Basin Cascade Trail

Basin Cascade Trail is a roughly 2-mile out-and-back from the Basin parking areas, including the short walk through the Basin trail maze to the Pemi Trail junction. From there, the path follows Cascade Brook to the Cascade Brook Trail and Appalachian Trail junction. Allow about two hours with stops, for roughly 500 feet of climbing on uneven ground. Choose it for the running water, granite ledges and falls; there isn't a summit or big viewpoint at the end. If you only want the Basin itself, its short paved walk is an easier, separate visit.

The actual forest trail starts at the Pemi junction on the west end of the Basin maze, about 0.2 mile from the lots. The paved approach circles the Basin, where water curls through a narrow rock chute into a deep, rounded pool beneath an overhang. It is a striking little feature, but it's separate from the Cascade Brook route. Once you reach the junction, turn onto the rougher trail heading upstream.

The path enters the woods and stays close to the brook. It starts gently, then grows steeper and rockier as you gain height. You'll pass several small cascades and broad granite shelves where water sheets over the bedrock. A short spur about 0.4 mile beyond the Basin paths reaches Kinsman Falls, a narrow drop into a pool. Take the spur for a closer look, but stay on stable ground; the slabs right beside the water can be slick.

Kinsman Falls is a focused plunge; farther up, Rocky Glen Falls breaks into steps in a tight gorge. The route follows the brook between them, with stretches where the channel spreads over open rock and others where it funnels between boulders. From a safe spot back from the water, include both the sloping granite and the stream in a photo. A tight crop of white water misses what makes this walk feel like a series of little cascades rather than one viewpoint.

The trail continues toward its junction with Cascade Brook Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Reaching it involves a brook crossing above Rocky Glen Falls. Reports say the old bridge was washed out, and a current replacement or safe crossing wasn't confirmed. Don't count on a bridge being there. If the water is high or the rocks are slick, turn back before the crossing instead of trying to force it; the falls and brookside walk below it still make a satisfying shorter outing.

Use Basin East or Basin West parking off I-93, then follow the paved Basin path to the west-end junction. The trailhead has no potable water, so bring what you need. Dogs are allowed on hiking trails in the park, on a leash no longer than six feet; they aren't allowed on ski trails.