Beaver Brook Cascades, Kinsman Notch– When it comes to waterfalls in the New Hampshire White Mountains, the waterfalls in Kinsman Notch are often overlooked. I can only guess Kinsman Notch’s reputation of having rough terrain is what keeps most away from exploring this incredible Notch.

Kinsman Notch has a number of named and unnamed waterfalls, and one of the more known ones is Beaver Brook Cascades. These cascades are on Beaver Brook, and the Appalachian Trail (Beaver Brook Trail) travels on the side of them. The earliest reference I have found to them is from the 1890s.

Parking for these cascades is at the Beaver Brook Trailhead just west of the Lost River Reservation along Route 112. And the cascades are about a half a mile from the trailhead along the Beaver Brook Trail. These picturesque cascades will keep most photographers busy for hours.

These cascades are impressive during the spring snow-melt and after heavy rains. However, caution should be used when visiting these cascades on days when the conditions are ideal for photographing waterfalls (overcast, wet rainy days) – the terrain is very rough in this area. And the section of trail near the cascades can be very slippery on wet days and icy during the cold months.

I mentioned earlier that the earliest reference I have found to these cascades is from the 1890s. But because the Lost River valley was being explored in the mid-1800s, I wouldn't be surprised if these cascades were an attraction in the mid-1800s. It is pretty amazing people were visiting these cascades in the nineteenth-century.

To license any of the above images for usage in publications, click on the photo. And you can view more photos of these scenic cascades here.

Happy image making..

Connect with us on Facebook | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History

Erin Paul Donovan

Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC

Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.