Waterville Cascades and Snows Mountain Hike

We hiked up the Cascade Path that brought us to a beautiful series of seven cascades, falling down the rocky gorge of Cascade Brook!  We started on the Cascade Path, which climbed up along a development road, past trophy homes, up an old ski trail, and into the woods. We took a short detour where all of us climbed up Elephant Rock for group photo.

At the base of the falls, we crossed Cascade Brook without any problems and went up the east side of the brook. From here, we were treated with one waterfall after another. I don’t think there is any trail in the White Mountains that displays so many waterfalls in such a short distance!

We were entertained by a group of young boys jumping off ledges into the various swimming holes…so fearless and carefree…living the moment. At one of the last waterfalls, the boys accidentally wrapped the rope swing around a high branch and could not reach it…Jon to the rescue! He extended a trekking pole and climbed up the tree a bit to dislodge the rope. The boys all clapped for their hero.    

At the top, we followed a mountain bike path to the top of the Snows Mountain that features views of Osceola and Tecumseh for lunch. The Snows Mountain chairlift was running with lots of people and mountain bikers going up. The top of the lift had chairs so we grabbed one and ate lunch under shady trees.

After the lunch we took the Greeley Ledges Trail and Snows Mountain trail back to our vehicles. The total loop was about 3.4 miles with 700 ft. of elevation gain. A few returned back to our house to cool off in the Mad River and enjoy delicious sirloin burgers & beefy hot dogs cooked up by Jon.

What an amazing day!

Join us on this hike to these picturesque cascades in the quaint town of Waterville Valley that make for one of the most enjoyable and rewarding waterfall hikes in New Hampshire! After an easy walk in the woods, a loop encircles the cascades, passing numerous drops, fans, rapids, and pools in Cascade Brook. After the cascades, we’ll hike Snows Mountain ski area for views of the mountains surrounding Waterville Valley.

The distance is approximately four miles with around 700 feet of elevation gain. This hike is beginner-friendly and appropriate for those who enjoy a leisurely pace (slow to moderate), good company, beautiful waterfalls, and mountain views.

We'll begin by hiking to the Waterville Cascades and then follow the trail up the mountain past several smaller waterfalls. Next, we'll make our way to the top of the former Snow's Mountain ski area using a mountain biking trail which features views of Osceola and Tecumseh. We’ll take a different return route going down the other side of the cascades and follow mountain biking trails. This hike is beginner-friendly and appropriate for those who enjoy a leisurely pace (slow to moderate), good company, beautiful waterfalls, and mountain views.

Don't forget to bring wind/rain shell, water, lunch, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, etc. along with whatever you typically have for a hiking excursion. We’ll have lunch on top of the summit. 

Social Mixer: Following the hike, everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to hang out for a couple hours alongside the Mad River for swimming/sunbathing, socialize around the deck and enjoy a BBQ! It's BYOB and it costs $10 per person. Bring your swim trunks/towel. We have to cross the shallow Mad River to reach our sandy beach so bring sandals or old sneakers; FLIP FLOPS WILL NOT WORK TO CROSS THE RIVER! 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night. Its $25 dollars Friday night and $35 Saturday that includes BBQ. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have 4 bunks available so the first 4 guys that contact us to reserve will get one; and let us know which night[s] you’ll be lodging with us. You’re on your own for dinner Friday night but you’re welcome to use our kitchen facilities to cook!