GetWinter Hike #1: Cloudland Falls

It was an overcast day with spring-like temperatures near 40 degrees when we set off up the Falling Waters Trail.

It was quite warm and we heated up quickly. We were especially in an upbeat mood...and happy to be back in the company of GO members after the holidays.

Falling Waters can be difficult to ascend in the winter due to ice. We were rather taken aback as to how rapidly the snow was melting with parts of the trail slushy, muddy and bare. The trail had been broken but we decided to use snowshoes since we were sinking a bit under the soft snow. The water crossings, which can be tough, thankfully had their ice bridges holding. The ice bridges did collapse on us a couple of times but we were able to find other ice bridges. 

Dry Brook delivers an abundance of natural beauty through a succession of waterfalls and cascades ~ highlighted by the 80-foot Cloudland Falls. 

It was a treat to see Cloudland Falls in these warm, winter conditions; partially frozen yet roaring beneath a large opening. 

We did the obligatory butt surfing on the return.

What a wonderful hike!

Join our GetWinter hikes designed to get you into winter hiking. This is a series of progressively harder winter hikes leading up to a 4,000 footer.

This trip's focus is to get you familiar with using snowshoes. It's an exciting beginner snowshoe hike with scenery provided by three  waterfalls with Cloudland Falls being the highest. You can reserve and rent snowshoes from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI, EMS, or from Ski Fanatics off Exit 28 on I-93.

We are taking the Falling Waters Trail that starts at Lafayette Place in Franconia Notch State Park and returning the same way we hiked in. Approximately 2.6 miles, 800 feet elevation gain and 2.5 hours. Be sure to bring appropriate winter gear such as winter insulated boots, snowshoes (we have some to borrow so let us know), warm clothing (no cotton and blue jeans), water, snacks, etc. We will not be having a lunch stop so eat before we start. After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley for pizza/beer (sharing costs). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower. 

What is the alternative to no cotton and blue jeans? We recommend you purchase synthetic mid-weight underwear (tops/bottoms) as the skin layer, fleece for the mid/insulation layer, and a hard shell jacket (preferably gore-tex) for the outer layer. Over the underwear bottoms you should have either nylon/gore-tex pants and if very cold, then ski pants. And it is very important to have winter insulated boots with warm wool socks over your feet.

Where can you practice snowshoeing near Manchester, NH before the trip? The trails around Lake Massabesic (near the Audubon Center) are good and Bear Brook State Park (the x-c ski trailhead) in Allenstown.

Lodging Option: Lodging available Saturday night after the trip at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. Cost includes a continental breakfast with coffee. Accommodations are dormitory style bunk beds. Hot showers, bed linen, towels, soap, shampoo, full use of the kitchen and fireplace is included. No need to bring a sleeping bag. RSVP IS REQUIRED AND SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand