7 Easy-Access Maine Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure
Being in Maine is great all year, but there’s something about summer’s ability to get us outside that makes this our favorite season! The winters can be long and cold here, and the summer waterfall season is our most wonderful reward for keeping our noses down and hanging in there. Our summers are so glorious, in fact, that we tend to get a little amnesia with regard to the snow and cold. All we care to think about are the warm breezes that are waiting to greet us with every new outdoor adventure. But, these adventures don’t all need to be difficult. These waterfalls near me can all be seen without much effort and each one is more beautiful than the next!
This waterfall isn't the same sort of cascade as the others on this list, but the rushing water is no less impressive. Plus, it's a great family-friendly route. Located within Mariaville Falls Preserve, there are a few different trails you can take but we recommend the loop that is approximately two miles. You can learn more about it in this feature article.
2. Snow Falls, West Paris
Snowfalls Road, Snowfalls Rd, West Paris, ME 04289, USA
This beautiful waterfall in Oxford County is a great waterfall to visit when it's chilly because you won't be able to swim here. But, its beauty is worth seeing. Four impressive cascades flow from the Little Androscoggin River.
3. Cascade Falls, Saco
Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
The family-friendly route to this waterfall is about a half-mile long, which means little legs won't have time to get tired before the waterfall payoff at the end! The trail is well-groomed, making it easy to navigate and there are a few fun surprises along the way. You can learn more about it in this feature article.
To see this easy-access waterfall, you won't even need to put on your shoes! It's visible from Route 17 scenic highway and it's a great place to spend the day. In the summer, bring your bathing suit to wade in the waters or stay dry and enjoy a picnic just off to the side. We love that you can still enjoy it in the winter — with no hiking necessary, the weather is not a problem.
While the setting and surroundings of this waterfall are quite different than the others on this list, we love that it offers something a bit different. To access this wonderful waterfall, just take a short walk on the Auburn Riverwalk. The falls are powered by the Androscoggin River, which separates Auburn and Lewiston.
Located in the Vaughan Woods, on the property of the beautiful Vaughan Homestead in Hallowell, this waterfall doesn't always make it onto lists of the state's best waterfalls. But, it's certainly worth the visit! The Corniche Trail and Heifer Field Loop Trail used to reach it make up a route that's about two miles. You can learn more about it in this article.
Another waterfall in a town setting, visiting this one won't require hiking in the woods. Simply head off on the Riverside Walking Trail to see this surprisingly rushing fall of water!
Wow. What beautiful waterfalls we are blessed with here in Maine! So tell us, which of these wondrous waterfalls do you plan to visit first? Do you have a favorite waterfall that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Of course, if you are up for a bit of a challenge and don’t mind how much effort goes into seeing Maine’s waterfalls, we have a few other options. But don’t worry … none are too challenging, but each one is worth venturing to see. Here’s the ultimate bucket list for anyone in Maine who loves waterfall hikes.
Address: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Address: Hallowell, ME, USA
Address: Mariaville, ME 04605, USA
Address: Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
Address: Snowfalls Road, Snowfalls Rd, West Paris, ME 04289, USA
Address: Great Falls, Auburn, ME 04210, USA
Address: Rumford, ME 04276, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
March 28, 2022
Sarah M.
What’s the tallest waterfall in Maine?
Maine is full of some truly magnificent waterfalls, but Moxie Falls is on a whole other level … literally! With a spectacular 90-foot drop, Moxie Falls is Maine’s tallest waterfall; and the kicker is, it’s also one of the state’s most easily accessible waterfalls, too! The trek to the falls is nearly as breathtaking as the cascades themselves, traversing through verdant forests that are straight out of a fairy tale. As the greenery thins and falls come into view, you’re bound to have your breath taken away by this enthralling scene in the Pine Tree State. When was the last time you visited this showstopping cascade?
What’s the most easy-to-access waterfall in Maine?
There’s nothing quite like happening upon a beautiful waterfall out in the wild; and happily, you don’t have to trudge out into the wild to see some of the state’s most fabulous falls. For proof of this, simply check out Coos Canyon. Located in Byron, Maine, just off of Scenic Route 17, Coos Canyon can easily be considered one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Pine Tree State. There are signs along the road to Coos Canyon, and once you arrive, you’ll be pleased to see that you don’t need to travel far to see it. In fact, it’s possible to see the waterfall right from your car! The cascade-style waterfall has a drop of about 15 feet. Carved by the Swift River, there are lots of curves leading up to the area that you’ll see from the parking lot. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, and an accessible waterfall chasing adventure every Mainer ought to seek out!
Address: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Address: Hallowell, ME, USA
Address: Mariaville, ME 04605, USA
Address: Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
Address: Snowfalls Road, Snowfalls Rd, West Paris, ME 04289, USA
Address: Great Falls, Auburn, ME 04210, USA
Address: Rumford, ME 04276, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
