About Purgatory Falls
Purgatory Falls is a named waterfall in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, located about 1.8 miles west of Mont Vernon. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the New Boston 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°53′14″ N, 71°42′29″ W (42.88731, -71.70813). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Purgatory Hill (summit, 0.5 mi), Curtis Brook (stream, 0.6 mi), and Beech Hill (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wildcat Falls, 11 miles to the east.
A hiking trail leads to this scenic waterfall with several cascades amid a tranquil forest.
More Photos
80 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Purgatory Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Purgatory Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Purgatory Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Purgatory Falls holds a 4.5 average from 26 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Purgatory Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Purgatory Hill — summit, 0.5 mi
- Curtis Brook — stream, 0.6 mi
- Beech Hill — summit, 0.8 mi
- Black Brook — stream, 1.1 mi
- Stearns Pond — lake, 1.4 mi
- Parker Hill — summit, 1.5 mi
- Hortons Pond — lake, 1.9 mi
- Carleton Pond — reservoir, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 42.88731, -71.70813. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Purgatory Falls
- Sewalls Falls, NH27 mi north
- Beaver Brook Falls, NH28 mi west
- Spirit Falls, MA29 mi southwest
- Royalston Falls, MA30 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Purgatory Falls located?
Purgatory Falls is in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, about 1.8 miles west of Mont Vernon. Its coordinates are 42.88731, -71.70813 (42°53′14″ N, 71°42′29″ W).
What town is closest to Purgatory Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Mont Vernon, NH, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Purgatory Falls?
The closest is Wildcat Falls (11 mi east). Others within reach include Greggs Falls (11 mi), Amoskeag Falls (14 mi), and Garvin Falls (22 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Purgatory Falls?
Purgatory Falls appears on the USGS New Boston 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.