Wildcat Falls, Merrimack NH

• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 3 mile options
• Easy | Gain 40 to 130 feet
• Merrimack, NH | Merrimack Region
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A person stands atop a sizable rock, facing a river with a series of rapids. They hold a walking stick and look toward the flowing water. The riverbanks are wooded, featuring a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees. Above, the sky is clear and blue.

Looking out over the seasonal rapids of Wildcat Falls.

The Wildcat Conservation Area is a year-round favorite for locals, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing through its diverse forest and along the banks of the Souhegan River. During our springtime visit, the main attraction was Wildcat Falls. Although the falls are more like a series of stepped rapids than a traditional waterfall, they were nonetheless impressive due to the high water volume from recent rains and snowmelt.

In summer, when the river flows through Wildcat Falls at a more leisurely pace, the Wildcat Conservation Area becomes its busiest. It attracts both nature enthusiasts and water lovers. Although the park's official website advises that "swimming at Wildcat Falls is not restricted, it is dangerous and not encouraged," this stretch of the river is well-known as a local swimming hole.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Wildcat Falls Loop 2.1 mi loop, easy, gain 110 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Perimeter Loop 2.6 mi loop, easy, gain 130 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 4★ Waterfall Out & Back 1.1 mi out & back, easy, gain 40 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free Parking

If you're planning to keep your hiking boots on, then we've plotted some of the best options for walking the park's trails. We've illustrated the park's preferred Falls Loop and also the Perimeter Loop that adds in quieter single-track circuit that ventures into the upstream area of river. Clockwise routes are recommended for both of these trails. We've also highlighted the shortest, easy out-and-back trail that leads directly to the falls from the main parking lot.

The main viewing area for Wildcat Falls is a rocky promontory that extends into the heart of the cascade, providing a fantastic vantage point. Additionally, photographers can find an appealing spot below the falls to frame shots among the riverside rocks and tree branches.

Two individuals walk along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees, which include a mix of evergreen and deciduous types. The ground is scattered with fallen leaves and pine needles. Overhead, the sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

Walking upstream of the Souhegan River to the falls.

An unofficial riverside trail downstream of the falls - absent from the official park map - continues from Dog Beach and reaches the eastern end of the park. We recommend this undulating single-track trail as a pleasant diversion from the Falls Loop, allowing for even more scenic riverside views.

The primary parking lot for Wildcat Conservation Area is a medium-sized lot located at the end of Currier Road. However, it tends to fill up quickly on weekends and hot summer days. As an alternative, we've suggested Watson Park as another trailhead and parking location. From Watson Park, it's a 1.5-mile out-and-back walk to Wildcat Falls.

The image depicts a man standing on a rock beside a flowing river in a forested setting. The man is dressed in a red jacket, gray pants, and a black cap. The river features small rapids, surrounded by large rocks and trees. Some trees have bare branches, suggesting it could be early spring or late autumn. The sky is clear and blue, indicating sunny weather.

Investigate below the falls for more waterfall views.

The scene depicts a forest with a gently flowing river cutting through the landscape. The river has small ripples and patches of foam, suggesting moderate movement of the water. On both sides of the river, the forest is dense, with tall trees featuring a mix of leafy and coniferous branches. The ground near the river is uneven, covered in fallen leaves, twigs, and occasional exposed roots. Some rocks are scattered along the riverbank, partially submerged in the water. The sunlight filters through the canopy of trees, creating dappled light patterns on the forest floor and the river's surface.

Great scenes on the unofficial riverside trail below the falls.

Tangents:
• Trailspotting: Wildcat Falls on YouTube
• Official: Merrimack Outdoors
• AllTrails Public: Perimeter Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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