Canoodling at Champney Falls

Today is our last day in New Hampshire so the Fat Man and I wanted a trail that didn’t involve a long car ride from Madison.  We chose the Champney Falls Trail, which is off of the Kancamagus Highway in Albany, NH (10 miles west of Conway).

We took the loop trail, which from start to finish is 3.5 miles.  

Trailhead

The early part of the trail

The trail is well marked with yellow blazes.  The terrain varies along the way.

Follow the yellow blazes

Rocky spots

Like so many other New Hampshire trails, the bridge was wiped out by heavy rain from storms like Irene.

You have to cross the stream

Parts of the trail had exposed roots.  They aren’t so bad going up, but you have to watch for ankle twists on the way down.

Exposed tree roots

The total elevation is 600 feet.  The first 45 minutes were a gradual ascent.  I felt like a gazelle going up.  The Fat Man was well behind me (but he had some snickerdoodle cookies the night before, which can slow you down).  I am trying my best to avoid processed foods with sugar. 

You can do it Fat Man!

We passed this big boulder on the way up, as well a cool tree that has grown over a rock.

When we got to the sign for the falls, we went left.  I don’t like heights so I was glad we took this route.  I find it is much easier going up when I don’t have to look down. 

We went left here

 We stopped at the lower falls for lunch.  The view was stupendous.

View from the lower falls

We then climbed up the rocks and rock stairs to the top of the falls.  It was steep and a little wet, which is why it carries a moderate rating. 

Boulders to scale

Steps going up

More steps to climb

View from on high

The path down had a ledge and narrow area that made me a little uncomfortable (I really wish I didn't have acrophobia).  But as I like to say, “there is no shame in shimmying.”  I just sat down on my haunches and slid my way down.

All in all it was a lovely trail and a great way to end a wonderful vacation.  Our goal is to continue hiking and get into better shape to continue on this trail to Mount Chocorua.

Heidi’s rating:  ★★★ only because I don’t like steep areas

The Fat Man’s rating: 2 packs of Peanut Butter Tandytakes (the original spelling) and a glass of milk