Step Falls Preserve

Step Falls Preserve is private land supervised for public use by The Nature Conservancy. This half-mile trail meanders alongside Wight Brook as it tumbles from an improbable height in the woods. On hot days, this is a popular place for locals to bask on rocks and splash in the pools. Amid the red maples near the parking lot, red-eyed vireos are likely. Upon entering the hemlocks, expect a scolding from one of the many blue-headed vireos that nest here. Blackburnian and black-throated green warblers are present in good numbers, but the main attraction is the scenic beauty of the falls itself.

Directions: From Route 2 in Newry, turn onto Route 26 and proceed north approximately 7.5 miles. The trailhead is on the east side of the bridge over Wight Brook. This area is just south of Grafton Notch State Park. Please respect neighbors’ property and stay within the bounds of the preserve. The preserve is open during daytime hours and dogs are not allowed.