I didn’t know I was already at Diamond Notch Falls until I recognized the wooden bridge from pictures I saw online. That was how brief and nearly effortless the 0.8-mile hike was. Add to that the scenery along the trail made up of the colorful fall leaves lit golden by the sunrise and the brook alongside that teased the hiker constantly to pause and meander among its multiple rocky cascades, the hike felt even shorter.

Then again, this might be the perfect hike for many. A short nature hike with a waterfall at the end could be the most appealing outdoor adventure for people of all ages.