If you are in the area of Mont Vernon, jump on over to secluded Purgatory Falls, a short series of cascades traveling through a narrow gorge, accessible by horseback, mountain bike or by foot. No matter which means of transportation, expect to get a little muddy, as we always have when we visited. Several local residents informed us that for most of the months during the year the trail have giant muddy puddles that must either be traveled through or passed by. Every section is manageable if you take the time to scout the best way through or around these puddles. The total drop of the falls is short, about 25 feet, but worth the visit as many other waterfalls do not offer the seclusion that this one does. Although we have not visited any of the additional cascades downstream, they are rumored to be a nice bonus to this hike.

The trail to the falls begins by continuing on foot along Upton Rd for 0.9 mile. If Upton Rd is washed out, which it usually is, use the paths to the side of the road avoid stepping in any large puddles. When you reach a trail junction, Purgatory Brook and a small swamp, take a left and continue on another old dirt road 0.3 mile south to the falls, which will be on your right. Scramble down the embankment for the best view of the falls. There are additional cascades (sometimes called Lower Purgatory Falls) that can be reached by continuing downstream an additional 3.0 miles from the main falls. We have not personally visited these cascades, but they do look slightly promising based on pictures found during our research.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

None.