Hike New England - Welton Falls via Manning Trail

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Welton Falls via Manning Trail

Destination:		Welton Falls (1100')
Trail:		Manning Trail
Region:		NH - Central West Cardigan State Park
Location:		Alexandria, NH
Rating:		Easy
Features:		Waterfall, river, views, slab cave, gorge
Distance:		2.4 miles
Elevation Gain:		Approximately 300 feet (cumulative)
Hiking Time:		Actual: 2:05
Hike Date:		03/24/2007 (Saturday)
Weather:		40-50 degrees; sunny, then overcast
Author:		Webmaster

Route Summary

Walk from the parking area at AMC Cardigan Lodge, along Manning Trail to Welton Falls. Return via the same route.

Place	Split Miles	Total Miles	Split Time	Total Time
Manning Trailhead	0.0	0.0	0:00	0:00
River Crossing	1.0	1.0	0:55	0:55
Welton Falls	0.2	1.2	0:15	1:10
River Crossing	0.2	1.4	0:15	1:25
Manning Trailhead	1.0	2.4	0:40	2:05

Funny tree along Manning Trail (photo by Webmaster)

Pool immediately above Welton Falls (photo by Webmaster)

Trail Guide

This was a pleasant trail down to a really neat mini-gorge and waterfall area. Manning Trail starts in AMC's 1000-acre Cardigan Reservation and is largely contained in Welton Falls State Forest. From the parking area, Mt. Cardigan can be viewed.

The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot closest to the entry road. There is a trail sign there, on the right hand side as you face the lodge. Cross the lodge's lawn, veering to the right so that you enter the woods just to the right of a large stone fireplace.

Fowler River (photo by Webmaster)

In spite of the sunny, 50+ degree weather I started out in, there was still quite a bit of snow in the woods. The trail was packed down and slippery and when I stepped off-trail, I often sank down to just above the top of my boots. I was wishing I had worn my snowshoes.

After entering the woods, the trail passes by, on level ground, some camping sites complete with a bear-proof food box. Shortly after that, there was a cellar hole on the left. I also walked by an ample collection of chewed up cones...some squirrels have been feasting. And along most of the trail, along with the various boot prints and snowshoe prints were moose prints.

After a bit, the trail descended at a moderate incline before gentling out with small hills and level sections. The trail followed the Fowler River, a boisterous, rock-strewn, little waterway. The trail alternatively followed a shelf above the river, and then followed right next to or close to its banks. The woods are largely hemlock but with quite a few hardwoods thrown in.

After about a mile, the trail crosses the river. With the river a mixture of ice, snow, and raging waters, I was a bit nervous about this part. Crossing where the trail does was out of the question with the rocks being mostly covered with a mixture of water, snow and ice and a large upended ice chunk blocking one of the center boulders, like a boulder itself (albeit a slippery, unstable one). A bit downstream from that was open water, then what appeared to be a snow bridge (although it could have simply been snow-covered ice), and more open water. I eyed that snow bridge for a few moments before getting up the nerve to test the closer, slushier-looking portion. Beyond the open water downstream, the river merged with Davis Brook which looked just as large as the river. It felt like I was standing on a peninsula. Where the two waterways merged, there were some boulders and logs. My plan, if the ice gave way, was to hopefully be immersed in the water only the short ways to these potential obstructions so that I could use them to help haul myself out of the water.

Manning Trail (photo by Webmaster)

Alas, all that worry for nothing. The snow bridge held with nary a scary shake or crack. If I didn't know there was water surging underneath, it would have been easier than walking on the trail itself. Well, physically it was easier, but the psychology was a bit different.

I climbed up the embankment on the other side and followed a level trail, stepping over some small water flows. Then I ascended a short steep section to arrive at a pleasant little landing. From this spot, if you stand in the right place and look back, you will see Mt. Cardigan as well as Firescrew. You can even see the fire tower atop Cardigan's summit.

Next, the trail steeply descends the other side of this knob, and that's where the sights get more intense. At the base of this pitch is a narrow gorge compressing the river, sending it roiling in a small pool, before finally shooting it over the rocks as Welton Falls proper.

With the river, now below you and on your left, you can continue down on the left, ignoring the trail on the right for now, and you will come to a railed area. Follow the railing down and around and you will be in a small cave overlooking the gorge! The falls itself aren't readily visible from this prospect but you can see the water disappearing over the edge of the cliffs.

Frozen falls in gorge area (photo by Webmaster)

Frozen falls in gorge area (photo by Webmaster)

There are also some interesting frozen "falls" coming down from the side of the rock walls, into the river. These occur just upstream from the gorge, in the gorge, and just downstream from the falls.

What a delightful spot! But there is more to see. Resume the trail for just about 25 yards, and you'll encounter a deep, narrow ravine with moss-covered walls. At the base of this ravine, you can see a side-view of the falls emptying into a pool surrounded by high walls on all but the downstream side.

The trail continues its descent, again with some railings. Stopping when you're facing the waterfall, gives a nice view (still looking down at the falls) of the falls as well as the gorge and smaller cascades above it.

And finally if you descend a bit further, you are again at the river's level. In summer, I'm sure there's fun rock-hopping and swimming to be enjoyed here but with the precarious winter footing in the river, I decided to enjoy my lunch directly opposite the falls. I found the small, swirling pool just above the falls to be fascinating. And of course watching the always-shifting water tumble over the cliff also provided endless entertainment.

Welton Falls (photo by Webmaster)

Manning Trail continues downstream for another half mile to meet Welton Falls Road. This route also involves a river crossing. But I retraced my steps upstream back to Cardigan Lodge's parking area.

I'd like to return to this spot in summer and follow the rest of the trail as well as explore the river more closely. I'm certain this relatively short trail can be turned into an all-day exploration. I wasn't up to traipsing through the snow off-trail, but in the summer it would be a delight to sample the banks at various locations and see the various pools, cascades, and potholes up close.

Fowler River (photo by Webmaster)

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NH - Central West

Driving Directions

AMC Cardigan Lodge (photo by Webmaster)

This trail (along with many others) starts from AMC's Cardigan Lodge.

From the center of Bristol, head north on Route 3A.
2 miles north of Bristol, turn left onto West Shore Road.
Drive along the shore of Newfound Lake and bear left after 1.8 miles which will put you on Cardigan Mtn. Road (or perhaps Fowler River Road?).
After 1.1 miles, bear right to follow Fowler River Road.
After 3.2 miles, turn left onto Brook Road (a dirt road).
After 1.0 mile, at a T-junction, turn right onto Shem Valley Road.
After 0.2 mile, bear right to stay on Shem Valley Road.
After 1.3 miles you will have reached the parking lot for the AMC Cardigan Lodge.

Some of the dirt roads, especially Shem Valley Road can be muddy and narrow. Not a big deal - just use some caution.

Facilities

AMC Cardigan Lodge: restrooms, lodging, meals, camping. I read in the AMC guide that services are seasonal but the lodge was open in March when I went and several people were staying overnight and I've read elsewhere that it's a year-round lodge. The Cardigan Lodge is a large, clean building.

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