4 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Rangeley, Maine

Rangeley is a beautiful mountain town in Northern Maine surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains, and six lakes! Rangeley offers many things to do year-round, so you can visit the beautiful area in any season and have a wide range of outdoor activities available.

One of the best things to do in Rangeley is to explore its stunning waterfalls! Each waterfall near Rangeley is beautiful in its own way and will make you fall in love with them. And the best part? Most of them require short hikes! This guide has everything you need to know about the beautiful waterfalls near Rangeley, Maine!

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Tips for Visiting the Waterfalls Near Rangeley Maine

Arrive early. Some waterfalls near Rangeley are popular because they do not require much hiking. The parking lots are small and can fill up early, so I recommend arriving at the most popular waterfalls early in the morning. Since midday is typically the busiest time at the waterfalls, you can also visit later in the afternoon to avoid most crowds.
Pack the appropriate hiking gear. Even though many of the hikes to Rangeley’s waterfalls are easy, they still have rocky terrain. Some of the trails also have river crossings and steep sections. I recommend packing proper footwear and hiking gear to ensure you are safe and prepared.
Download offline maps. Most waterfalls near Rangeley have little to no service, so I recommend downloading an offline map on Google Maps to get to each trailhead in case you lose service.
Get a trail map. Although most trails to Rangeley's waterfalls are easy to follow, it is crucial to have a map just in case. Since most waterfalls do not have service, you should pick up a local trail map to help you navigate on the trail. You can also download an offline map on a hiking app.
Visit in the off-season. The most popular time to visit Rangeley is in the summer and early fall, and most waterfalls will have crowds during this time. Since many of these waterfalls are accessible in the winter and early spring, you can visit them in the off-season and enjoy them with fewer people! Although the waterfalls freeze in the winter, they are still beautiful! Once the snow and ice melt in early spring, the waterfalls are gushing, making it the best time to visit.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

What to Pack When Visiting the Waterfalls Near Rangeley Maine

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.

4 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Rangeley Maine

Rangeley has four stunning waterfalls nearby that you should add to your itinerary! These waterfalls near Rangeley, Maine, will quickly become some of your favorite waterfalls in the state.

Smalls Falls

Trail: Smalls Falls Trail

Length: 0.5 miles

Elevation Gain: minimal

Smalls Falls is a 54-foot waterfall at a rest area in Rangeley, Maine. From the Smalls Falls Rest Area parking lot, there are a set of stairs leading to a bridge overlooking the beautiful waterfall. There is also a 0.5-mile trail that leads to higher viewpoints if you are looking for more of an adventure. The best view, in my opinion, is at the bridge, but hiking the short trail is worth it to explore the other beautiful viewpoints of the waterfall!

The Cascades

Trail: Cascade Stream Gorge Trail

Length: 1 mile

Elevation Gain: 130 feet

The Cascades is a stunning waterfall near Rangeley, Maine, tucked into a beautiful gorge. The waterfall has three falls that make the waterfall over 50 feet tall. The Cascades requires a 1-mile hike on the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail through a beautiful forest.

The trailhead is in a residential neighborhood, and you can drive up the short and steep road to reach the small parking lot near the trailhead. The Cascades is a beautiful waterfall near Rangeley, Maine, that you will love visiting!

Coos Canyon

Trail: None

Length: Minimal

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Coos Canyon is known for its swimming hole near Rangeley, Maine, but it also has a beautiful waterfall. The small 15-foot waterfall is at the Coos Canyon Rest Area, and you can see it by walking a short distance from the parking area to the overlook. Although the waterfall is the smallest near Rangeley, it is one of the most picturesque because of the canyon.

There is also a campground with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, making it the perfect place to stay when you visit the area. You will not be disappointed with visiting Coos Canyon and its beautiful waterfall near Rangeley, Maine!

Angel Falls

Trail: Angel Falls Trail

Length: 1 mile

Elevation Gain: 250 feet

Angel Falls is arguably the most beautiful waterfall near Rangeley, Maine. It is the fourth tallest waterfall in Maine, standing at 90 feet tall, and requires a 1.1-mile hike. The trail travels through a beautiful forest and over streams before finally reaching the stunning Angel Falls. Some of the stream crossings can be tricky if the water is high, but there are plenty of rocks to use to cross them. I recommend driving on Bemis Road from the south to the trailhead.

The road from the north is long and bumpy, and I met someone who came from the north and said they regretted it because it was really difficult for their car. Once you are on Bemis Road, you will need to look for a fork in the road on the left with a small sign pointing to the Angel Falls Trailhead. There is a small parking area right before the fork in the road, where you can park and walk to the trail. Angel Falls will quickly become your favorite waterfall near Rangeley, Maine!

If you are visiting Rangeley, Maine, you should add these beautiful waterfalls to your itinerary no matter what time of year you visit! This guide has everything you need to know about the best waterfalls near Rangeley, Maine.