When Mainers think about Saco, there are a few things that come to mind. It might be summertime family day at Funtown Splashtown, or enjoying the various stores and restaurants along Route 1, but either way, waterfalls might not be your first thought. Sure, there are great places within our state to see some epic waterfalls… but flat land close to the Atlantic Ocean seems like the last place you would look. However, there is indeed a waterfall in Saco, Maine, and it’s a hidden gem worth taking a little detour to see. 

Cascade Falls is only minutes off of Route 1 in Saco and you may have even passed by this waterfall a thousand times and had no idea it even existed.
Kurt Ewald/ Alltrails
When we think of waterfalls, we tend to think of mountainous regions or deep within the forest. When you are traveling back from Old Orchard Beach, waterfalls might even be one of the last things on your mind.
After arriving in the small parking lot, you can take off on a trail that will only take you about half a mile to get to the falls.
Sebastian Dobrikov/ Alltrails
There is a whole trail system in these woods, so depending on what you have time for, you can also opt to take a loop and see the calm stream, walk in the lovely woods, and find some peace and quiet in the Maine forest.
You will come to a fenced-off section where you will have an overlook of the top tier of the waterfall, which is well worth the quick little spur trial to see.
Mary Searles/ Alltrails

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Then, you can simply descend the path leading down to the waterfall.
Cassidy Renninger/ Alltrails
Your trek back up will be the only real elevation gain along the whole trail. The forest is pretty flat, but does have exposed tree roots along the path. Watch your footing, but it will be fairly accessible to almost everyone.
Before you know it you will arrive at Cascade Falls.
Courtesy of Sarah Dodge
This waterfall might surprise you because it falls a good 20 feet, and in such a flat region, it seems out of place. That is just one of the reasons we love this waterfall.
You can take your time and explore the area at the base of the falls.
Darryl Gagne/ Alltrails
Climb on some downed trees, relax on a flat rock, and take some pictures before you head back out.

Cascade Falls is an anomaly – you can be relaxing at the beach, and then not even 10 minutes down the road, you can hike in a wooded area to a waterfall. The diversity is wonderful and we love this little area. So, now you know there is a waterfall in Saco, there is nothing left to do but lace up those L.L.Bean hiking boots and hit the trail.

Check out this video of the trail and the waterfall by Adventuring in the Moment:

Not too far from the falls is a lovely little town called Ocean Park that would make a great addition to this trip. 

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Cascade Falls Park, 951 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA