8 Must-See Waterfalls in Maine
Maine is one of the most beautiful states and has so many hidden waterfalls throughout the state. Although Maine waterfalls are not the tallest in the US, they are stunning!
I have spent the last few years exploring the northern sections of Maine since I spent a lot of time along the coast growing up. The northern sections of Maine are stunning and have the most beautiful waterfalls in the state!
If you are visiting Maine, you should add these waterfalls to your bucket list! This guide goes over everything you need to know about visiting the beautiful waterfalls in Maine!
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When to Visit the Waterfalls
Spring
Spring is the best time to explore Maine waterfalls because, after the snow melts, the waterfalls have a high volume of water. Maine tends to be quieter in Spring because the cold weather and snow linger, so you will likely have the waterfalls in Maine to yourself!
Since many waterfalls require a hike and the trails can have snow through Spring, it is crucial to bring proper hiking gear. I recommend reading recent trail reviews to understand the trail conditions.
Summer
The beginning of the summer can be a great time to visit the waterfalls in Maine because the early summer rain helps increase the volume of the waterfalls. Depending on how much rain Maine receives in the summer, the waterfalls may continue to have a high volume of water, or they may become a trickle of water.
Summer is also one of the busiest times in Maine, so you will likely be sharing the waterfall with many people. I recommend visiting Maine waterfalls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid most crowds.
Fall
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Maine because of the vibrant fall foliage. The waterfalls in Maine will have stunning colors, which makes fall one of the best times to see them! Even if the waterfalls don’t have a high volume of water, they will be picturesque with the foliage!
Fall is one of the most popular times to visit Maine, so I recommend visiting the waterfalls in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid most crowds. Late fall can have winter conditions, so I recommend packing layers and reading recent trail reviews to understand the trail conditions!
Winter
Winter is the most underrated time to visit Maine waterfalls. The waterfalls will be frozen and surrounded by beautiful snow. Most people don’t explore the waterfalls in Maine in the winter, so you are likely to have the waterfalls to yourself! Since many waterfalls require a hike, it is crucial to bring proper hiking gear and read recent trail reviews to understand the trail conditions.
What to Pack for Hiking
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Maine Waterfalls Map
The Best Waterfalls in Maine
**Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some trailheads have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Moxie Falls
Hike length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: West Forks, Maine
Moxie Falls is my favorite Maine waterfall! It is over 90 feet tall, making it the third-tallest waterfall in Maine. Although it doesn’t come in as the tallest waterfall, it is one of the most iconic.
And the best part? The trail to Moxie Falls is an easy 2-mile round trip hike. Moxie Falls trail brings you through a beautiful forest and over three viewing platforms. The first viewing platform looks down at Moxie Falls, while the other two viewing platforms further on the trail have the best views of the entire waterfall.
Moxie Falls is pretty far north near the town of Jackman, and it takes a bit of driving to get there. The best part is the area offers many fun activities you can enjoy after visiting Moxie Falls! I love visiting this area in Maine, so I know you will, too.
Houston Brook Falls
Hike length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Bingham, Maine
Houston Brook Falls may not be among the tallest waterfalls in Maine, but it does not lack beauty! The trail to the 32-foot-tall waterfall is short and easy, making it great for the entire family.
The parking lot of Houston Brook Falls is discreet. You will see a fence with a small parking lot in front with only a few spaces. Once you park here, the trail begins to the left of the lot. The trail is well-marked, and you will quickly fall in love with this stunning waterfall in Maine!
Houston Brook Falls is not too far from Moxie Falls, allowing you to see both of them when you visit this area in Maine. I have visited these falls in summer and fall, and the views during both seasons are stunning!
Screw Auger Falls
Hike length: 0.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Newry, Maine
Screw Auger Falls is another iconic Maine waterfall and is one of the most visited waterfalls in the state! It is located in Grafton Notch State Park and is easily accessible.
The 25-foot tall waterfall cascades into a beautiful gorge, making it a unique waterfall in Maine. There are many viewpoints along the short and easy trail, giving you many opportunities to view this beautiful waterfall!
Grafton Notch is a popular area for hiking, so when you visit the area, I highly recommend hiking nearby trails! The next waterfall on this list is also in Grafton Notch.
Step Falls
Hike length: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Location: Newry, Maine
Step Falls comes in as the second tallest waterfall in Maine at 250 feet tall! It has a chain of cascades that you can view along the 1-mile round trip hike.
Although the trail is easy, it has a consistent climb to the top of the waterfall. Step Falls is one of the most popular areas to swim, so if you visit on a summer weekend, be prepared to share the trail with many swimmers!
Since Step Falls is near Screw Auger Falls, you can visit both during your trip! You can also enjoy a fun trip to Bethel. Although Bethel is visited mostly in the winter for skiing at Sunday River, it has many fun things to do! I have spent a lot of time hiking through Bethel, and I know you will love visiting the area.
Angel Falls
Hike length: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Location: Township D, Maine
Angel Falls is another one of my favorite Maine waterfalls because it is epic! The waterfall is 90 feet tall, making it the fourth tallest waterfall in Maine.
Although this is a popular waterfall, it can be hard to find. I recommend entering Bemis Road from the south because I met people who said the other way was a long and slow drive over an unmaintained road. You will see a small sign at a fork in the road that points to the trailhead.
Once you are on the trail, it crosses a stream a few times before leading you to Angel Falls. The falls are stunning and quickly will become one of your favorites in Maine!
Dunn Falls
Hike length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Andover, Maine
Dunn Falls is a stunning Maine waterfall that consists of two waterfalls. The upper falls are 80 feet tall, and the lower falls are 70 feet tall. Both are stunning and worth the hike!
You can hike the trail as a loop or out-and-back. I recommend hiking it as a loop and starting on the Appalachian Trail. Make sure to say hello to thru-hikers since you are likely to see some at the waterfall!
The trail brings you to the lower falls first and then to the upper falls, passing many unnamed small waterfalls along the way. You will quickly fall in love with this underrated waterfall in Maine!
Smalls Falls
Hike length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Location: Rangeley, Maine
Smalls Falls is a beautiful Maine waterfall at a rest area near Rangeley. The 54-foot waterfall has multiple viewpoints along the trail, so you can choose if you want an easy or moderate adventure.
A set of stairs leads you to a bridge across from the falls, offering stunning views. If you want more of an adventure, you can follow the trail to the top of the waterfall. There are many viewpoints of various cascades, but the best view, in my opinion, is at the bridge.
Rangeley is one of my favorite areas in Maine, and it has many beautiful waterfalls you can visit in one trip! You can also enjoy one of the most beautiful scenic drives on your way to the waterfalls.
Bonus waterfall: If you follow the trail to the left after the bridge, there is another beautiful waterfall! I’m not sure if it has a name, but it is stunning, and many people don’t take the time to visit it.
The Cascades
Hike length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Rangeley, Maine
The Cascades is a beautiful Maine waterfall in a gorge and has three falls equaling 50 feet tall. The Cascade Gorge Stream Trail is stunning and follows along the gorge until it reaches the Cascades. The parking area is on a residential road, so please be respectful when you visit!
The Cascades is not too far from Smalls Falls, allowing you to easily see both waterfalls in one trip. When I visited Rangeley, I visited all its beautiful waterfalls in one day along its scenic drive. If you want to make the trip a weekend getaway, you can enjoy a stay in the small town of Rangeley.
If you are looking for the best Maine waterfalls, this guide is a great place to start! I have visited many of the waterfalls in Maine, so I can provide you with everything you need to know to visit them!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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