If you love nature, Maine is the place to be. From ocean to lakes to forest to mountains, if you’ve got months or just hours there’s something here for you. While we often recommend tons of different ways to explore, this is one of our favorites. These waterfall hikes are some of the best hikes in Maine and give you the best of both worlds – beautiful scenery on the way, plus the ability to gaze at one of nature’s most impressive feats!

1. Upper AND Lower Dunn Falls, Andover
Dunn Trail, Andover Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
binkley27 / Flickr
One hike, two waterfalls! How could you go wrong? We love this journey because the route is challenging, yet rewarding. You'll be starting on the Appalachian Trail, following blue blazes. Look out for thru hikers so you can quickly judge yourself for your lack of motivation. Kidding! Keep going! Most of the trail follows a stream, making it beautiful all along the way. Visit the link to find out the exact instructions for this waterfall hike in Maine.
2. Smalls Falls, Sandy River
Smalls Falls Rest Area and Trailhead, Rangeley, ME 04970, USA
spiercephotography / TripAdvisor
This one isn't entirely worthy of being called a hike since you can park in the lot nearby, but there are lots of ways to stretch your limbs by climbing among the rocks to get a higher point from which to jump. Yep, this waterfall also includes a swimming hole! Explore the area to find the smaller falls scattered around. Check out this article for more information on this beautiful waterfall hike.
3. Step Falls Trail, Newry
Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
binkley27 / Flickr
One of the highest waterfalls in the state is also on the list of "Easy Hikes in Maine". This trail is impressively easy to visit on foot. It's 1-mile hike leads directly to the base of the falls, allowing you to gaze up in wonder. There's also a slightly more challenging route hike that will take you to the top. The trail follows along Wight Brook and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and swimming. Overall, you should expect to spend about 45 minutes on this hike. Ready to plan a visit? Take a closer look at this easy Maine hike.
4. Cascade Falls Trail, Saco
Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Darryl Gagne / alltrails.com
Located in Saco, the Cascade Falls trail is an easy, well-groomed path leading to something pretty incredible! The half-mile trail is made up of easily traversed stone dust, making it a trip that virtually anyone can take and should be considered one of the kid-friendly hikes around Maine. And, it ends in the gorgeous Cascade Falls. Click the link to find more information on this kid-friendly hike.
5. Gulf Hagas, near Greenville in Piscataquis County
Gulf Hagas Trailhead, Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
thomascook / Flickr
This is one of the most scenic hikes in Maine, leading to the "Grand Canyon of the East." An 8.6 mile looped hike leads to the viewing point. This is a true natural wonder and peering into the gorge is a great way to remember why Maine is so great. If it's warm you can even swim here! For more information on this scenic hike in Maine check out this article.
6. Angel Falls, near Houghton in Franklin County
Angel Falls Parking Lot, Bemis Rd, Roxbury, ME 04275, USA
Michelle Starin
You'll be taking a dirty road to get to the informal access point of this hike. But it's well worth it! Follow the red blazes while heading down the logging path crossing Berdeen Stream. After crossing, it heads to Mountain Brook. The trail will head up stream and cross the brook three times before you arrive at the impressive destination! It's not an easy hike, but it won't take more than about an hour. Want the exact route? Visit the link for more information on one of the best hikes in Maine.
7. Houston Brook Fall, Pleasant Ridge
Houston Brook Falls, Pleasant Ridge Plantation, ME 04920, USA
athrasher / Flickr
The hike to reach these falls is a simple, ten minute journey that passes through the greenest greens with lush forest canopy. There's even a cute little footbridge along the way. View from the top to feel a part of it all, but then head to the bottom for some swimming and a picnic. Check out this article and plan your visit to Houston Brook Fall.
8. Big and Little Niagara Falls, Baxter State Park
Togue Pond Gatehouse, Baxter Park Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Baileigh Studer / alltrails.com
Don't go all the way to Canada for Niagara Falls, we have our very own! To visit, head to the Togue Pond Gatehouse of Baxter State park. After registering, head left where the road splits. Drive 10 miles to the Kidney Pond Campground where you'll take a left and drive to the campground parking lot. From here it's about a 3 mile hike to the falls.There's another, more challenging, route that involves a paddle. Check out this article for details on that exciting Maine adventure.
9. Moxie Falls, Moxie Gore
Moxie Falls Trailhead & Parking, Parking lot, 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
samleh / Flickr
Another of Maine's highest falls, this one is a Vacationland favorite. It's almost always on our list of more beautiful waterfalls in the state. The 90 foot drops is magnificent! This hike is really more of a walk, covering about 1 mile. It should take about 30-45 minutes. Read this article for more information about Moxie Falls.
10. Kezar Falls Gorge Hike, Lovell
Kezar Falls Gorge, Lovell, ME 04051, USA
Michelle Starin
To take this super short, (but steep!) hike head first to Waterford. Make your way down a small road, which turns to dirt and soon you'll find a small, unofficial parking area. Down the hill you'll find the gorge. Throw caution to the wind, jump in and swim towards the back to find the falls. This is one trip you won't soon forget. Visit this link to get more specific instructions on how you can enjoy this amazing Maine waterfall

Interested in taking one of these best hikes in Maine? Take this Maine waterfalls road trip!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Maine

Libby Monson | March 14, 2022

What is the best hike with a view in Maine?

Dunn Point Trail in Lily Bay sate Park near Beavercove has stunning views of Moosehead Lake. This trail is an easy 4.2 mile out and back with only 154 feet of elevation gain. Get your camera ready to capture fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Camping is allowed along the bank of Moosehead Lake, and if you want to try catching your dinner, you're sure to find a nice place to fish. You can experience this trail in the winter using snowshoes or cross-country skis. So whether you visit in winter, spring, summer, or fall, you are sure to enjoy the spectacular views!

Which hike in Maine is short and sweet?

The compass harbor trail in Acadia National park near Bar Harbor, Maine, is short and sweet. With only a 42-foot elevation gain and 0.8 miles to travel, you can get this one checked off the list in only 20 minutes. At the end of the trail, you'll come to a lookout with a beautiful view of Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Mountain. Kids will love playing on the rocky shore at the end of the trail on this short and sweet Mine hike.

Which state park should I visit in Maine?

You can't go wrong with the state's first state park Aroostook State Park near Presque Isle. Founded in 1938 with 100 acres of donated land from local citizens, Aroostook has grown to 800 acres over the years. This park is home to Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake. You'll enjoy hiking, camping, boating, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. Whichever way you like to spend your time outdoors, Aroostook is the place to be!

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