Waterfalls in Maine

Watch Angel Falls cascade 90 feet in western Maine’s Franklin County. It has been hailed as being one of the most spectacular in the state. Located near the town of Byron, Angel Falls is fed by Mountain Brook and tumbles happily down a rocky cliff for 90 feet before pouring into a pool below.

Named Angel Falls due to its water flow resembling the form of an angel, the waterfall can easily be reached by taking Route 17 from Byron until a short hiking trail marked by signs is visible. The path leads through the woods for about 0.8 miles to the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a beautiful place to relax in peace. Angel Falls are best visited in June or July when the weather is optimal for hiking and the water levels are full.

Address: Byron, Franklin County, Maine

Set on Austin Stream just outside the town of Moscow in Somerset County, get a view of Austin Stream Falls, a large, powerful waterfall with a 100-foot drop located in the Kennebec River watershed. Higher than Moxie Falls, Austin Stream Falls drops in a series of beautiful cascades, rather than a single drop, with the upper falls making an unusual almost 90-degree turn as it enters the stream's gorge. Austin Stream Falls can only be viewed from above from several camping spots next to the creek immediately above the canyon.

The upper gorge has a rim from which there are stunning views of the majestic 100-foot falls below.

Address: Moscow, Somerset County, Maine

Romantic Waterfalls

Set on the Bickford Brook in the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, deep within the White Mountain National Forest, Bickford Slides is a splendid 90-foot waterfall that is made up of two tiers of cascades and slides, the upper of which is 40 feet high, while the lower is 50 feet. Hidden in a ravine between the Blueberry and Sugarloaf Mountains, Bickford Brook makes its way downstream towards its confluence with the Cold River, and the Bickford Slides can be found along the way. They can be reached by several popular hiking trails that wind their way through heavily shaded glens and there are pleasant swimming holes to dip into after the hike.

Address: White Mountain National Forest, Stow, Oxford County, Maine

The Big and Little Niagara Falls are tucked into the forest south of Kidney Pond in Baxter State Park and are among the many stunning natural landmarks in this area. The two waterfalls are located on the Nesowadnehunk Stream just south of Lily Pad Pond and can be reached by starting at the popular Daicey Pond Campground and hiking south on the Appalachian Trail for just over a mile until you get to the falls. Alternatively, start at the Kidney Pond Campground and hike the lesser-known route, which is 4.6 miles of hiking and includes about a mile of paddling a park canoe on still water, making for a far more interesting adventure.

Address: Baxter State Park: 64 Balsam Drive, Millinocket, ME 04462, Phone: 207-723-5140

Waterfalls for Families

Big Wilson Falls is made up of several cascades and drops and is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Maine with no hiking required. Located in the Moosehead Region in Maine, Big Wilson Falls is located to the right of the bridge on Elliotsville Road and can be reached by merely parking near the bridge and walking down the hill to the falls. The falls have several large rocks to clamber around on and a small beach that is perfect for picnicking, swimming, and relaxing for the day. Big Wilson Falls are at their best in the autumn when there is reasonable water flow, and the surrounding foliage creates a palette of amazing colors and hues.

Address: Guilford, Moosehead Region, ME 04443

Cascade Falls is a large, roaring waterfall set in historic Cascade Falls Park that boasts a horsetail shape and a drop of over 20 feet. Situated just a few minutes from Old Orchard Beach, Cascade Falls, also known as Cascade Brook Falls, is nestled in a pretty ravine and offers beautiful views of falling water. The falls can be reached by a straightforward walk of about 10 minutes each way and are best in the spring snowmelt or after heavy rains. Cascade Falls Park is a popular state park that has attracted visitors since the late 1800s, who come to enjoy picnicking, fishing, hiking, and viewing the falls.

Address: Cascade Falls Park: Casco Road, Saco, Maine

Falls For Photographers

Chandler Mill Stream Falls is set on the Chandler Mill Stream in the Small Falls Rest Area just outside Township E in Franklin County. Made up of cascades, horsetails, and slides, the falls have an upper and lower section, the top of which drops 25 feet, while the smaller drops 15 feet into two open swimming pools. Chandler Mill Stream Falls can be reached at the trailhead that leads past Smalls Falls, which can be reached by descending some stairs on the route. To reach Chandler Mill Stream Falls, continue past Smalls Falls straight into the woods on an unmarked but obvious path that ends at the falls. Views of the lower falls are limited, but the cliffy views of the upper falls are unobstructed and superb.

Address: Small Falls Rest Area, Township E, Franklin County, Maine

Located in Weyerhaeuser Park (formerly Plum Creek) in Somerset County’s Johnson Mountain Township, Cold Stream Falls is an impressive 20-foot horsetail cascade that makes its way through a deep gorge. Very remote and secluded, the falls can be reached by an access trail that runs parallel to the river, which has beautiful clear and cold waters due to the lack of sunlight shining into the gorge. There is a large swimming hole at Cold Stream Falls, which promises privacy and seclusion due to the remoteness of the falls.

Address: Weyerhaeuser Park, Johnson Mountain Township, Somerset County, Maine

Dunn Falls is an alluring waterfall on the Ellis River near Andover in Oxford County with two sections and a small swimming hole. The upper part of the falls features a stunning 70-foot drop forming a horsetail and fans, while the lower section of the falls is a direct plunge, dropping 80 additional feet into a pool below. Dunn Falls can be reached on a scenic day-hike along the West Branch of the Ellis River through the beautifully conserved wilderness to the Upper and Lower Dunn Falls. The moderately rated 2-mile lop to the falls includes part of the Appalachian Trail and several small swimming pools for dipping in along the way.

Address: Andover, Oxford County, Maine