Explore Six Frozen Waterfall Treks
Discovering Frozen Waterfalls in the Northeast: A Winter Wonderland
Exploring the beauty of frozen waterfalls in the Northeast region offers a unique and captivating experience during the colder months. Several accessible waterfalls by foot provide a winter wonderland for hikers, similar to the scenic Zealand Falls in New Hampshire.
One such destination is Bash Bish Falls in Taconic State Park, Massachusetts. With a 59-foot cascade, it is the tallest waterfall in the state and can be reached via an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail, making it a popular winter hiking spot to see the frozen falls.
Another noteworthy waterfall is Cascade Falls near North Adams, Massachusetts. A short, somewhat rugged hike leads to a 40-foot cascading waterfall nestled in a nearly enclosed gorge. The trail runs alongside North Brook, offering a scenic winter view of the frozen waterfall.
In the Green Mountain region of Vermont, Moss Glen Falls in Stowe is a popular waterfall often mentioned for its winter beauty. Hiking trails offer stunning views of ice formations during cold weather, making it an ideal destination for winter explorations.
Similarly, Lye Brook Falls in Manchester, Vermont, offers notable scenic winter views. The falls, which are 125 feet high, can be accessed via the Lye Brook Trail, a 4.6-mile round trip.
The White Mountains region of New Hampshire boasts Sabbaday Falls and Jackson Falls. Both waterfalls are accessible via hiking trails and are popular for winter trips to see the frozen cascades.
For those in New York, Ashley Falls in Haines Falls offers a crystal castle-like cascade, with the frozen stream draping over ledges. The trail to Ashley Falls can be taken via Mary's Glen Trail, a 0.6-mile round trip, or by extending the hike via the Escarpment Trail.
In Massachusetts, Doane's Falls in Royalston offers a charming set of chutes and is ideal for winter excursions. The trail to Doane's Falls can be accessed via the Tully Lake Trail, a 4-mile round trip. For those in Millburn, New Jersey, Hemlock and Maple Falls can be found on the Lenape Trail, a 4.75-mile round trip.
Interestingly, some of these frozen waterfalls have historical significance. For instance, Hemlock and Maple Falls in Millburn, New Jersey, is part of the American Revolution signal station, known as Washington Rock.
Lastly, Jewell Falls in Portland, Maine, is accessible from downtown Portland via the Fore River Sanctuary Trail. The half-mile long trail ends at a 30-foot waterfall, Jewell Falls.
These sites typically feature moderate hikes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, providing visually striking frozen waterfalls during the colder months. The Berkshires and Green Mountains are especially known for such winter hiking opportunities featuring frozen waterfalls. So, bundle up and embark on a winter adventure to explore these frozen wonders!
[1] Lye Brook Falls: https://www.nps.gov/blmw/planyourvisit/lye-brook-falls.htm [2] Bash Bish Falls: https://www.mass.gov/locations/bash-bish-falls-state-park [3] Cascade Falls: https://www.northeastwildernesstrust.org/explore/places/cascade-falls [4] Moss Glen Falls: https://www.nps.gov/blmw/planyourvisit/moss-glen-falls.htm [5] Sabbaday Falls and Jackson Falls: https://www.hikingnewhampshire.com/hikes-by-region/white-mountains/sabbaday-falls-and-jackson-falls.html [6] Ashley Falls: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/9234.html [7] Doane's Falls: https://www.mass.gov/locations/doanes-falls-state-forest [8] Hemlock and Maple Falls: https://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation [9] Jewell Falls: https://www.portlandmaine.gov/117/Fore-River-Sanctuary-Trail
Encourage outdoor-living by checking out popular frozen waterfalls such as home-and-garden-friendly Bash Bish Falls in Taconic State Park, known for its short, easy trail for hikers. Sports enthusiasts might also appreciate the winter hiking opportunities offered at Lye Brook Falls in Vermont, accessible via a 4.6-mile round trip trail.
