A Cliff Named Owls Head, and a Waterfall Named Waternomee

Although peakbagging is a laudable activity, it holds little interest for me.   But, as with most things, there are exceptions!

There are six named peaks in the Benton Range (Black Mountain; Sugarloaf Mountain; the Hogsback; Jeffers Mountain; Blueberry Mountain; and Owls Head).  At one time or another, I had hiked to all of those mountains, except for Owls Head.  And so, in order to complete the set, I decided to become a peakbagger and hike to this little 1,967 ft. peak.  But somehow, I don't think there is an award or patch given out for completing all the peaks in the Benton Range! :-)

There's not much to be said, other than this was a short and easy off-trail adventure that was launched from the Blueberry Mountain Trail.

On my way to the trailhead, I pulled off the road to take a photo of Owls Head as viewed looking across Olivarian Pond.

Owls Head as viewed looking across Oliverian Pond

As you might imagine, there are several viewpoints from the edge of the massive cliffs on Owls Head.  By looking directly across the road (Rt. 25), you see nearby Webster Slide Mountain and Mt. Mist.

Webster Slide Mountain and Mt. Mist as viewed from Owls Head cliff

Zoomed view of Webster Slide Mountain and Mt. Mist (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

When looking slightly to your right (northward), you can see Oliverian Pond below you.

Oliverian Pond viewed from Owls Head cliff 

And to your left, you're looking southward down the valley toward Warren, NH and Carr Mountain.

Southward view from Owls Head looking toward Warren, NH and Carr Mountain

During my descent back to the Blueberry Mountain trailhead, I zoomed in on the long flat summit area of Mt. Moosilauke.  It appears that the snow is quickly disappearing with the arrival of warm Springtime temperatures.

Zoomed view of Mt. Moosilauke summit, as viewed from Blueberry Mountain Trail

Although it would have been very doable to have incorporated Blueberry Mountain into my adventure, I opted not to do so.  Not only had I just been there recently, but I also wanted to allow time for a short hike to Waternomee Falls in nearby Warren, NH.  My only other visit to these falls occurred a few years ago during the winter months.  At that time, the falls were less than impressive (see photo below).  I wanted to give them a second chance by doing a Springtime visit when the water would be flowing.

Waternomee Falls in winter

I started my hike from the designated pull-off on Clifford Brook Road for the Carr Mountain Trail.  In about 25 minutes, I arrived at the spur trail for Waternomee Falls.

Sign at spur trail for Waternomee Falls

Before arriving at Waternomee Falls, you cross a small brook that is a branch of Clifford Brook.  There is a picturesque little cascade off to your right as you cross this brook.

Cascade on a branch brook that flows into Clifford Brook

Regarding my visit to Waternomee Falls, I truly dislike saying unflattering things about this place.  However, this waterfall seemed to be nearly as unattractive in the Springtime, as it was in the Wintertime.  Perhaps it's just me, but no matter from what perspective I viewed it, there was very little appeal.  And to complicate things, I couldn't seem to find a viewpoint which gave a perspective as to the size of this waterfall.  Although it's not huge to begin with, my photos make this waterfall look even smaller than it is.  

Regardless, shown below are two snapshots of the falls that were taken from different spots. 

Collage of two photos of Waternomee Falls taken from two different viewpoints

To sum it up, my visit to Owls Head was an enjoyable experience.  My visit to Waternomee Falls, was less rewarding!