The Lush Forest Trails Through Cascade Falls In Maine Will Give You Respite From Stress
Despite living in Maine, life can get pretty hectic sometimes. When it does, it’s best to do something that relaxes the mind while also providing a reminder that it’s okay for things to slow down. We think that hiking the many trails throughout the state is a great way to do this. This particular route leads through a beautiful forest and ends up at a stunning natural waterfall!
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While there are quite a few beautiful waterfall trails in Maine, one of our favorites doesn’t require a lengthy hike and the route is fairly easy to access. Head to Saco to find the .5-mile Cascade Falls trail.
Fun fact! This area was once used as a stand-in for the Alaskan Yukon in a silent film in the 1930s.
Your trip begins at a well-marked trailhead and leads through a lush hardwood and pine forest. It’s mostly shaded, so this is a great thing to do on a hot day when direct sun is just too much.
While we know that folks with limited mobility and those with strollers have accessed the trail, it’s best to check out the conditions before heading off.
As you approach the end of the trail, you’ll stop following the Cascade Brook and instead head into an open area. This is where you’ll see the falls. Once you’ve taken it in, simply head back to the trail and head towards the parking lot the same way you came.
One strange thing you’ll notice on this hike is a cage! While small children are sometimes told that this cage once housed a gorilla who escaped into the woods, the reality is that it was used for bears as a tourist attraction in the 1950s. Thankfully, those days are over!
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: [email protected]
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