short hikes/waterfalls in Ma/NH

[Raymond]

I like Royalston Falls, too, but there’s not really a good angle from which you can appreciate them. Be careful along the edge. The approach road has always been in miserable condition whenever I’ve been there, too (lots o’ mud).

I've never been to Arethusa Falls, but if you go there, be careful. I picked up a bunch of Appalachias recently at the local library’s free book giveaway and the trail by that waterfall always has a lot of accidents with victims being littered out.

How about Angel Falls in Maine? Check the DeLorme for directions. It’s a few miles down Bemis Track (a poor dirt road*) off Route 17, then a mile hike. Or is it a half mile? Anyway, the atlas says ‘‘outstandingly scenic, but no good views,’’ which is not true. There’s a terrific view, if you ask me, unless there’s a lot more to it than I’m aware of.

* When we were there last September, I didn’t think I could safely drive all the way to the gravel pit, so we walked the last mile or so.

 

[Amicus]

Dangerous Arethusa Falls?

If you stick to the offical trails around the base of Arethusa Falls, I don't believe you're putting yourself or your kids in harm's way. (Care around wet rocks and moving water is always in order, of course.)

The accidents, as I understand it, have involved people attempting to ascend the Falls by "herd paths" (one of which was once official, as I remember) up the sides, or trying to climb the slanting rocks at the base of the Falls proper.