Despite what TLC says, you should definitely be chasing waterfalls, especially the waterfalls in Maine.
While Maine might be known for its fresh seafood, historic lighthouses, and charming New England-style architecture, it’s also known for its natural beauty. This is largely due to the state’s stunning national parks, rugged coastlines, and (yep, you guessed it), its breath-taking waterfalls. Maine is known for its coastal towns with roughly 3478 miles (5597km) of coastlines and range of natural attractions, including these top waterfalls. It’s easy to see why Maine attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy the natural attractions it has to offer.
Up there with the best that Mother Nature has to offer, these impressive cascading bodies of water will not only make a lasting impression on your Instagram feed but also in your mind as you take in their magnificent size and captivating beauty.
Now, you may think if you’ve seen one waterfall then you’ve seen ‘em all but trust us when we say each of these waterfalls in Maine deserves to be seen. Read on and hit the road; your epic waterfall adventure awaits.
The Best 10 Waterfalls In Maine
1. Angel Falls, Franklin County
Just like its name suggests, Angel Falls is a literal gift from the heavens, guaranteed to bless your eyes with a scenic sight you won’t be forgetting any time soon. Located on Mountain Brook just northwest of Houghton, this magnificent natural beauty stands at an impressive 90 feet tall and features plunging tiers that won’t hesitate to take your breath away.
Surrounded by a set of cliffs, Angel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Maine thanks to its remarkable size and the fact that, in high water, the gushing water can create an angel’s wing as it cascades over the edge. In our opinion, you can’t get any closer to heaven on earth.
2. Cascade Falls, Saco
For little effort, Cascade Falls sure does pack a beautiful punch. Only a 25-minute drive from Portland and located in the town of Saco, Cascade Falls is easy to access via a short wander through a pine-tree scattered forest. Nestled in a magical ravine that provides great cover in the summertime, this small but mighty waterfall looks like it’s straight out of your favourite fairy-tale.
While this scenic spot might not be the most epic on the list, it’s still worth a visit thanks to the peaceful tranquillity you’re likely to feel while listening to the gushing water and surrounding birdsong.
3. Small Falls, Franklin County
Despite its name, Small Falls is anything but, especially if you visit after heavy rainfall with water gushing over the edge of the 54-foot cliff into a pool below. Not only can you admire the natural beauty of this waterfall from a distance, but you can also jump off its edge and swim beneath the cascading water for a truly unforgettable experience.
Once you’ve admired the waterfall for long enough, continue to hike your way up to three smaller waterfalls, all just as beautiful as each other and as equally great to swim in. Located on the Sandy River in Franklin County, the impressively tiered Small Falls, and its collection of smaller waterfalls, make for an afternoon well spent.
4. Houston Brook Falls, Bingham
Topping the list as one of the more magical waterfalls in Maine, Houston Brook Falls features an impressive 32-foot almost vertical drop for a sight that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Easy to get to (a simple 10-minute stroll through the woods is all it takes), this waterfall appears uniquely wild with rock formations jutting out, causing the cascading water to go every way.
Complete with a dazzling mist emanating off the falling water and a couple of swimming holes, Houston Brook Falls is a scenic spot you needed to have crossed off your bucket list, like yesterday.
5. Moxie Falls, Somerset County
As impressive as Angel Falls when it comes to size, Moxie Falls holds its own with a breath-taking 90-foot vertical drop into a collection of pools below. Also known as being one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Maine, this stunning spot can be reached after a short almost one mile walk through a lush forest.
Perfect for viewing in any season, Moxie Falls is located near The Forks in the Kennebec Valley of Somerset County and provides keen adventurers with the view of a lifetime. But admiring the cascading body of water isn’t the only thing you can do there with swimming and white water rafting popular in the summer and fishing a favourite in the winter.
6. Dunn Falls, Oxford County
If you’re a nature lover (and something tells us that if you’ve landed on this blog then you probably are), then a visit to Dunn Falls is an absolute must. Situated on either side of the Appalachian Trail, Dunn Falls presents not one but two impressively breath-taking falls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls.
Located in the town of Andover and a part of the Appalachian Scenic Trail, these waterfalls are just as epic as each other with Upper Falls a 70-foot total drop and Lower Falls slightly taller at 80-feet. While Upper Falls is a fan-like waterfall, Lower Falls is more of a plunge type where the cascading water doesn’t touch the cliff face behind it. Our recommendation? Bring a camera.
7. Austin Stream Falls, Somerset County
Despite having to navigate your way down a steep gorge on your way to the falls, Austin Stream Falls is relatively easy to get to via a short walk of a few hundred yards or so. Like Dunn Falls, this scenic spot also features two separate waterfalls, each just as breath-taking.
While the Upper Falls stands at 20 feet high, the Lower Falls is actually higher at 25 feet with both spots featuring a unique shape that determines the way in which the water falls. Both offering stunning views that no camera or iPhone will do justice, Austin Stream Falls is well worth spending an afternoon at.
8. Gulf Hagas Falls, Piscataquis County
Exploring Gulf Hagas is fit for both nature lovers and adventure seekers thanks to its phenomenal gorge formation giving it the title of “The Grand Canyon of Maine”. Featuring rapids, pools, and various other waterways, this stunning spot offers views of towering cliffs and the cascading Gulf Hagas Falls.
While you can participate in heaps of different activities including hiking, kayaking, and swimming while you’re in the area, taking the time to admire Gulf Hagas’ four officially named waterfalls is guaranteed to be your favourite thing to do. With each waterfall offering something different to appreciate from cascading water to punchbowl formations, Gulf Hagas should be at the top of your list.
9. Grand Falls, Somerset County
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge then the Grand Falls, located in West Forks, is the perfect destination for you. While it is quite tricky to get to (there aren’t any paved roads that’ll lead you directly to the waterfall), Grand Falls is well worth the challenge with its staggering size and extremely photogenic views.
Formed in the shape of a horseshoe, this waterfall is wider than it is tall, measuring about 100 feet across and 40 feet tall. But what this waterfall lacks in height, it definitely makes up for in beauty. Absolutely breath-taking at any time of the year, Grand Falls is not only one of the most powerful and popular waterfalls in Maine but is also one of the finest examples of Mother Nature’s impressive work.
10. Step Falls, Cumberland County
Looking for a fun-packed way to spend an afternoon? If the answer is yes, then Step Falls is your kind of place. Located in Standish, a small town in Cumberland County, Step Falls not only offers the perfect spot for swimming but also for admiring Maine’s natural beauty. Featuring flowing water cascading down open ledges, Step Falls creates several pools that are magnificent to look at and refreshing to swim in.
Popular with both locals and tourists alike, Step Falls will undoubtedly take your breath away with a total of 250 feet of waterfalls in the form of cascades, horsetails, and chutes. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, take in the peaceful sound of gushing water in a spot that’s nothing short of magical.
