Gordon Fall – Randolph, New Hampshire – Pictured here is Gordon Fall on Snyder Brook in Randolph, New Hampshire during the summer months. Located within the Snyder Brook Scenic Area, along the Fallsway Trail, this waterfall (or cascade) is one of many in the Snyder Brook valley. This brook is located in Randolph and Low and Burbank's Grant, and the lower section of the brook travels through the 36-acre Snyder Brook Scenic Area.
Referred to as Ripple Falls during the late 1800s, Gordon Fall is named for James Gordon; he was a 19th-century guide who guided the legendary Rev. Thomas Starr King (1824-1864), author of The White Hills: Their Legends, Landscape, and Poetry (1859), on the first ascent of King Ravine’s headwall in 1857.
In September 1875, Dr. William G. Nowell, a 19th-century trail builder, named Snyder Brook for Charles E. Lowe’s dog. Lowe was also a 19th-century trail builder and mountain guide. Lowe and Nowell are credited for building Lowe’s Path in 1875-1876. Lowe's Path is one of the oldest trails in continuous use in the New Hampshire White Mountains.
When it comes to scenic brooks in the White Mountains, Snyder Brook is at the top of the list. Waterfall enthusiasts will not be disappointed; Gordon Fall and Snyder Brook are worth visiting.
More reading:
Snyder Brook Waterfalls
Cold Brook Cascades
Purchase prints of Gordon Fall
Happy image making..
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | Franconia Notch History
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Bibliography:
Donovan, Erin Paul. “Snyder Brook Waterfalls, White Mountains.” ScenicNH Photography LLC, 19 July 2016, https://www.scenicnh.com/blog/2016/07/snyder-brook-waterfalls/.
Julyan, Robert, Julyan, Mary. Place Names of the White Mountains, Hanover, NH: United Press of New England, 1993.
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.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.