Giant Falls via Peabody Brook is a 2.8 mile out and back trail located on North Road in Shelburne, NH. There’s a small dirt pull-off road and an AMC sign at the gated path. During the spring melt runoff, it’s one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in New Hampshire. Giant Falls is a worthy destination. The trail is good for all skill levels and is used primarily for hiking, trail running, and nature walks. The hike begins at a small footbridge over Peabody Brook.
The Climb Slideshow
The Peabody Brook Trail follows an old logging road to where the trail branches right on the Middle Mountain Trail. Not long after, the road dwindles to a forest path, passes some cliffs, and winds to the right around the hillside. Turn left at the sign for Giant Falls, and the path quickly descends to the brook. Follow it upstream past by many smaller cascades formed below the waterfall and you can walk right up to the base.
The Descent Gallery
According to AllTrails, the elevation gain is 767 feet. I carry an altimeter and my calculations came in at 730 feet. The destination remains the same but the starting point is a different matter.