Astray Fish

For an easy family adventure, combine the historic Russell-Colbath Homestead with a quick hike to see the famous Sabbaday Falls. This trip includes a visit to a historic home with wooded river trail, followed by a short well traveled hike to a waterfall.

These two destinations are only 3 miles from one another, nestled just east of the center of the Kancamagus highway, aka the “Kanc.”

This highway runs east to west in New Hampshire through the center of the White Mountains National Forest. There are countless peaks, creeks, and scenic views along the route. There are a few campgrounds such as the Jigger Johnson Campground right next to the Homestead.

Russell-Colbath Homestead

Located on the north side of the highway, the 1800’s small home is open seasonally to tourists. We were happily greeted by a knowledgeable park ranger who described the history of the home and property. He also explained to our children what life would have been like for them in that house. The lower level of the home is mostly open to visiting, with many original furnishings still present. There are also well maintained restrooms located in the barn on the property.

There is an interesting story regarding the original owner and widow of the home. And a small graveyard also stands out property. Real or not, it did feel like she was still about the house.

We then took about 45 minutes to meander through the easy to follow 1 mile trail in the park. Starting off behind the home, we wandered past some very large pines and skirted peacefully along the Swift River. It looked like an excellent spot for fishing. The loop brought us back up to the car and off we went to our next stop.

Click here for Russell-Colbath Homestead on Google Maps

Sabbaday Falls

This is a very popular hike and with good reason. The hiking elevation change is less than 200 feet. The round trip from the car to the top of the falls and back is less than a mile. There are outhouse type restrooms in the parking lot. The start of the hike is a wide path well traversed through the woods. You almost can’t get lost. The whole hike takes less than an hour.

The trail follows a picturesque rocky creek bed and gradually winds up the hill. About 2/3rd of the way up, you start climbing wooden stairs which skirt the falls. There are railings, but watch little ones as these stairs can get slick. I had no trouble tackling this hike with a baby hiking backpack on.

The waterfall drops about 40 feet and you can view it from bottom to top as you climb. At the top, the wooden bridge will span the side of the falls. It allows you to see the torrent of water cascading down into the ravine. The trail then wraps back down around to meet with itself. You don’t have to go back down the stairs.

The Kancamagus Highway is a must do for our family every year. I will post more White Mountains points of interest and tips in the future.

There are so many other small stopping off points along the Kancamagus. Take time to pull over at as many as you have time for and take in the views.

Tips for Kancamagus and White Mountains:

Always bring more water and snacks than you think you will need.

Always wear sturdy shoes.

Some days in early summer are notorious for flies, bring bug spray, long sleeves, and long pants.

Regardless of the time of year, it can and usually gets cold at night.  Be sure to bring socks, sweatshirt, emergency blankets.

Sabbaday Falls parking lot gets full quickly on the weekends. It’s not a long hike, so try going earlier or later in the day.

Consider a well made baby/toddler hiking backpack as babies change into toddlers. This is a favorite baby shower item. It has a canopy, adjusts to torso length (both parents can wear it), chest strap, many pockets for snack and diapers, and a self standing mechanism (SOOO important!! It’s so baby can stay in it when you put the hiker on the ground). It was worth the cost. Osprey Poco baby backpack (#ad)

There are no gas stations or restaurants along the Kancamagus.

It takes about 45 minutes to travel from one side to the other.

There are no street lights on the Kanc. Most people like to be off the highway before dark so plan accordingly.

You might see a moose. Do not try to interact with a moose. At all. Just don’t. Also, watch for them while driving, they are a serious danger.

There is very spotty if any cell reception for most of the Kancamagus. If you insist on having a play date with a moose, you may find it difficult to call for an ambulance afterwards.

Let me know where your favorite stops are along the Kancamagus!

Kit@astrayfish.com

Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.