Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sabbaday Falls
When most people think of the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, they just think of a scenic drive. But, did you know that there’s a stunning and unique waterfall that’s just a short hike off the highway? If you’re going to do the scenic drive, be sure to pull off at Sabbaday Falls!
Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to take a trip to this stunning 45 foot waterfall nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, there’s a few things you should know:
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- There is no service along the Kancamagus Highway, so you’ll want to load your directions and download maps prior to getting into the White Mountain National Forest
- The hike is very short, making it great for families. Even if for some reason you don’t download the map prior to your arrival, the gravel trail is pretty clear.
- This is a popular stop along the Kanc, so be prepared for a lot of people to be there. The lot itself is not huge, so just keep that in mind when planning your trip. It’s best to make it early if you can.
- There are bathrooms as well as picnic areas by the parking lot.
Getting There
Sabbaday Falls is located in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. You’ll take the Kancamagus Highway, which is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH’s Route 112. Along the way, you’ll pass tons of scenic overlooks that offer great views of the surrounding mountains. It’s no wonder the route is now designated as an American Scenic Byway.
There will be a sign for the Sabbaday Falls parking area along the byway. However, to ensure you don’t miss it, I highly recommend using a GPS if you have one. The coordinates for the parking area are N43° 59.838 | W071° 23.568, or you can simply use the coordinates given on AllTrails or search “Sabbaday Falls” in your preferred GPS app.
About the Falls
Sabbaday Falls has a rich history. Legend has it that workers building a road from Albany Intervale to Waterville Valley one Saturday winter night decided it was time to call it quits. According to legend, they hid their tools, planning to return in the spring. Before they left, they named the brook Sabbaday Brook for the Sabbath Day, or “Sabbaday.” Those workers never returned to finish the road, but the name remains today.
The Walk To See The Falls
Getting to the falls is an easy hike. The trailhead to the waterfall is located in the center of the parking lot. At the trailhead start, you’ll find some signs with information about the history of the falls.
To start making your way toward the falls, follow the wide gravel path. The path takes you along Sabbaday Brook, which is very picturesque. There are a couple of spots along the path that gives you access to the water.
In less than a half mile, the Sabbaday Brook Trail, you’ll come to a fork. Go left to get to the bottom of the falls. You can stand on some rocks to get a look at the bottom tier of the waterfall. However, be careful, as the water can make the rocks very slippery.
You can walk up the boardwalk once you’ve gotten your fill at the bottom. As you make your way up, you’ll get a view of the leading tier of the waterfall in its entirety as it cascades down the gorge.
When you get to the top of the stairs, you can either take the boardwalk back down or go right and take the Sabbaday Brook Trail back to where it meets at the fork in the trail you saw earlier. If you go on a particularly busy day, the gravel trail will be the most convenient way back to your car, as the boardwalk is narrow.
Why Visit Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This hidden gem offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience that will leave you captivated by its natural beauty.
From cascading waterfalls to picturesque hiking trails, Sabbaday Falls should be on your travel bucket list for plenty of reasons. The sight is mesmerizing and provides an excellent backdrop for stunning photos or simply enjoying the serene ambiance.
FAQs
The hike to the falls is very short, not even a half mile to get to the falls. The hike consists of a wide gravel path and a boardwalk along the falls. To the falls and back is just under a mile.
Swimming is not allowed here, for good reason. There’s a pretty strong current near the falls.
Yes, but they must be leashed.
