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A less crowded summer and fall option with birdwatching and amazing waterfalls


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.4

KM

Loop

2,146' 654 m

High

1,534' 467 m

Low

807' 246 m

Up

804' 245 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Upper Snows Mountain and Beanbender Trail are ski trails, and are used by skiers during the winter.

Overview

A mid-length loop with several waterfalls to scramble around and explore, leading to some heavily wooded but relatively flat areas that make great birding areas. You can extend the trail by adding on the Norway Rapids or Greeley Ledge trails, as well.

Description

The first section is a steep and root-filled climb from the parking lot to about the intersection with the Elephant Rock trail. There are few, if any, consistent blazes, but Cascade Path is marked with bright yellow signs. Once you get to the waterfall at the end of Cascade Path, keep on the right side of the river and continue climbing up to the intersection with the Upper Snows Mountain ski trail.

This area is well marked, and unlike many ski trails, it is heavily wooded, so the path is wide without being super exposed. At the intersection with the Greeley Ledge trail, continue down along the "Beanbender" ski trail. This trail is marked as a black on Waterville Valley's maps and does have a significant grade, but it's wide and there are few rocks and other obstacles to trip you up.

You could choose to go back down via Cascade Path and the Elephant Rock trail, but Beanbender provides excellent views of Mount Osceola and Mount Tecumseh.

History & Background

This area is part of the Waterville Valley ski area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Evan Moulson

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#4511

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#52

in New Hampshire

#4,511

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335 Since May 24, 2021
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Photos

Chairlift and lookout over Waterville Valley.
May 24, 2021 near Watervi…, NH
This is the first of a number of cascades.
Jul 4, 2017 near Watervi…, NH
Waterfall on Cascade Path.
May 24, 2021 near Watervi…, NH
This little falls lets out into a pretty deep pool.
Jul 4, 2017 near Watervi…, NH
Lower waterfall on Cascade Path
May 24, 2021 near Watervi…, NH
Signage to Cascade Path.
May 24, 2021 near Watervi…, NH

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Nov 6, 2021
David Perkins
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