This is a beautifully built trail with log stairs and log benches. The trail into the falls is very steep so use care in this section. Enjoy the log picnic table overlooking the falls!

The falls are purportedly named “Hellgate” because many loggers lost their lives here breaking up log jams.

Drive north on US-3, through the town of Pittsburg, and pass the First Connecticut Lake to Magalloway Road (about 11 miles north of the village). Follow Magalloway Road for 3 miles to the first heavily traveled dirt road on the right (Buckhorn Road).  Follow Buckhorn Road for another 3.5 miles to a “Y”. Stay straight onto Cedar Stream Road for another 2.4 miles. (You will pass 2 camps and the parking area is 0.5 miles after the second camp. Look for snowmobile trail #137 on the left, with a New Hampshire state trail kiosk marking the snowmobile junction of #20/137. Park on the side and start down the Skillings Gore Road/snowmobile trail on the left. Cross one bridge over Rowell Brook and walk 0.2 miles to the trailhead on left, just before the bridge over Hellgate Brook.

The Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest Recreation Program, managed by the State of New Hampshire in cooperation with The Forestland Group, provides high-quality recreational opportunities that are consistent with a Forest Legacy Easement held by the State of New Hampshire. The property, owned by The Forestland Group, is a working forest and care should be taken on the roads and in the forest.

The TrailFinder website and the AllTrails website have descriptions and maps of hikes on the Little Hellgate Falls Trail.