Mont Vernon fall hiking starts with a few practical checks. Before heading toward Purgatory Falls or another local trail, review the route, pack for changing conditions, and remember that hunters also use the woods.
Check the Purgatory Brook crossing
Mont Vernon’s Conservation Commission currently posts a warning that the bridge above Upper Purgatory Falls has washed out. The notice is undated and gives no reopening date. Therefore, check with the town before planning a walk that relies on this crossing, and follow signs at the trailhead. An older route description does not prove that the bridge is usable.
Also, Lower Purgatory Falls is in Lyndeborough. Questions about that falls area and its parking belong with Lyndeborough’s Conservation Commission. Identify your exact starting point before leaving home. The Mont Vernon Conservation Commission page explains this distinction and lists the bridge warning.
Mont Vernon fall hiking calls for bright colors
The town allows hunting on its conservation lands and encourages fall hikers to wear an orange hat or safety vest. New Hampshire Fish and Game’s 2026 hunting-season announcement says archery deer season began September 15. Muzzleloader season begins October 31, followed by firearms season on November 11.
As a result, visibility already matters in early October. Add a bright orange layer to your walking gear. Check the current season information before each outing, especially when exploring beyond familiar paths.
Pack for the walk back, too
New Hampshire’s Wildly Responsible outdoor guidance recommends checking conditions at your destination, carrying a map, and telling someone your route and return time. It also cautions against assuming that cell service will be available.
Even a short local walk deserves some preparation. Choose a route that suits your group’s abilities, bring suitable clothing and equipment, and keep a backup plan. Stay on established trails and give wildlife space. If conditions change, shorten the walk rather than pressing on simply to finish the original route.
Respect the trailhead
The Conservation Commission asks visitors to return another day when a parking area is full. Do not park in the road or block entrances. The town also prohibits fires and motorized vehicles on conservation land.
Finally, leave room for a different plan. A relaxed day of Mont Vernon fall hiking begins with a current route check, a clear starting point, and the right gear. For another nearby outdoor destination, read our guide to Brookline’s Andres Institute sculpture symposium, whose closing ceremony is October 4.
