6 Excursions to Icy Waterfall Cascades
Discover the breathtaking beauty of frozen waterfalls in the Northeast region. Here's a guide to some of the most stunning frozen waterfalls accessible by foot, along with trail details and nearby attractions.
1. Split Rock Falls, Adirondacks, NY
Near Elizabethtown, NY, this short 0.3-mile hike offers easy access to a beautiful waterfall that freezes in winter, creating impressive ice formations. The Adirondacks offer many natural attractions nearby for winter hiking and photography.
2. Enders State Forest, Connecticut
While specific trail distances weren’t detailed, Enders State Forest is known for waterfalls that freeze in winter, making for striking sights accessible by relatively short hikes from parking areas. The forest offers additional trails and serene natural settings.
3. Waterfall Canyon Trail, Ogden, Utah (for comparison)
Though outside the Northeast, the Waterfall Canyon Trail in Ogden, Utah, illustrates typical trail conditions for frozen falls. The trail may be steep, rocky, and slippery in winter, so traction devices such as microspikes or boots with good grip are recommended.
4. Moss Glen Falls and Other New England Waterfalls
Moss Glen Falls and several other waterfalls in New Hampshire, like Sabbaday Falls and Jackson Falls, are popular sites where waterfalls freeze in winter. Trails range from easy to moderate, and hikes at Lost River Gorge feature icy and snow-covered paths in winter with caves and boulders nearby.
Additional Information
Winter hiking to frozen waterfalls often means icy and slippery conditions; wearing microspikes or traction devices is strongly advised. Some hikes are short and family-friendly, while others can be longer or more challenging. Near these waterfalls, you can find other attractions like covered bridges, scenic river views, boulder caves, or mountain overlooks, enhancing the winter hiking experience.
Northeast Waterfalls: A Closer Look
Doane's Falls, Royalston, Massachusetts
Doane's Falls is a charming set of chutes accessible under the ice during winter. The trail to Jewell Falls includes a boardwalk through a marsh and a climb, with caution advised on icy stairs by the waterfall.
Jewell Falls, Portland, Maine
Jewell Falls, located in Portland, Maine, can be accessed via the Fore River Sanctuary Trail, offering a 4-mile round trip hike. The Portland Trails System has other trails that can be connected to from Jewell Falls.
Hemlock and Maple Falls, Millburn, New Jersey
The trail to Hemlock and Maple Falls via the Lenape Trail is a 4.75-mile round trip, with a return via the River Trail.
Lye Brook Falls, Manchester, Vermont
Lye Brook Falls, a 125-foot high waterfall, can be accessed via the Lye Brook Trail.
Zealand Falls, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Zealand Falls, located at the junction of the Ethan Pond Trail and the Twinway, can be accessed via a 12.4-mile round trip hike.
Ashley Falls, Haines Falls, New York
Ashley Falls is a crystal castle-like cascade with ice draped over a series of ledges.
Optional Activity: Frozen Lake Exploration
Exploring several islands and inlets on the frozen lake can be an additional activity, depending on lake conditions.
For specific trail maps or details on access points, checking local park websites or visitor centers in the Adirondacks, Connecticut State Forests, or New Hampshire is recommended. Additionally, winter hiking to these frozen waterfalls may offer the chance to spot animal tracks, such as snowshoe hare tracks.
Historical sites nearby include Washington Rock, a beacon signal station built by George Washington.
- Embracing the home-and-garden aspect, the Adirondacks, with its beautiful frozen waterfalls like Split Rock Falls, offers an ideal outdoor-living experience during winter, paired with various natural attractions for hiking and photography.
- After a day of exploring the frozen waterfalls in Enders State Forest, Connecticut, one could return to a cozy lifestyle surrounded by the serene natural settings of the forest, making it a perfect retreat for lovers of home-and-garden and outdoor-living alike.
