I'm having a hard time containing my excitement about this trail, so get ready for a lineup of exclamation marks! This lollipop loop begins on the same trail that leads to Mount Chocorua (the Champney Brook Trail). Then at 1.4 miles up, it branches off to a loop (the Champney Falls Trail) that includes a series of cascades 70-feet long, Champney and Pitcher Falls, and an alley between two impressive rock walls that rise vertically to the sky, like a road between two skyscrapers. The most awe-inspiring aspect of these walls is that one of them has water cascading over the top of it! And you would miss this section of massive rock wall altogether if you were just following the All Trails map. Don't worry, I'll tell you how to find it.
My co-worker, Richieanne, first told me about Champney Falls. When she showed me the picture of the impressively large, frozen waterfall she'd hiked to this winter with her husband, I had to go. When she mentioned Champney Falls, the name rang a bell. It wasn't until last week that I finally looked it up and realized this loop leading to the waterfall was right off the Champney Brook Trail - the one I've always hiked to reach Chocorua. We've hiked Mount Chocorua three times and have walked right past the sign for Champney Falls on the left, ALL three times. If I'd had any idea how incredible this sweet loop is, I would have included it in our journey to the summit...and will certainly do so in the future. I will forever be amazed at the beauty hiding right under my nose and will always be grateful to the person leading me to it.
Here is a picture from Richie's winter trip. I guess this is a good spot for ice climbing. Why anyone would ascend a route of frozen water is beyond me, but we're all unique in what lights us up.
Last week, we decided to explore the 3.5-mile Champney Falls Trail. As a lover of waterfalls, I'd been dreaming of this one since Richie first showed it to me. I also needed a dog-friendly hike for the guide I'm working on and this was perfect in length and difficulty...way more feasible than the full 8-mile trek to Chocorua's summit. For a cautionary tale on taking large lazy dogs up Mount Chocorua, along with some gorgeous photos of the summit, read the full post here.
There is plenty of parking for this trail in the large lot off of Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway). There is a $5 parking fee, which you will need cash for. There are envelopes near the trailhead for this and part of the envelope tears off, providing proof of payment to hang on your rear view mirror. Sometimes there is a pen with the envelopes, often there isn't, so I'd recommend bringing one with you. You'll need it to fill in your license #, date of hike, etc.
From the trailhead on the far left of the lot near the outhouses, you'll continue left, crossing a stream at the start. Cross another stream at 0.5 miles in, then at 1.4 miles you'll reach the sign for Champney Falls on the left (to hike up Mount Chocorua, you would continue straight here). Follow the loop clockwise, since it's a steeper climb up the left side of the loop and easier hike down the right side. At 1.63 miles, take the spur on the left to Pitcher Falls. It's a quick walk down to the falls flowing over rock ledge, but don't stop there! Continue on the trail just a bit further and you will arrive at the vertical rock walls I was telling you about.
From this spot, return to the Champney Falls Loop and at 1.77 miles while ascending up stone steps, find another short spur to some gorgeous cascades on the left.
After cooling off, continue up the stone steps and along the trail until reaching Champney Falls at 1.8 miles. Since we visited in late July after a couple of dry weeks, the falls here were small. However, I've seen photos during the wet season and will return in the spring to see these falls in all their glory. Here is a pic from our July hike.
Just beyond Champney Falls, is an incredible viewing spot of the mountains. It's about 1.82 miles up, at the top of the loop, just before heading right to make your way down to the parking lot.
Since you've seen Romy in most of these photos, I probably don't need to mention that this trail is dog-friendly and mostly off-leash. That said, I always leash Romy when we see another hiker and/or dog on any trail. Some people don't love dogs, so keeping a leash handy is always a good idea.
Lastly, there are some swimming holes along Champney Brook, so bring your suit on a hot day! Enjoy!
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