Pinkham’s Grant, New Hampshire

Crystal Cascade, an exquisite 100-foot waterfall nestled in Pinkham Notch within the White Mountains of New Hampshire, stands as one of the state's best falls.

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About This Location

Crystal Cascade, an exquisite 100-foot waterfall nestled in Pinkham Notch within the White Mountains of New Hampshire, stands as one of the state's tallest and most enchanting natural wonders. This two-tiered waterfall boasts an awe-inspiring spectacle, with the upper section plunging an impressive 70 feet and the lower section gracefully cascading for another 30 feet. The falls exhibit a captivating blend of horsetails and a distinctive block formation.

The lifeline of Crystal Cascade is the Ellis River, whose flow is at its most potent during the spring months when the melting snow and rainstorms combine to breathe life into this magnificent waterfall. As such, many visitors flock to Crystal Cascade from May to July to witness its breathtaking display at its peak flow. However, this natural wonder is a year-round attraction, owing to its sheer size, accessibility, and breathtaking beauty.

Your journey to Crystal Cascade begins at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, located off White Mountain Road (NH-16). Here, the trailhead for the Tuckerman Ravine Trail awaits, marking the starting point of your adventure. The Crystal Cascades Trail is what visitors should take to get to the falls. The hike to Crystal Cascade covers a mere 0.35 miles one-way, with an estimated hiking time of just 10 minutes each way. The trail is exceptionally wide, thoughtfully maintained, and meticulously marked, offering a relatively moderate trek. It features some mildly steep sections, but nothing too daunting, rendering it a family-friendly excursion. For those who wish to share this experience with their furry companions, dogs are welcome as long as they remain leashed.

The viewing area at Crystal Cascade distinguishes it from many other waterfalls in New Hampshire. A beautifully crafted stone lookout provides a secure vantage point, enabling visitors to gaze directly at the falls without any risk to their safety. This thoughtful feature allows everyone to appreciate the grandeur of Crystal Cascade in comfort and security.

Despite its undeniable allure, Crystal Cascade often remains a hidden gem within Pinkham Notch. Many hikers become consumed with the challenge of conquering Mount Washington and often overlook the opportunity to take a brief respite on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to admire the captivating beauty of Crystal Cascade. Consequently, the falls remain a tranquil retreat, visited by only a fraction of the hikers who traverse this trail.

Parking at Crystal Cascade is facilitated by the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, offering approximately 100 parking spaces for visitors. Best of all, parking is complimentary. However, it's worth noting that the lot can fill up rapidly on pleasant weekends and during the vibrant fall foliage season when leaf enthusiasts converge upon the White Mountains in droves. For those who seek natural splendor and tranquility, Crystal Cascade is an unmissable treasure waiting to be discovered in the heart of New Hampshire's stunning White Mountains.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
White Mountain Road, Pinkham’s Grant, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
44.260861, -71.257250
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There are about 100 parking spaces at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center where visitors can access Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Crystal Cascade. Parking is free.

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