits are typically required beyond the parking fee. However, always check the White Mountain National Forest website for any current regulations or alerts.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Champney Falls trail is generally considered moderate. It's about 3.1 to 3.5 miles roundtrip with around 700 feet of elevation gain. While mostly steady, there are steep and rocky sections, especially near the falls.
Most visitors complete the hike in about 2 to 3 hours, including time for breaks and enjoying the scenery.
Yes, the trail follows Champney Brook and features numerous cascades and smaller falls along the way, with Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls being the main highlights.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are essential due to the rocky and uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as weather can change. Waterproof footwear and extra socks are highly advised due to stream crossings.
The trail is generally marked with yellow blazes, but some hikers suggest there could be more signage, especially regarding mileage to the destination. Pay attention to the trail markers.
📸 📸 Photography
The main Champney Falls and the unique Pitcher Falls offer fantastic photo opportunities. The surrounding forest and stream also provide beautiful shots, especially with good lighting.
Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds. Rainy days can enhance the drama of the waterfalls, but be mindful of conditions.
A smartphone camera can capture great shots, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for landscape shots. A tripod can help with long exposures of the water.
The areas directly at Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls are the primary viewpoints. Exploring slightly off the main path (safely) might reveal other interesting angles of the cascades.
Winter offers unique photographic opportunities with frozen falls and snow-covered landscapes. However, conditions can be icy and require caution.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The numerous small waterfalls along the way provide constant points of interest and excitement for kids, making the journey more engaging.Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water. Be prepared for stream crossings, so waterproof shoes or extra socks are a good idea to keep spirits high. While the main falls are the destination, the journey itself, with its babbling brook and rocky paths, is part of the adventure. Consider visiting on a weekday or early morning to avoid larger crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings: Pack your own food and drinks for the hike. Since the trail is accessible from the Kancamagus Highway, you can combine your visit with a scenic drive, which is free. This offers a full day of exploration and natural beauty for minimal expense.
🐶 Dog Owners
Important considerations for dog owners: Ensure your dog is well-behaved and kept on a leash. Be mindful of the stream crossings, as your dog might get wet. Always clean up after your pet to help keep the trails pristine for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Champney Falls Trail
+1 The trail follows Champney Brook, offering a series of cascades and waterfalls along the way. While much of the hike is relatively flat, expect a steady uphill climb towards the end, involving rocky terrain and some scrambling.Key features of the trail include multiple stream crossings, which can be challenging and wet, especially after rain or during icy winter conditions.
For those seeking more, the trail continues towards Mount Chocorua, adding significant distance and elevation for a more strenuous adventure.
The Waterfalls of Champney Brook
During periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, these falls can be quite powerful and dramatic.
Experiencing the falls often involves getting close, which can mean getting wet from spray or even stepping through shallow streams. This is part of the adventure and why being prepared with appropriate footwear is so crucial for enjoying the full beauty of Champney Brook's watery displays.
Year-Round Appeal and Winter Considerations
However, winter presents a unique challenge and spectacle.+1During winter, the waterfalls can transform into impressive icicles, creating a frozen wonderland. However, this also means the trail can be treacherous. Stream crossings can be hazardous due to ice, and the rocky terrain can become extremely slick. Visitors in winter often need crampons or microspikes for traction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit