Silver Cascade

Silver Cascade is a dramatic 250-foot ribbon waterfall that tumbles down a steep granite cliff face directly alongside US-302 in Crawford Notch, making it one of the most accessible tall waterfalls in New England. The falls are fed by a small mountain stream that cascades in a series of long, silvery slides and drops down the exposed bedrock, creating a shimmering display visible from the highway. After heavy rain or during spring snowmelt, the falls become a thundering torrent that sprays mist across the road.

No hiking is required — Silver Cascade is a roadside waterfall with a small pulloff on US-302 where visitors can park and view or photograph the falls from just a few steps away. The close proximity to the road allows for spectacular views without any trail access, making it one of the most wheelchair- and family-friendly waterfall experiences in the White Mountains. A short scramble up the rocks at the base provides a more intimate perspective, though the footing is slippery.

The falls are at their most impressive in late April through June when snowmelt is at its peak, and again after heavy rainstorms. Fall foliage season adds brilliant color to the cliff face surrounding the cascade. In winter, the falls freeze into a spectacular ice formation that draws ice climbers. Silver Cascade is easily combined with other Crawford Notch attractions including Arethusa Falls and Ripley Falls.