This is a MODERATE hike that brings you to a beautiful series of seven cascades [1800ft.], falling down the rocky gorge of Cascade Brook. Even on the hottest days, the water runs cold; but neverthelss, it’s a popular site for swimmers. The trail begins at the base of the Cascade Ridge housing development, just beyond the Snow’s Mountain parking lot.
It ascends an open grassy hillside, passes alongside the Cascade Ridge road, and continues straight [the road turns up to the right]. Shortly after that, the Boulder Path diverges left. The Cascade Path continues up the hill, and soon crosses the Cascade Ridge Road that has looped back around from the right. On the other side of the road, the trail ascends what’s left of the former alpine ski trail, “Beanbender.” Five minutes later, the Cascade Path diverges left into the woods, traversing the rocky northern foothills of Snow’s Mountain, past the Elephant Rock Trail diverging right, and eventually descending down to a small footbridge that leads you to Lower Snow’s Mountain x-c ski trail. Hike up the ski trail to a USFS bridge over the Cascade Brook that leads to the Norway Rapids Trail.
The Cascade Path continues straight past the bridge into the woods and begins to climb gradually toward the cascades. It takes 15 minutes to reach the first cascade, where the trail crosses the brook, and ascends more steeply through thick woods up the left-hand side. The footbed is rough with roots and rocks. From this side, the viewing and access to the water are the best; however, at high water, the crossing can be difficult. At the top, the trail loops over another USFS bridge, and descends down the other side of the cascades, reconnecting at the base of the first cascade.
