Senter Falls, Lyndeborough NH

• 4-star hike
• ½ mile loop
• Easy | Gain 120 feet
• Lyndeborough, NH | Monadnock Region
.

A person is seated on a rock in a forest, wearing a blue and orange jacket along with a green hat. They are facing a small waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool of water. Tall trees surround the area, their bases scattered with fallen leaves and rocks.

Senter Falls is the main attraction at the Alan & Edgar Rice Nature Preserve in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire. Featuring a series of cascades on Cold Brook that cuts through a small but lengthy rocky gorge, this waterfall has plenty to admire. Particularly on a day following heavy rains, as was the case when we visited during a springtime thaw.

After crossing a sturdy trail bridge over Scataquog Brook and choosing the recommended clockwise route of the parks looping trail, the waterfall is only a short walk from the trailhead. The modest hill-climb along the narrow trail adjacent to the falls is barely noticeable while you're distracted by the scenic waterfall and forest views.

The return trail at the top of the falls is easy to miss, but just as easy to find. Follow the return trail that briefly heads uphill, turns a corner, then gently descends back towards the trailhead. Wooden steps built into the trail make the downhill return an easy hike.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Senter Falls Loop 0.5 mi loop, easy, gain 120 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free Parking

For more local trail insight, check out the 'Two Brooks Trail Guide' that is downloadable from the official Piscataquog Land Conservancy web page linked below. The guide describes the history of the local boundary markers and explains how the hills in this park are actually glacial drumlins - built-up layers of sediment formed beneath glacial slabs during the last ice age.

We also note that some maps appear to incorrectly show both the park's loop trail and the route of Cold Brook over Senter Falls. Our map provides an accurate representation of the trail, and we have also redrawn the course of Cold Brook in approximate terms. We're looking to see what we can do with Open Street Map edits to improve the accuracy of this information.

Trailhead parking is limited to two vehicles on a turnout at the side of Lyndeborough Road. The road is unpaved, and though in good condition at time of publication, we recommend approaching the site from the North on the 2nd NH Turnpike South highway should you want to limit unpaved driving. If the parking lot is full, there appears to be additional off-road parking slightly further to the north. However as this area is not signposted, we cannot confirm if it is truly a publicly accessible spot.

The image depicts a serene forest setting with a small wooden bridge spanning a narrow stream. The forest is dense with tall trees, their trunks marked with blue trail indicators, signaling a designated hiking path. The ground is scattered with fallen leaves and branches, enhancing the natural ambiance. A person wearing a blue hat, orange jacket, gray pants, and gloves is crossing the bridge, engaged in a peaceful walk amidst nature.

Crossing Scataquog Brook on the 2022 trail bridge.

The image captures a tranquil forest stream surrounded by a dense, green woodland. The stream flows energetically, forming small cascades and waterfalls as it passes over moss-covered rocks. Fallen tree trunks and branches lie scattered across the forest floor, blending with the leaf litter and mossy surfaces. The tall trees, with their textured bark, create a canopy that allows dappled sunlight to filter through, adding depth and contrast to the scene.

Lots of photo opportunities along Senter Falls' length.

The image depicts a person walking uphill on a forest trail covered with pine needles. They are wearing a blue and orange jacket. The surroundings include tall trees with a blue trail marker visible on one tree in the foreground. The forest floor is scattered with fallen branches and leaves, and the dense trees frame the path.

Hardest trail section .. a short uphill burst.

The image depicts a forest with a stream running through it. The water flows over rocks, creating a blurred effect, indicative of motion. The stream is bordered by moss-covered rocks and surrounded by trees. The forest floor is littered with fallen branches and leaves.

The springtime brook continues to rage upstream.

Tangents:
• Trailspotting: Senter Falls on YouTube
• Official: Alan & Edgar Rice Nature Preserve
• AllTrails Public: Senter Falls Loop Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Frog Rock (1 mi) · 4★ Pinnacle Rose & Lyndeborough Mts (2-5 mi) · 4★ Purgatory Falls (1-5 mi) · Show Map

Latest New Hampshire Lakes
See our latest reviews of lakeside trails.

New Hampshire Fire Towers
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.