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Beaver Brook Cascades, Woodstock NH

• 5-star hikes
• 1 to 2 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 180 to 1,040 feet
• Woodstock, NH | White Mountains
. Terrifying 25

A person wearing a yellow long-sleeve shirt, dark pants, and a backpack stands on a rocky surface in a forested area. They face a small waterfall cascading down a rugged slope, framed by dense greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled light on the scene. The environment exudes tranquility, with flowing water and natural textures harmonizing in a peaceful composition.

Part of the Appalachian Trail the Beaver Brook Trail begins at the trailhead at Lost River Road and ascends to the summit of Mount Moosilauke, which stands 4,802 feet tall, about three and a half miles away. However, if you're looking to visit the spectacular Beaver Brook Cascades, you can shorten your hike to as little as just four-tenths of a mile.

The trail starts on level ground, with modest inclines as you cross two trail bridges and carefully navigate a couple of creek crossings. The first of the creek crossings - located nearest the trailhead - is by far the most challenging, making it a good way to gauge the difficulty of the route to the base of the waterfall.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Bottom of the Falls 0.8 mi out & back, moderate, gain 180 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Top of the Falls 1.8 mi out & back, hard, gain 1,040 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

$ National Forest parking fee

Only 180 feet of elevation gain is required to reach the foot of Beaver Brook Cascades. From here the trail the edge of an almost endless series of cascading waterfalls. However, be warned - the trail's difficulty curve increases as much as the steepness of the trail.

This next section of trail appears on the New Hampshire's Terrifying 25 list. While it's unlikely to strike actual terror, the trail's terrain becomes increasingly rocky, steep and almost always wet. Several slick granite faces have thankfully been made easier to traverse thanks to the installation of some wooden steps, though these steps can be slippery and have no guardrails to help you negotiate. We recommend reaching the base of the falls first, then deciding whether to continue based on the trail conditions, your ability, and the suitability of your footwear. Also keep in mind that some sections are easier to climb up than to descend.

The left photo shows a person wearing a yellow shirt, dark pants, and a backpack walking along a dirt path in a dense, green forest. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The trees tower overhead, their trunks creating vertical lines that contrast with the winding trail.
The right photo captures a steep set of wooden steps descending into the forest. The perspective is from above, looking down on the trail. The steps are uneven and weathered, with moss and fallen leaves scattered across them. The incline is pronounced, emphasizing the depth of the descent as the path continues into the shadows of the forest below.

A tale of two trails - from flat to precarious.

The rewards are worth the challenge. The difficult trail offers numerous waterfall vantage points and several dramatic ledges. Looking away from the cascades, occasional 'peek-a-boo' views stretch across the valley to Mount Liberty, with glimpses reaching as far as Mount Washington on a clear day. For even more breathtaking scenery, consider completing the trail to the summit of Mount Moosilauke - our linked trail review in the Trailspotting Nearby' section details this rewarding 3,000-foot ascent, which boasts sweeping White Mountain panoramas.

The large, paved Beaver Brook Trailhead can accommodate many vehicles and includes a couple of vault toilets. Parking requires an envelope-based cash payment or the display of a valid interagency pass. If the lot is full, you may find alternative parking by Beaver Pond just three-tenths of a mile further up Lost River Road.

For more about the New Hampshire's Terrifying 25 Challenge, check out our link below. We have located every one of these thrilling trails on a map, and provide links that describe how to tackle each of them should you wish to take on the challenge.

A cascading waterfall flows over rugged rocks in the foreground, surrounded by a dense forest with a mix of lush green trees and bare branches. In the background, rolling mountains covered in foliage rise beneath a mostly clear sky with a few scattered clouds. The scene captures a serene and majestic natural landscape, emphasizing the contrast between flowing water, sturdy rock formations, and the vastness of the mountainous terrain.

Looking back for occasional mountain views.

A person wearing a yellow long-sleeve shirt, gray pants, and a blue backpack stands on a rocky surface in a forest, facing a waterfall cascading over jagged rocks. Surrounding them is dense greenery, with sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a dappled effect on the ground. The rushing water contrasts with the stillness of the forest, capturing a peaceful yet dynamic natural scene.

Proximity to the falls means great photo ops.

A rocky hiking trail winds through grassy terrain on a mountainside, leading toward a wooden signpost. The sign, painted orange with black lettering, reads 'YOU ARE ON BEAVER BROOK TRAIL' with an arrow pointing 'NORTH'. Scattered rocks and small bushes line the path, adding texture to the landscape. In the background, rolling forested hills and mountains stretch beneath a cloudy sky, creating a vast, serene view of the wilderness.

Beaver Brook Trail ends atop Mt Moosilauke.

Tangents:
• Official: US Forest Service
• AllTrails Public: Beaver Brook to Mt Moosilauke
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Mount Moosilauke (7-9 mi) · 5★ Flume Gorge (2 mi) · 4★ Mount Pemisgewasset (4-5 mi) · Show Map

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