Mt. Chocorua via Champney Falls with Middle and First Sisters

Jul 12

Map of Champney Falls, Middle Sister, First Sister, and Mt Chocorua, White Mountain National Forest

Elevation Profile of Champney Falls, Middle Sister, First Sister, and Mt Chocorua

Overview. This is was a standout hike! We came in from the north side of Mt. Chocorua to enjoy Champney Falls and added Middle and First Sisters to the day to take advantage of the sun and clouds overhead. A steady gainer to start, a little steeper approaching the peaks, and then some fun scrambling approaching the summit. This is a marvelous hike!!!

GPX File

Parking. Ample parking is available at the Champney Falls Trailhead that fills up on nice weekends. Arrive early to get a spot in the lot. Pit toilets are available at the trailhead.

Trail Navigation. The route is well marked and maintained. Here are the turn by turn directions:

Start on Champney Falls Trail and cross the brook
Continue on Champney Falls Trail past Bolles Trail
Take the left (southeast) fork to reach Champney Falls via a spur trail that flattens out for a bit until reaching the base of the falls
Continue uphill and enjoy the falls before rejoining the main trail
Enjoy a few switchbacks before turning left (northeast) onto the cutoff trail to Middle Sister - your first views will appear shortly after the turn
Reach the summit of Middle Sister and checkout the groundhouse (a sturdier version of a fire tower)
Retrace your steps and descend Middle Sister Trail staying left (south-southwest) at the fork with the cutoff trail
Ascend to the top of First Sister with a closer view of Mt. Chocorua
Descend off First Sister and follow the ridgeline to reach the open rock trail to Mt. Chocorua’s summit - follow the blazes closely to avoid more arduous scrambling than is necessary
Wrap around the west side of Chocorua’s summit before scrambling up to the top via a summit spur
Retrace your steps on the descent and turn left (west) at the fork onto Champney Falls Trail
Descend back to the parking lot

HIKER NOTE - Pitcher Falls. We missed Pitcher Falls on this trip, but it’s located up the east fork of the brook past the curtain falls at the base of Champney Falls.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Long falls from high places can happen here. Be smart and stay safe on the clifftops.

CAUTION - Be Bear Aware. Black bear are plentiful in the region. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips

CAUTION - Moose. Be aware and never approach moose. Leave a wide berth and turn back if needed.