Hiking to Houston Brook Falls in Maine (A Stunning Waterfall)

Maine is one of my favorite states in the United States because it is incredibly diverse! It has a rocky coastline, beautiful mountains, and hidden waterfalls, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Every inch of the state is breathtaking and should be on every bucket list.

Am I biased? Maybe! But I have spent years exploring the northern sections of Maine, and I quickly fell in love. The coast is beautiful, do not get me wrong, but Northern Maine is another world, especially with its hidden waterfalls. Maine has some of my favorite waterfalls in New England!

One of my favorite waterfalls in Northern Maine is Houston Brook Falls! I have hiked to the waterfall multiple times in different seasons because it is stunning. Using my experience, I have created this guide for you to use if you want to hike to Houston Brook Falls, which I highly recommend!

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Houston Brook Falls Overview

How to Get to Houston Brook Falls

Houston Brook Falls is in the small town of Bingham in Northern Maine, one of my favorite areas in the state. Although it is not the tallest waterfall in Maine, standing at 32 feet, it is stunning and should be on every bucket list!

The trailhead is off Pleasant Ridge Road on Route 201 and is easy to miss because of the lack of signs. It has a small lot in front of the fence to the transfer station, and the trail starts to the left of it. Since this is the transfer station, do not block the gate.

Since it is a long drive to Bingham, I recommend spending at least a day exploring the surrounding area. The Forks and Jackman have many other fun things to do, and it is easily one of my favorite places in Maine, with waterfalls, beautiful hikes, a scenic drive, and other fun activities.

Houston Brook Falls Trail Length and Difficulty

The Houston Brook Falls Trail is an easy 0.5-mile roundtrip hike to the falls. From the trailhead, the trail gradually descends to the base of Houston Brook Falls, where you can get an up-close and personal view of it.

Even though this is not a well-known waterfall, the trail is easy to follow and well-marked. It wanders through a beautiful forest before descending to the base of Houston Brook Falls. You can view it from the trail or walk to the stream to get closer to the waterfall.

What to Pack for Hiking

Although the trail to Houston Brook Falls is not strenuous, you should still have the appropriate hiking gear. You should have supportive shoes with good traction, like hiking boots, layers for the time of year you are hiking, and a backpack with water, snacks, and layers. And last but not least, make sure to pack the Ten Essentials.

Hiking Guide to Houston Brook Falls in Maine

**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and throw away your trash properly. It is also crucial to only hike on the designated trails to avoid damaging restoration areas and fragile vegetation.

Although Houston Brook Falls does not take the cake for being my favorite waterfall in Maine, it is among my favorites! I first hiked it in the fall and then continued to visit in the summer because I enjoyed it so much. The trail is easy and perfect for a quick hike to a stunning waterfall.

The Houston Brook Falls Trailhead is off Pleasant Ridge Road on Route 201 in Bingham. As I mentioned, the parking lot is small, but I have never had an issue finding parking. Since the hike is quick, most people do not stay for a long time.

The trail begins to the left of the parking lot and is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. It has a small sign pointing to the trail into the forest next to the transfer station.

The first 0.1 miles of the trail is relatively flat as it wanders through the forest. It then begins to descend for the next 0.1 miles before arriving near the stream.

The section right before Houston Brook Falls is my favorite because it is incredibly lush. It has little streams flowing near it with vibrant moss. I love moss, so anytime I see it on a trail, I instantly love the hike more!

Soon after, the trail arrives at Houston Brook Falls, offering beautiful views overlooking it! You can see it from the trail or the rocks near its base. If the water level is not high, you can wander the rocks near its base to get a better view of the waterfall.

The few times I visited, I stayed at the waterfall for about a half-hour, enjoying the views and peacefulness of the area. I also love soaking my feet in the water if I visit in the summer. Since Bingham is a less-visited town in Maine, the Houston Brook Falls Trail is usually quiet. I have only ever seen one other person when I hiked it.

Once you enjoy the beautiful views of the waterfall, you can follow the same trail back to the parking lot. Since the trail descends to the waterfall, you have to climb up towards the parking lot, but the trail is not overly steep.

If you want to enjoy more waterfalls nearby, I highly recommend visiting Moxie Falls! It is my favorite waterfall and is not too far of a drive from Houston Brook Falls.

If you want to hike to Houston Brook Falls in Maine, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about to visit the beautiful waterfall.