Maine’s Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 8 Incredible Waterfalls

There are more than 360 named waterfalls in Maine. And that’s just the named ones! You could visit a new waterfall every day and still not see every gushing cascade in the state. From the majestic 360-foot Angel Falls to the multi-tiered Screw Auger Falls, we’ve compiled a Maine waterfall loop that takes you to some of the best waterfalls in Maine. 

The Maine waterfall loop we've mapped out will take you to several gorgeous falls along the journey. Remember to fill up on gas and grab that camera! If you feel like making the drive an adventure that spans more than a few hours, make sure to use our ultimate road trip packing list!

Spanning 179 miles, the loop of beautiful waterfalls will take about four hours to complete. Of course, that doesn’t factor in the amount of time you spend at each waterfall.

1. Snow Falls, Oxford County

You'll be getting your Maine waterfall loop start at one of the best natural wonders in the state. Flowing from the Little Androscoggin River, there are actually four different sets of cascades here. The water will look extra-inviting on a hot day, but you'll need to resist jumping in. Swimming isn't allowed here. The good news is that this waterfall requires no hiking; the viewing area is right off the road! As one of the most accessible waterfalls in Maine, this one is a stunner for sure.

2. Rumford Falls, Oxford County

Next up is Rumford Falls! Originally named Pennacook Falls, this waterfall is created from a series of drops within the Androscoggin River. The river drops about 176 feet, but the creation of dams causes the cascades to separate into several distinct falls. The upper falls are the largest; for the most impressive display, plan on arriving after a rain.

3. Smalls Falls, Oxford County

Next, it's on to the Rangeley State Park area, which means the views will be beautiful, even away from the waterfalls. The waterfall here is sourced by the Sandy River and includes four different cascades and several places to swim. This is a classic Maine swimming hole, and on a hot summer day, you'll want to make sure to carve out enough time to enjoy some time cooling off here.

4. Angel Falls, Franklin County

Flowing from the Mountain Brook, this 90-foot waterfall is truly impressive. Seeing it will require a one-mile hike, which should take about 30 minutes - and it's well worth it! You can't swim here, but you can soak in the beauty. As you can see from the photo, this waterfall really pops in autumn when it's framed by our iconic fall foliage.

5. Coos Canyon, Oxford County

We love that you don't even need to get out of the car to see this beauty! Visible from Route 17, Coos Canyon is a great place to spend an hour or so - or even longer! If it's hot out, you can jump into the chilly water, and then enjoy a picnic at the shore. And in the winter, things here are just as lovely.

6. The Cataracts, Oxford County

Located about 10 minutes down Andover Road, this is easily one of the top must-visit attractions in Maine. In the early spring, snowmelt makes things extra dramatic, but any time of year is great for a visit. Those who are adventurous will enjoy scrambling around the rocks to explore the area. The falls total about 100 feet, making this an impressive sight.

7. Dunn Falls, Oxford County

Dunn Falls features two main sections: upper and lower falls. The lower is often the most impressive. The hike to reach them is strenuous, so only tackle this if you're prepared for about three hours on the trail.

8. Screw Auger Falls, Oxford County

Sourced by the Bear River, the last falls in our waterfall loop are comprised of two hearty drops. The first is a 30-foot drop over a granite ledge into the gorge below. The second is just below the first and features another 30-foot drop. This is a popular place to visit in the summer, but this waterfall in Maine is downright dreamy year-round! I love seeing it change throughout the year, especially in the fall.

FAQ

• What is the best waterfall road trip in Maine?

This is an impossible question to answer! Ask 10 different people what the best waterfall in Maine is, and you’ll get 11 different answers. The highest concentration of waterfalls in Maine is in the Western Lakes and Mountains and the Maine Highlands regions. If you build your own Maine waterfall loop in those regions, you’re guaranteed to find your new favorite cascade.

• When is the best time to see waterfalls in Maine?

Chasing waterfalls in Maine is a year-round adventure. Every season brings out a different side of the waterfall and surrounding landscape, and I’d encourage you to see Maine’s waterfalls throughout the year so you can watch them transform with each season. Spring and summer are certainly the most popular times, but seeing our falls surrounded by Maine’s iconic fall foliage is absolutely worthy of a road trip. 

Did your favorite waterfall in Maine make the list? Share this article with someone you want to go chasing waterfalls with and start making plans to tackle this Maine waterfall loop soon! If you're a sucker for scenic drives, check out our article where we highlight the 11 best road trips in Maine.