Beecher and Pearl Cascades are two falls located on Crawford Brook, a mountain steam that drains the waters of Mount Field. The first fall, Beecher Cascade, a 35-foot horsetail hidden under heavy tree cover, is encompassed by gorge walls of pink-brown colored Conway granite. Opportunities for exploring and photography are extremely limited at Beecher Cascade as the water has carved itself a path into the rock face over the years. Make sure to hike a few hundred feet further up the trail to Pearl Cascade, a 20-foot tall fan. Below the fan, water enters a gorge and becomes trapped in a jagged-edged pothole, creating one of the most delightful small swimming pools in the White Mountains. About four to five feet in depth, this colorful pool—with hues of brown, pink, yellow, green, and black to be found—is the perfect cool refreshing treat for a two or three people.

The trail to both falls begins across the railroad tracks behind the Crawford Depot Station at the AMC’s Highland Center. After entering the woods, you will reach a billboard and a trail junction. The trail to the left climbs Mt. Willard, and is one of the best short hikes in the White Mountains. To reach the falls, continue straight about 200 feet further and take a left onto the Cascade Loop Trail. About 100 feet up the loop trail, take a left at the white sign for “Beecher Cascade.” This waterfall will be just ahead, visible through a thick growth of trees. If you keep hiking beyond Beecher Cascade you will reconnect with the Cascade Loop Trail. To see Pearl Cascade, it is instead recommended that you turn around after viewing Beecher Cascade and continue climbing on the Cascade Loop Trail an additional 0.1 mile and you will reach a white sign for “Pearl Cascade.” Take a left and follow a short path down to the brook. Scramble up the brook a few feet for the best view of the falls and to discover a lovely wading spot. If you wish to extend your hike, consider continuing up to the summit of Mount Avalon and Mount Field. To do this, keep on climbing to the end of the Cascade Loop. The Avalon Trail will continue climbing and reward you with outstanding views at each of these fine summits.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

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