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Trail Description - Basin-Cascades Trail

The Basin-Cascades Trail follows the lower part of Cascade Brook from the Pemi Trail near the Basin to the Cascade Brook Trail. While it offers views of scenic cascades and gorges, it is rough walking and not an easy approach to Lonesome Lake or Kinsman Pond.

Distance: Pemi Trail to Cascade Brook Trail, about 1.1 miles one-way

Elevation gain: About 500 feet on the ascent, minor on descent

Hiking Time Estimator

Maps: USGS Lincoln, Franconia
AMC Franconia-Pemigewasset or Moosilauke-Kinsman
Franconia Notch State Park hiking map, available at visitor centers (online version)

Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map H-6
DeLorme NHA&G 43-F/G11 - Lincoln
The trail is NW of I-93 exit 34A

Lower End: Pemi Trail near the Basin, elevation about 1580 feet

• From I-93 Parkway at exit 34A, go N about a mile to parking for The Basin on the R. Hike paved bike path N through underpass, turn L at sign for The Basin and cross bridge, follow Pemi Trail N for .1 miles
• From I-93 Parkway at exit 34B, go S 3.5 miles to southbound parking for The Basin on the R (approx 44.124°N, 71.683°W WGS84). Hike signed path toward The Basin crossing the bike path, turn R and cross bridge, then go straight and cross second bridge, follow Pemi Trail 50 feet L (S) to junction with Basin-Cascades Trail

Far End: Cascade Brook Trail at Cascade Brook crossing, elevation about 2084 feet

Owner: Franconia Notch State Park and White Mountain National Forest

Maintainer: Appalachian Mountain Club

Special regulations: No fires or camping in state park

Description

From the junction, the Basin-Cascades Trail climbs a ridge and soon approaches Cascade Brook. There are many paths here but only the official trail has blue blazes. After about .2 miles, the trail enters the National Forest; would-be campers should note that there is another section of trail in the state park further along. The trail climbs and follows the brook above a deep ravine, then comes close to it again and crosses it at .6 miles at Kinsman Falls. At one time the trail was blazed in blue on one side of the crossing and yellow on the other; maybe the painter couldn't get across!

Once across, the trail climbs and runs along the brink of the gorge before going further from the brook. At 1.0 miles, it reaches a viewpoint at the bottom of Rocky Glen Falls before turning L to ascend a side canyon. The trail runs past the ruins of a former bridge and ends at the Cascade Brook Trail (which here is the Appalachian Trail) at 1.1 miles.

Off Season

Parking lots plowed in winter. Trail difficult in high water or when icy.

Map Notes: The USGS map is before parkway construction and doesn't show the roads or paths near the Basin correctly, including the first part of the trail. Also, the brook crossing is shown too far up.

Topozone.com live map

Franconia Notch State Park map

Box canyon Basin-Cascades Trail [12/02]

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