This new virtual reward cache takes you to the Pinnacle Gully Cascades on the Huntington Ravine Trail. Pinnacle Gully Cascades are a set of large waterfalls rather unlike any other waterfalls in the Whites. Fully exposed pinnacles and crags frame the tumbling water and an almost complete lack of vegetation lend these drops an otherworldly look not common to New Hampshire waterfalls. There will be other waterfalls to see on the way like Crystal Cascade, a few smaller unnamed drops, and even some well-hidden falls if you know where to look. The hike itself and the spectacular scenery are also more than worth the effort of this difficult trail.
The Huntington Ravine Trail (HRT) is well at the top of the list for most dangerous and challenging hikes in the White Mountains. The HRT should not be attempted alone, by anyone not in top physical shape, or in any sort of inclement weather. I've rated the terrain at 4.5 and there will be some light scrambling. That rating holds only when approached from the bottom, if the weather is good, there is no ice or snow, and the rocks are dry. With wet or icy rocks or if the trail is attempted from the top down this will be a 5 star terrain and don't even consider it without proper rock/ice climbing gear and the skills to use them. Seriously... it's not really meant to be a down trail and portions aren't even marked in that direction.
I'd personally recommend parking at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, starting on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and following Tuckerman to the split with the Huntington Ravine Trail and following the HRT to the Alpine Garden Trail. The Cascades will be just off the HRT about a quarter mile south of its intersection with the Alpine Garden Trail. From parking to the intersection of HRT and Alpine is about 3 miles but sports a vertical gain of just over 3,400 feet. Just to the Cascades its about 2.6 miles with about 2,700 feet to climb... that means the last quarter mile or so has a 700+ foot gain to it. I'd normally finish this hike up by taking the Alpine Garden back to Tuckerman Ravine Trail which will head right back to the parking area.
The Pinkham Notch lot will fill up quickly on nice days but there is a good amount of parking and people cycle in and out all the time. Trailhead coords are listed in the additional waypoints section and Tuckerman Ravine Trail starts just out of the parking lot.
The trail possibilities are endless so grabbing trail maps would be a smart move. Once you do this one you'll be hooked anyway and there are plenty of spectacular trail to explore that the maps would help with in the future.
Again - trust me - I know there is parking at the top only about a half mile from the cascades but I've done this trail from the top once and you don't want that. Also, you'd have to pay to drive the tourist road up there anyway and then deal with the people you're not going to run into here.
All standard White Mountain Rules apply here... Bring extra clothes. Even in summer. Bring extra food and water. Bring any safety gear you may need. Don't go solo. Let someone know where you're going. Be honest about your abilities. Watch weather and be ready for anything. Turn back if you have to and try again another day. This cache probably isn't for everyone and there is no need to take unnecessary risk for a smiley. If you aren't prepared the HRT can and will make you pay.
All standard Leave No Trace ethics apply here... Stay on established trails and areas of bare open rock only, take out everything you take in, CITO if necessary, and keep nothing but photos and memories.
To claim this cache you will need to post the following pictures with your find log:
1. Take and post a picture of the Cascades at the posted coords that includes your GPS or a personal item.
2. Take and post a picture of any other favorite spot along the way coords that includes your GPS.
I'd like to see you folks there but including yourselves in the photos is optional. Please feel free to post all those amazing photos of the journey to get to this cache. .
Good luck and good caching.
- Rev Mike
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.