Purgatory Falls in New Hampshire State

Purgatory Falls

Steeped in legend and mystery, this waterfall is believed to have seen the face of the devil himself.

Plan Around Purgatory Falls

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Purgatory Falls Details

Steeped in legend and mystery, this waterfall is believed to have seen the face of the devil himself. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, tourists flocked to the falls to see the footprint of what Satan supposedly got stuck after melting the nearby rocks. Although most people have forgotten this legend over the years, this site still remains a popular place to go hiking and swimming. The lower falls are located just a short 10-minute walk from the start of the trailhead. The upper falls are also accessible, although it is a somewhat strenuous and steep 5-mile hike through a not very well-marked trail.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Purgatory Falls

Compare nearby parks around Purgatory Falls when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

114.5 mi away

Cape Cod

National Park · MA

202.5 mi away

Acadia

National Park · ME

246.1 mi away

Baxter

National Park · ME

438.1 mi away

Shenandoah

National Park · VA

517.2 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

788.4 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

Nearby Points of Interest Around Purgatory Falls

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Purgatory Falls while the map context is still fresh.

3.2 mi away

Frog Rock

You do not have to squint hard to see how this boulder got its name.

4.7 mi away

The Swing Bridge

This suspended 275-foot long bridge stretches over the Souhegan River and is one of the only surviving suspension bridges from the 19th century and the only remaining bridge built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company.

7.8 mi away

Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary

A haven for exotic plants and unique wildlife, this sanctuary is one of the most peaceful places to spend an afternoon.

8.2 mi away

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge

Founded in 1972 after Laurence and Lorna Marshall donated the land, the Wapak National Wildlife Refuge became New Hampshire's very first refuge.

9.4 mi away

Wapack Trail And Marion Davis Trail

Explore over thousands of acres of natural wilderness when you wander down this 2.5-mile looped trail.