Name: Mt. Chocorua - Champney Falls Route
Rating: 4.7

Conditions

All Clear 39 days ago

Dry, Some Mud History

Getting forecast...

“Waterfalls, stellar views, and an epic backcountry experience. ”

— Tom Robson

GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview [Suggest Changes]

Recreation Passes:
The White Mountain National Forest requires a recreation fee at most trailheads and developed recreation areas. There are self-serve pay stations at these locations, while longer term passes may be obtained at Ranger Stations and local vendors.

Money raised by the recreation pass fee is used to maintain and enhance recreation opportunities across the White Mountain National Forest.

Camping:
Camping only allowed at Camp Penacook and Jim Liberty Cabin.

By far the most popular route to the top of Mt. Chocorua, this is also its most scenic. Named for pioneer artist, Benjamin Champney, be sure to stop and enjoy both Champney and Pitcher falls both up and down.

This route does get quite crowded, so try to leave early in the AM!

Features: Fall Colors — River/Creek — Views — Waterfall — Wildlife [Add/Remove]

Dogs: Leashed

Description [Suggest Changes]

The Champney Falls Trail begins by the information board in the parking area. After crossing the footbridge over Twin Brook, the trail turns sharply to the right. Follow the gradual grade of an old logging road to Champney Brook. At 1.4 miles, a loop trail will branch off on the left to scenic Champney and Pitcher Falls. In .3 miles the loop will reconnect with the Champney Falls Trail, which becomes steeper.

The first set of switchbacks is reached at 2.4 miles. At 3.0 miles the Middle Sister cutoff leads to the Middle Sister Trail. The Champney Falls Trail will reach a saddle and pass the Middle Sister Trail on the left. Soon the Champney Falls Trail ends at the junction of the Piper Trail, which will lead you to the summit in .06 mile.

History & Background [Suggest Changes]

The Champney Falls Trail is named for Benjamin Champney, pioneer White Mountain Artist (1817-1907). The Falls, though fantastic to view in the spring of the year, are meager in the dry seasons.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - White Mountain National Forest Office

Full Details

Trail Ratings

4.7 from 10 votes

#3

in White Mountain National Forest

#315

Overall

4.7 from 10 votes

5 Star		70%
4 Star		30%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

557 Views Last Month

5,729 Since Oct 22, 2015

Intermediate/Difficult

		0%
		10%
		10%
		70%
		10%
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Photos

Mt. Chocorua summit!

Wall between Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls,…

The steps on Champney Falls Trail.

Which way!?

Length 7.2 Miles 11.5 Kilometers 75% Runnable	Elevation 2,162' 659 m Ascent -2,163' -659 m Descent
11% Avg Grade (7°) 37% Max Grade (20°)	3,442' 1,049 m High 1,295' 395 m Low

Mt. Chocorua - Champney Falls Route

Length

7.2 Miles 11.5 Kilometers

75%

Elevation

2,162' 659 m

-2,163' -659 m

11%

37%

3,442' 1,049 m

1,295' 395 m

Conditions

“Waterfalls, stellar views, and an epic backcountry experience. ”