Brickett Falls via Mount Meader Trail

The hike to Brickett Falls is generally considered easy, making it suitable for beginners and families. It's about 2.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 390 feet, following a wide, gentle path initially. However, if you extend your hike beyond the falls towards Mount Meader, the difficulty significantly increases, becoming rougher with rocky sections and scrambles, and a vertical gain of over 2,300 feet to the summit.

The trailhead for the Brickett Falls via Mount Meader Trail is located in Chatham, New Hampshire, accessible from Route 113. Be aware that the trailhead can be poorly marked from Route 113, so careful navigation is advised. Parking is typically available near the trailhead.

The Brickett Falls via Mount Meader Trail is located within the White Mountain National Forest. While there isn't a specific permit required for day hiking this particular trail, some areas within the National Forest may require a recreation pass for parking at certain trailheads. It's always a good idea to check the latest regulations on the White Mountain National Forest website before your visit.

Yes, the Brickett Falls via Mount Meader Trail is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and that you practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet.

The best time to hike this trail is generally during spring, summer, and fall. Spring offers the advantage of higher water levels, which makes Brickett Falls particularly impressive for photography. Fall provides stunning foliage. While accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging with snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear.

The primary highlight is Brickett Falls, a beautiful 60-foot total drop composed of a series of cascades and slides over sunny ledges. Along Mill Brook, you'll also encounter interesting smaller cascades where the brook flows through a narrow sluice carved into bedrock. If you extend your hike to Mount Meader, you'll be rewarded with scenic views of the Evans Notch region from several ledges.

Yes, the hike to Brickett Falls is considered family-friendly due to its easy difficulty and relatively short distance. The initial section is wide and gentle, making it accessible for children. The cascades and falls offer engaging natural features for kids to explore.

The trail begins along an old, unmarked grassy road before entering the woods. For the first 0.4 miles, it's a semi-cleared, wide, and gentle path that follows Mill Brook upstream. The climb to the falls is easy, passing interesting cascades and unique geological features where the brook cuts through bedrock. The path to the main falls involves a short spur trail.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Mount Meader Trail for its entire length. Additionally, a portion of the route, about 35%, utilizes FR 47, which is a forest road.

The trail is located near Chatham, New Hampshire, within the Evans Notch area. While specific services like cafes or accommodations are not directly at the trailhead, you can find various amenities in nearby towns within the White Mountain National Forest region.

Brickett Falls is notable for its unique geological features; it's a 60-foot total drop composed of a long chain of cascades and slides that snake around sunny ledges and exposed rock outcrops. The stream divides and twists as it flows down open ledges, offering opportunities for exploration rather than a single, large drop. It's also one of the shorter and easier waterfall hikes in the Evans Notch area, yet it sees relatively few visitors, offering a more tranquil experience.