About Shell Cascade
Shell Cascade is a named waterfall in Grafton County, New Hampshire, located about 7.5 miles east of Thornton. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Waterville Valley 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°55′47″ N, 71°32′05″ W (43.92979, -71.53480). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Hardy Brook (stream, 0.2 mi), High Brook (stream, 0.5 mi), and Dry Brook (stream, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Fletcher Cascades, 2.3 miles to the east.
Weather at Shell Cascade
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Shell Cascade
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Shell Cascade. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Shell Cascade. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Hardy Brook — stream, 0.2 mi
- High Brook — stream, 0.5 mi
- Dry Brook — stream, 0.8 mi
- Jennings Peak — summit, 1.8 mi
- Snows Brook — stream, 1.8 mi
- Noon Peak — summit, 1.8 mi
- Drakes Brook — stream, 1.8 mi
- Acteon Ridge — ridge, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 43.92979, -71.53480. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Shell Cascade
- Franconia Falls, NH12 mi north
- Georgiana Falls, NH13 mi northwest
- Gordon Falls, NH14 mi northwest
- Nancy Cascades, NH15 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shell Cascade located?
Shell Cascade is in Grafton County, New Hampshire, about 7.5 miles east of Thornton. Its coordinates are 43.92979, -71.53480 (43°55′47″ N, 71°32′05″ W).
What town is closest to Shell Cascade?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Thornton, NH, about 7.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Shell Cascade?
The closest is Fletcher Cascades (2.3 mi east). Others within reach include Norway Rapids (3.6 mi), Mill Brook Cascade (4.6 mi), and Beede Falls (7.3 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Shell Cascade?
Shell Cascade appears on the USGS Waterville Valley 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.