Maine is best known for its long, rugged coastline and dense forests. However the secret attraction of this place is its waterfalls. Many hidden waterfalls are in this state which can offer you a perfect escape from the busy world. Angel Falls can be a perfect choice that represents beautiful views. There are also many other falls like Smalls Fall, Moxie Fall and Houston Brook Falls ideal for swimming and also pet-friendly. Maine has many waterfall options so you might be confused about choosing one as your ultimate destination. This is why here is a complete list of the hidden waterfalls in Maine that you should not miss. Moreover this guide provides additional travel tips to make your trip rush-free and comfortable.
Hidden Waterfalls in Maine To Discover
Angel Falls
Starting with a beautiful hidden waterfall which is Angel Falls. Located in Township D this waterfall is about 119 miles away from the main city center. It is a beautiful 90-foot plunging single-drop waterfall. Angel Falls is known as the highest and prettiest in Maine. However you can find transportation options like Maine Charter Bus rental services to reach here.
Things To Do In Angel Falls
Visiting here you can do hiking in The Main Trail. This will give you a breathtaking experience as you will need to cross the stream three times. In here you can experience and witness the popular ‘Angel’s wing’ which is the shape the cascading water creates in high flow. To complete your hike it will take about two or three hours and generally it will be a moderate level hike. It is always better to visit after heavy rain to see the fall at its fullest.
Houston Brook Falls
Only about 35.9 miles away from Maine there is another hidden waterfall of the state. This one is Houston Brook Falls. It is located in Bingham, just off the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway. This is a pretty 33-foot-long cascading waterfall with swimming places. This fall comes with really easy accessibility for its visitors. The best part about this fall is its pet friendly.
Things To Do In Houston Brook Falls
First things first you can capture the 32-foot picturesque waterfall. Then there is also a 10-minute wooded trail which is a really easy route to hike. Also you can swim in a rectangular channel that is just below the fall. There are other swim holes too which visitors can use plus these swimming spots are family-friendly. To explore more remember to view Wyman Lake from the waterfall area.
Gulf Hagas Waterfalls
Now we are going to talk about something that is known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Maine.’ This is Gulf Hagas Waterfalls located in the 100-Mile Wilderness in central Maine. It is about 400 feet deep. It makes amazing places for visitors to swim and rest. Its series of steps makes it more stunning and picture-perfect. The trail hike can take five to seven hours and you’ll need to cross a river as well.
Things To Do In Gulf Hags Waterfalls
In here you can hike a scenic 8 to 9-mile loop that passes many beautiful waterfalls. The waterfalls you can explore here are Screw Auger Falls, Billings Falls, Stair Falls and Buttermilk Falls for a more beautiful experience. Apart from these you can also walk through the Hermitage that is located at the Appalachian Trail portion of the hike. Well visiting all these places will need a fee which can be around $17 per person.
Moxie Falls
Only 56.4 miles away from Maine there is a stunning waterfall named Moxie Falls. This fall is located in the Forks. This fall is a 90-foot drop offering many opportunities for its visitors. It gets counted as one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in New England.
Things You Can’t Miss
The most attractive thing you can do here is hiking. You can go through a 1.2-mile round-trip trail that connects with wooden observation platforms serving amazing views of the waterfall. You can do water activities such as whitewater rafting in the Kennebec & Dead Rivers. If you love water activities you can even do fishing and boating in the nearby Moxie Pond or the Kennebec River.
You will not find any camping or overnight parking at the trailhead so you will need to look for lodging and resort options along Route 201 in The Forks. Also if you want you can take your dog with you but remember to leash and maintain them.
Smalls Falls
In the West Franklin Central of Maine there is a stunning waterfall named Smalls Falls. It is a 54-foot multi-tiered waterfall. It comes from the Sandy River that drops 54 feet in total through four main tiers. This fall includes swimming holes, four distinct drops and crystal-clear plunge pools.
Things To Do In Smalls Falls
Visiting this place you will be able to do outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking and Wading. Now for swimming visitors love the lagoons located at the bottom of the fall. Many visitors even try wading from suitable spots. If you are looking for hiking options well there are but it will be a 5-minute hike from the parking area to the bridge viewing spot. You will find picnic and resting spots as well. However the best thing is that this area is free of charge.
Little Wilson Falls
Coming to another secret waterfall in Maine known as Little Wilson Falls. It is a 40-foot stepped slate waterfall in Elliotsville Township. This one is considered a hidden waterfall in Maine because it is located in the Hundred-Mile Wilderness. It will take you almost 10 miles from Maine to get in here.
What Visitors Love To Do In Little Wison Falls
In here you will be able to explore three waterfalls and those are the lower, middle and upper falls. Among these three Lower Falls is within very easy reach because it is just a few steps away from the parking area. On the other hand Middle Falls is located about 0.35 miles upstream and the Upper Falls will feature a huge slate staircase and a remarkable hiking journey to the Appalachian Trail.
You will be more excited to know that this place does not charge and dogs are allowed here only if you can control them.
The Cataracts
The Cataracts is a hidden waterfall in Maine that is an amazing getaway for nature lovers. This is an ideal and perfect waterfall to explore if you are planning to visit with your family. This waterfall is located in the Andover West Surplus Township and it is about 119 miles away from the city center.
Don’t Miss
Firstly explore the waterfalls and those are The Churn, The Cataract and The Flume; each of them will provide picturesque beauty. Then you cannot miss hiking on the Frye Brook. But remember that there is no cell phone service on East B Hill Road which connects to the trailhead and also expect limited cell service around the waterfall area. In the summertime you can enjoy natural swimming holes around the gorge to cool off.
In this area you will find picnic spots where you can enjoy with your close ones. However to have a delicious meal you can stop by the Mills Market on East B Hill Road and get some pizza. The other famous spots that you can try are Kate’s Kones, Puzzle Mountain Bakery and so on.
Grand Falls
Now we are going to talk about a fall located in West Forks that is known as one of the most isolated waterfalls in Maine. This fall is about 72.6 miles away from the city center and is based on the Dead River in the West Mountains. In here the main attraction is a 40-foot-tall, 100-foot-wide waterfall.
What To Do Here
The activities you can do here vary from season to season. Like in springtime you can do photography of cascades and mist, enjoy wildlife and birdwatching and also Whitewater rafting on the Dead River during scheduled releases. If you are visiting during the summer you can swim in the pools below the falls, hike in the trails or take a rafting trip from The Forks area. Now if you are visiting in the foliage season then it is ideal for photography, fishing and hiking. Moreover in the winter days visitors can do snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and so on.
Best Time To Visit
In this section let’s discuss the ideal season to visit these waterfalls based on the preferred activities and travel style.
Spring
In the springtime like from May to June it is the best time to witness the peak flow of the falls. During the spring you will experience a lot more greenery. You will also face fewer crowds in comparison to summer. Plus the temperature will be cooling for hiking. Apart from all this you might find some trails to be muddy during the spring and a lot more black flies than usual.
Summer
Summer is considered the most suitable time for families. During this time you can enjoy outdoor activities and camping in these fall areas. Many hikers also prefer summer because trails are dry and easier to trek and also they get more daylight to enjoy hiking. Many people avoid visiting during the hot days because it stays crowded. The water level might also be very low, ruining the enjoyment of viewing the falls.
Fall
Many visitors prefer to visit these falls during the fall. From September to October one can witness foliage transforms and the beauty of landscapes. Because of moderator temperature it becomes easier for hikers to hike. This season serves the iconic beauty for photography. Choose late September because there will be fewer insects as well. Less water flow in the falls decreases and on weekends you might find crowds because of fall foliage.
Winter
Winter can be a perfect time for you if you consider yourself an advanced adventurer. While the waterfalls start freezing and roads get closed it gives a snowy scenery with a pleasing atmosphere. In many trails you can do winter activities.
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable, river sandals with a toe-closed or water shoes
- Trekking poles
- Since the weather here changes rapidly you can check all updates on the National Weather Service site before starting your journey.
- Water-resistant backpack
- Keep offline downloaded maps or printed ones with you because the network here can be really unsteady
- Better to have an all-in-one first-aid box
- Carry torch lights with a battery because after sunset it can get really dark
- Weather in these areas can change quickly so keep layers with you.
- Near water flow you will find many insects so it is better to keep a heavy-duty bug spray.
- To keep your energy levels up it is better to have electrolytes, water and high-protein snacks with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are actually more than 360 waterfalls in Maine. Each of them carries the beauty and pleasing views.
Maine is popular for its coastal towns, lobsters, lighthouses and many more things. However if you are planning for this state soon do not forget to visit the coastal towns of Maine.
The signature dish in Maine is anything made of their fresh lobsters but especially the lobster rolls.
Conclusion
Deciding to visit the hidden waterfalls in Maine is a very good choice indeed. You can enjoy these falls even better by choosing the right time and right destination depending on your travel style. However we hope that our travel guide could help you fihouring our your next journey more efficiently and smoothly.