The Monadnock Region is known for it natural beauty, charming New England towns and Mt. Monadnock. What many people do not realize is there are some pretty great waterfalls. My passion is exploring waterfalls. When I moved to the Monadnock Area I felt like we had to drive up to the White Mountains to get my waterfall fix. Over the years I have found some pretty great ones in the area.
Below are the waterfalls I have discovered in the Monadnock Region.
Beaver Brook Falls: Located in Keene, Beaver Brook Falls is an easily accessible falls. It is locate off an abandon road that felt like we were in a Walking Dead episode. The falls itself are pretty impressive and worth the short walk. This is not a waterfall you can swim in.
Brennan Falls: Located in Francestown this is a little more of a challenge of a falls to find. The trail is located off a class six road and is not well marked. My guess is in the summer months this falls can dry up. If you are able to visit in the spring time or after a significant amount of rain it is a pretty waterfall. There is no swimming here, but depending on the time year you might be able to dunk your head under the falls.
Chesterfield Gorge: Located in Chesterfield is one of the more popular waterfalls in the Monadnock Region. The falls are off of Route 9 between Keene and the Vermont boarder. With a Ranger Station, picnic tables and easily accessible trails this is a popular destination for waterfall lovers. There is no swimming here.
Furnace Brook Falls: Located near Souhegan Ambulance and Old Tenny Road and on route 123/124 in New Ipswich is small, but nice waterfall. There is a granite marker where the start of the trail is. You have to walk a few feet through the woods to the base of the falls, but it is fairly easy to get to.
Gleason Falls: Located in Hillsborough this easy to access falls is one of my favorites to visit. The falls run under a cobblestone bridge enhancing Gleason Falls true beauty. Park in a small parking lot and walk along the short path or sit on one of the large rocks to enjoy the beauty of this waterfall.
Porcupine Falls: Located in Gilsum this falls is part of the Monadnock Conservancy. A short hike through the woods brings you to the falls. With the falls being on the smaller side I would assume in the dry months it can dry up. This is a great falls to stick you head under.
Pulpit Falls: Located in Winchester is a more remote waterfall to access. If you are comfortable with hiking unmarked trails and crossing streams, this is a pretty waterfall to check out.
Purgatory Falls: Located in Lyndeborough is a very popular waterfall on the eastern part of the Monadnock Region. There are options for various hikes around the falls as there are three series of waterfalls and up to three miles of trails. There is pool at the bottom of one of the waterfalls, but I am not sure if it is swimmable.
Senter Falls: Located in Lyndeborough is one of my favorite falls. This short hike through the woods leads you to a beautiful waterfall that is stunning year round.
Tucker Brook Falls: Located in Milford is a hidden gem of a waterfall. There are several hiking trails around this waterfall. You can walk either a quarter of mile directly to Tucker Brooks Falls or you can take a longer route through Tucker Brook Forest.
Wantastiquet Falls: Located on the New Hampshire/Vermont boarder in Hindsdale is Wantastiquet Falls. The falls is located at the trailhead for Wantastiquet Mountain. You only have to walk a few feet from the parking lot to see the falls. This is one of the taller falls, but not a lot of force. In the dryer months I would guess it is non existent.
Unfortunately, I could not name my favorite waterfall in the Monadnock area due to the destruction that happened during the height of COVID-19. Garwin Falls in Wilton use to be my favorite waterfall to visit and dunk my head under, but to the high volumes of traffic, litter and overall destruction of the area around the falls the town of Wilton has closed down this area to visitors and enforce a fine for those who trespass. Please keep in mind if you visit these natural beauties to respect the area and carry in and carry out any trash.
I hope you are able to enjoy these waterfalls ofthe Monadnock Region. If there is one that I do not have listed please let me know.
