Purgatory Middle Falls
Lyndeborough · Monadnock Region
Purgatory Middle Falls is a smart editorial add because it catches the less-publicized middle section of a famous brook corridor and gives repeat visitors a reason to go deeper. It feels closer to the hidden-waterfall brief than the more photographed lower basin.
Key facts
Swimming
Mid-trail waterfall and brook ledges between the upper and lower Purgatory access points. This feels quieter than the lower falls, but still needs a scout-first approach
Access
Public trail from upper or lower Purgatory access
Parking
Limited
Current conditions
Trip profile
Difficulty
Reward
Risk
Good fit, skip if, before you go
Good fit
A more earned Purgatory stop than the lower falls
People who like moving through a brook corridor instead of stopping at the first cascade
Repeat visitors wanting the less-talked-about middle section
Skip
You only want the shortest walk possible
Navigation confidence is low for a multi-lot trail system
Recent rain has the brook high and loud
Before you go
- Use either public Purgatory access, but most people will find the upper lot cleaner for a middle-falls approach.
- Respect posted rules and day-of closures if they exist.
- Check footing, depth, current, and exit options before entering the water.
- Pack out trash and leave access points cleaner than you found them.
- If the stop feels wrong in person, make it a look-only visit.