Sewalls Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Sewalls Falls
Sewalls Falls sits on the Merrimack River in Concord, New Hampshire, offering a peaceful riverside setting where gentle rapids and ledges create scenic viewing opportunities rather than a single plunging cascade. The site is a popular quick-stop for photography, birdwatching, and a short nature break—perfect when you want riverside views without a long hike. It's often described as a serene stretch of the river more than a dramatic waterfall, making it ideal for visitors looking for easy access to the Merrimack's scenery. The falls are managed as part of the Sewall Falls Wildlife Management Area (land unit), owned by SFW and designated SCA. With drive-up access and a very short walking route, Sewalls Falls is family-friendly and works well as a brief outdoor outing while exploring Concord and the surrounding river corridor.
The Setting
Sewalls Falls sits at 240 feet within Sewall Falls Wildlife Management Area, fed by the Blackwater River, in the coastal lowlands of New Hampshire.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Sewalls Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
This is a very short, out-and-back route: 0.1 miles with about 50 feet of elevation gain. The trail is classified as drive-up difficulty in the provided data, meaning parking and the trailhead are immediately accessible from the road—ideal for quick stops and families. Surface, official trail grade, and trail class are not specified in the available data; expect a brief, mostly natural riverside path with short, potentially steeper sections given the 50 ft gain over such a short distance. No designated campground is within 10 km of the site based on provided information.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sewalls Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sewalls Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular for outdoor activities, while winter offers a quiet, snowy landscape.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the river's edge, as rocks can be slippery. During high water levels or after heavy rain, the currents may be stronger. Always supervise children and pets.
Current Water Conditions
41 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 67 years of record
2.28 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACKWATER RIVER NEAR WEBSTER, NH (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
44 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
42 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
41 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
38 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
39 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
38 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
40 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Concord hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 40 feet of drop through Sewalls Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 226 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 98 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 226 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 36 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sewalls Falls is located in Concord, New Hampshire, and can be accessed via Sewalls Falls Road. The area is part of the Sewalls Falls Recreation Area, which is easily reachable by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available near the Sewalls Falls Recreation Area, providing convenient access to the site.
Elevation
240 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.260080° N, -71.553684° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent during warmer months. The area can be muddy after rain, so plan accordingly. Early mornings or weekdays are typically less crowded.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn by Hilton Concord/Bow
Lake Shore Farm Inn
The Cottages at Harvey Lake
Postcard Cabins Blake Brook, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
ELM BROOK PARK REC AREA
10.1 miles away · 4 sites
Overview Elm Brook Park is a day-use area located on Elm Brook Pool just off State Route 127 near Concord, New Hampshire. Elm Brook Pool is part of Hopkinton-Everett Lakes, where visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, swimming, hiking and fishing. Please note that pets are not allowed in Elm Brook Park from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.Recreation Elm Brook Park offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. Many enjoy canoeing and
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the city of Concord, NH, with its shops, restaurants, and historical sites. The Merrimack River also offers additional recreational opportunities such as kayaking and fishing.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, including herons and ducks, as well as small mammals and aquatic life.
Cities near Sewalls Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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