Maine is located in the northeastern part of the USA, home to an abundance of tourist attractions. Famed for their coastal towns, 3478-miles (5597-kilometers) of coastlines and a plethora of natural attractions, it is no wonder why visitors flock to Maine every year to embrace its beauty for themselves. For the outdoor lovers, you’ll also be pleased to know that aside from its coastal areas, there are lots of magnificent mountains, tranquil woods and hundreds of waterfalls in different shapes and sizes. With that, there is also an abundance of hikes and trails that you can go on. In this article, we’ll be listing some of the best waterfall hikes in Maine, USA. Read on to find out more.
Travel Advisory
Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.
1. Angel Falls
Angel Falls is a 90-foot (27-metre) single drop waterfall situated within the White Mountains in Franklin County, and it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine. In order to access the waterfall, visitors will need to embark on a 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) hike through a series of narrow waterworks. The trail is carefully marked, so visitors wouldn’t have a hard time finding the fall. However, the trail is decked full with rocks of different shapes and sizes, so they might be really slippery especially after rain. Remember to gear up with proper footwear!
Angel Falls
Address:West Central Franklin, ME 04275, USA
2. Alder Stream Falls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Alder Stream Falls consists of two sections with the upper falls cascading at 20-feet (6-metres) and lower falls at 25-feet (7.6-metres). The short trail leading to the falls can be easily accessed but there are a few areas that are really steep. There is a rope found on the trail that assists visitors when they are going down the steeper parts. But it is still important to be careful, watch your footing and wear proper footwear to prevent accidents. The best time to visit is from May to October when you’ll see the falls at its full force.
Alder Stream Falls
Address: Alderstream Township, Franklin, Maine
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3. Dunn Falls
Dunn Falls is situated in Harpers Ferry and it is a two-sectioned fall with the upper falls having a 70-foot (21-meter) drop and lower falls at 80 feet (24 meters). This amazing waterfall is encased by rock walls shaped like half-moons, allowing water to flow through a hole within the wall. In order to see this magnificent sight, visitors will have to go for a difficult trek through the Ellis River. The trail is marked to make the trek easier.
Dunn Falls
Address: 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States
Website: Dunn Falls
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Maine Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.
4. Gulf Hagas Falls
Located in Harpers Ferry, isolated in the Piscataquis County within the Gulf Hagas Gorge, this waterfall is a popular attraction within the area because of its interesting geology and magnificent features. Visitors will have to trek on a long 8.6-mile (13.8-kilometer) dirt road. It might be a long hike but the scenic and tranquil surrounding is going to make the arduous trip worth it. Visit during the summer months to enjoy a majestic view of this beautiful waterfall. If it gets too warm, visitors can go for a swim in the cooling water as well.
Gulf Hagas Falls
Address: 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States
Website: Gulf Hagas Falls
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Houston Brook Falls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Houston Brook Falls is a 32-foot (9.8-meter) high stunning waterfall located within the Houston Brook where it gets its water from. The 10-minute trail is always very misty, increasing the difficulty level of the short walk because it makes the rocks slippery and more dangerous to walk on. Visitors can choose to swim in the swimming holes when the water level is low. To view this stunning work of nature at its best, visit from May to October.
Houston Brook Falls
Address: Pleasant Ridge, ME, USA
6. Moxie Falls
Moxie Falls, situated near the Moxie Stream in Somerset County, is another one of the highest waterfalls in Maine. Water cascades from the topmost part of the falls with a plunge of 90 feet (9.7 meters). Although this waterfall is located in a remote area accessed by a short hiking trail at the trailhead along Moxie Road, it is still a relatively well-known attraction. Swimming is possible here and you’ll get the best views when you visit it during the summer months.
Moxie Falls
Address: 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985, United States
7. Screw Auger Falls
Screw Auger Falls is a waterfall with a 25-foot (7.6-meter) plunge located in Grafton Notch State Park. The beautiful rock formation found on the walls of this fall is mostly made of granite. The water plunges downwards into a series of giant potholes, creating shallow pools that visitors can swim in! It is a great picnic site as well. The area is equipped with picnic tables, a toilet and a spacious parking area. There are also hiking trails with different levels of difficulty if you are interested in taking a scenic walk within the State Park.
Screw Auger Falls
Address: North Oxford, ME, USA
Website: Screw Auger Falls
Opening hours: 9am - sunset (daily)
8. Smalls Falls
Smalls Falls is a four-set waterfall with a water plunge of 54-feet (16.5-metres) located in Rangeley. The stunning geology of this picturesque waterfall makes it a really popular destination for visitors who just want to spend a few hours out in the wilderness. It is also a famed picnic spot as amenities such as bathrooms and picnic tables can be found. Indulge in a relaxing adventure in the outdoors by organizing a picnic session while appreciating the beauty of the water falling through the colorful gorge.
Smalls Falls
Address: Rangeley, ME 04970, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Step Falls
Step Falls in Bethel stands at a magnificent height of 250 feet, and it can be considered as one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. The gradually descending water plunge takes the shape of the cascading rock walls. This brilliant work by Mother Nature can be accessed via a 20-minute marked trail. Visitors can reach the fall easily but the route to it might be slippery, so it would be good to wear some proper footwear. You can also wade in the cooling water, especially during spring when it has the best views.
Step Falls
Address: 162 N Rd, Bethel, ME 04217, United States
Website: Step Falls
10. Grand Falls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This 40-foot (12-meter) waterfall located in East Central Penobscot in Maine is grand for a reason. Although it isn’t as tall as its other counterparts, this fall has a width of about 120 feet (36.5 meters). During the days when there is a high water volume, you are definitely going to fall in love with the scenic views of the giant cascading plunges of water. To reach the waterfall, visitors will have to embark on a hike along a dirt road. It is a fairly easy trail and you’ll find this beauty really easily, especially when it’s so wide. Swimming in the water can be pretty dangerous because of strong currents and the high volume of water.
Grand Falls
Address: East Central Penobscot, ME 04418, USA
Explore the captivating waterfalls in Maine
If you get the opportunity, you should totally explore a few of the waterfalls we’ve mentioned on this list! Most of them are accessible easily by short trails so waterfall hikes in Maine are suitable for anyone. It would also be great if you could spend some quality time surrounded by nature within the beautiful surroundings. That is definitely a great way to destress. We are quite sure that you are tempted already. Do not wait anymore. Schedule your waterfall hike right now!
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