Cascade Mountain

History

Cascade Mountain was named for the picturesque waterfall on Cascade Brook that is visible from Route 73. The peak was first climbed and surveyed in the mid-19th century. Due to its accessibility from the main highway and relatively short trail, Cascade became one of the earliest popular hiking destinations in the High Peaks. The mountain's open summit is the result of a forest fire in the early 20th century, which cleared the vegetation and exposed the bare rock that now characterizes its peak. Cascade's popularity exploded in recent decades with the growing interest in hiking and the 46er challenge, leading to concerns about overcrowding and trail degradation. In response, conservation efforts, including trail hardening and public education programs, have been implemented to protect the mountain's fragile alpine ecosystem while accommodating thousands of annual visitors.