 |
|
 |
Magnitude:
|
30
|
Abs Mag:
|
42
|
Beisel Rating:
|
N/A
|
|
Height:
|
84 feet
|
|
Tallest Drop:
|
84 feet
|
|
# of Drops:
|
1
|
|
Type:
|
Horsetail
|
|
Stream:
|
Mill Brook
|
|
Latitude:
|
43.4349
|
|
Longitude:
|
72.4678
|
|
Maps:
|
USGS Mount Ascutney 7
1/2"
|
|
|
Aerial Photography
|
|
Delormes:
|
31 J10
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weathersfield ,
Windsor County,
VT ,
USA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
On the southwest side of Mount Ascutney is a single tall drop called Cascade Falls, sometimes referred to as Crystal Cascade Falls. This waterfall is a sheer drop 84 feet tall. The hike to the falls is through a hardwood forest with many wildflowers, ferns, mosses, etc.
Looking at the cliff, particularly the waterstaining, one can see evidence that the water gets very high from time to time. Since the trail crosses the stream just above the brink of the falls, this may be hazardous in times of high water. If this is the case, getting a good photo in high water may be tricky as the only safe way down to the base is from the far side of the stream. I would like to point out that this is merely a suspicion, as I have not been to this waterfall in high water.
The falls themselves are geologically interesting, showing a rare occurrance of a plutonic ring dike. The stream, which descends steeply to begin with, leaps over the 84' exposed granite cliff. From here, I strongly suspect the river tumbles all the way to the bottom of the mountain, but a steep bedrock streambed prevented me from further exploration downstream.
|
| |
|
|
The falls drop over an unusual occurance of a plutonic ring dike.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Mill Brook tends to drain off quickly. If you wish to see much water, you may want to hike in shortly after a rainstorm. The falls are tall and wispy so a tripod will be necessary. Your polarizer and warming filters should also be handy. The falls have a southern exposure and should get some afternoon sun, so mornings might be a better time to shoot. Since the falls appear to be open at the top when you are standing at the base, a blue sky will help avoid a big open sky at the crest of the falls. In terms of focal length, 28-80mm should cover this waterfall. The best shots are from the base, which is a steep descent. BE CAREFUL!
|
| |
|
|
The falls are found on the Weathersfield Trail on Mount Ascutney. Take Exit 8 on I-91, turning west on Route 131. In about 4 miles, look for Weathersfield Road, and follow it to the parking area. Cascade Falls is 1.2 miles out on the trail, passing the trickle known as Little Cascade Falls along the way.
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
