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Hiking trails & Routes

Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area and Concord Rotary Island Park loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area and Concord Rotary Island Park loop

Easy

2.9

(4)

hikers

Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area and Concord Rotary Island Park loop

Q: Where can I park to access the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area and Concord Rotary Island Park loop?

You'll find parking available directly at the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area. This provides convenient access to the trailhead for the loop.

Q: Is the trail suitable for beginners or those with limited mobility?

Yes, this loop is considered easy and is largely flat, making it very accessible. Significant portions are suitable for beginners, and some sections are even accessible for wheelchairs or assisted walking devices.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Yes, the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. It's particularly good during muddy seasons as the Sewalls Falls trails are noted for being drier than some other local trails. It's also suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to use Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area?

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access and enjoy the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on this route?

The terrain is mostly flat and easy walking, following the Merrimack River. While generally flat, there are a few sections where the trail crosses a brook and goes up a small hill before leveling out again.

Q: What interesting features or views can I see along the way?

You'll enjoy peaceful and picturesque scenery along the Merrimack River. Keep an eye out for the Concord Rotary Island Park trail and views of the Sewall's Falls Road bridge . The area also has historical significance, once home to the world's longest rock crib dam.

Q: Does this trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the route passes through sections of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, the River Trail, the Upland Trail, and Chipmunk Crossing. The Sewall's Falls trail system can also connect to the James Paine Rotary Park trails for extended walks.

Q: What other activities can I do at Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area?

Beyond hiking, the recreation area offers opportunities for fishing, diving, exploring off-the-beaten-path beaches, swimming, kayaking, and rafting. There are also picnic areas available for visitors.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the loop?

The full loop, which is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles), generally takes approximately 53 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace.

00:53

3.50km

10m

Hiking

The Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area and Concord Rotary Island Park loop offers a delightful and accessible journey along the Merrimack River. You'll find yourself immersed in a mix of riverside scenery, open grassy areas, and woodlands, with the path often revealing glimpses of historical industrial remnants like an abandoned…

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

171 m

Concord Rotary Island Park trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail forms a loop through the park: On the riverward side you can access Sewall's Falls Beach, and on the inland side of the loop you'll find yourself walking …

Tip by

2.12 km

View of Sewall's Falls Road bridge

Highlight • Bridge

You can use this as a trailhead for setting off southeast through Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area, or it could be the end of your hike. Either way, you get …

Tip by

3.50 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.29 km

160 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.28 km

176 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 17 July

27°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area and Concord Rotary Island Park loop?

You'll find parking available directly at the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area. This provides convenient access to the trailhead for the loop.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or those with limited mobility?

Yes, this loop is considered easy and is largely flat, making it very accessible. Significant portions are suitable for beginners, and some sections are even accessible for wheelchairs or assisted walking devices.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Yes, the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all visitors.

What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. It's particularly good during muddy seasons as the Sewalls Falls trails are noted for being drier than some other local trails. It's also suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Are there any fees or permits required to use Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area?

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access and enjoy the Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area.

What kind of terrain can I expect on this route?

The terrain is mostly flat and easy walking, following the Merrimack River. While generally flat, there are a few sections where the trail crosses a brook and goes up a small hill before leveling out again.

What interesting features or views can I see along the way?

You'll enjoy peaceful and picturesque scenery along the Merrimack River. Keep an eye out for the Concord Rotary Island Park trail and views of the Sewall's Falls Road bridge. The area also has historical significance, once home to the world's longest rock crib dam.

Does this trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the route passes through sections of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, the River Trail, the Upland Trail, and Chipmunk Crossing. The Sewall's Falls trail system can also connect to the James Paine Rotary Park trails for extended walks.

What other activities can I do at Sewall's Falls State Recreation Area?

Beyond hiking, the recreation area offers opportunities for fishing, diving, exploring off-the-beaten-path beaches, swimming, kayaking, and rafting. There are also picnic areas available for visitors.

How long does it typically take to complete the loop?

The full loop, which is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles), generally takes approximately 53 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace.

Is the trail wheelchair accessible?

A significant portion of the main trail is considered accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors, including those using wheelchairs or assisted walking devices.