Maine has some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the country, let alone in New England. But you might not have time to see a few on one weekend and a few on another. We think the best way to see them all is to get out there and do it all on a weekend trip. While there are TONS of options for exploring these natural wonders, we’ve put together an easy trip through Western Maine that will take you to some of our favorites. So if you’ve been searching high and low online for waterfalls in Maine, this is the trip for you. You can use this interactive map with full directions!

Google Maps / Only in Maine
1. First, fuel up at Covered Wagon Restaurant in Mexico!
54 Main St, Mexico, ME 04257, USA
Google Maps
(Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Covered Wagon Restaurant in Mexico, Maine is permanently closed. You can try Dick's Restaurant located on 54 Main Street for breakfast instead.)

A weekend of exploring needs some serious sustenance so we recommend eating first. Your first waterfall is in Rumford, so head to Mexico and review your Gazetteer over breakfast and their bottomless cup of coffee!
2. Now it's onto Rumford Falls in Rumford.
Rumford Falls, Rumford, ME 04276, USA
The B's / Flickr
These falls were originally called Pennacook Falls and are created from a series of drops within the Androscoggin River. The river drops about 176 feet, but the creation of dams has split the cascades into several distinct falls. The Upper Falls are the most impressive and you'll be extra lucky if you make it there during a time of high water. Rumford Falls in Maine is the perfect stop along this road trip.
3. Next up isn't a waterfall...
Mt. Blue State Park, 297 Center Hill Rd, Weld, ME 04285, USA
Sandra Hartman/Google Reviews
It's Mount Blue State Park! We're making a weekend of this, right? Might as well fill with as much Maine as possible. During your hour-long drive from Rumford Falls to Smalls Falls, you'll pass through Maine's largest state park, Mount Blue. Separated by Webb Lake, the area is perfect year-round. In the summer, tackle a hike up the 3,187-foot Mount Blue. In the winter, enjoy sledding at Center Hill and skating at the park headquarters. You'll find about 25 miles of multi-use trails for just about anything you can imagine doing on a multi-use trail. Mount Blue State Park is considered one of the best state parks in Maine.
4. Next it's on to Smalls Falls in Oxford County.
Smalls Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04970, USA
Larry Miller/Flickr
Belt out those last few tunes before arriving at Smalls Falls in Maine. Sourced by the Sandy River, Smalls Falls includes four individual cascades and lots of places to swim. Smalls is a classic swimming hole, so if you make the trip in the summer, be sure to add in some time for getting in the water. Maine's most known waterfall and a designated state rest area, it’s a busy (…in Rangeley terms) and popular spot on a warm summer’s day, so be sure to plan for that. There are open and covered picnic tables and grills if you want to eat a bite while here.
5. You've made it to Rangeley just in time for lunch - check out Sarge's Sports Pub & Grub.
Sarge's Sports Pub & Grub, 2454 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970, USA
Kathleen Gagnon/Google Reviews
This joint's burgers, pizza, wings, and lobster rolls are popular, and you can dine out on its nice deck overlooking Haley Pond while enjoying a comfortable atmosphere.
6. As your home base for exploring Rangeley, check into the Rangeley Lakes Resort.
2222 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970, USA
Mel L/TripAdvisor
With a pool, sauna, and game room you could even just hang around here and make this the rest of your day. Pets are allowed in these cozy cabins as well! While you're in Rangeley, explore more of what this town has to offer.
7. Grab some coffee and a pastry at the The Rangeley Hideaway before heading out of Rangeley.
Adam Barea/Google Reviews
Grab an espresso or other coffee drink that will be some of the best coffee you've had. The waffles here are also popular, and you'll enjoy the beautiful space either indoors or outside.
8. Next it's down to Angel Falls in Franklin County.
Angel Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04275, USA
The B's/Flickr
This 90-foot plunging falls in Maine come from Mountain Brook and take about 30 minutes to reach on the (almost) one-mile-long trail. Leave the trunks at home as swimming is not allowed. This is one of the best waterfall hikes in Maine.
9. We're really moving now! Next, it's Coos Canyon in Oxford County.
Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
The B's / Flickr
Visible from Route 17 scenic highway is Coos Canyon. Coos is a great place to spend the day. In the summer you can wade in the waters, jump in or stay dry with a picnic in the connected park. Don't avoid it in the winter though - you can easily pull over to take a look if you want to make this one a quick stop. Coos Canyon in Maine is a worthwhile stop on this waterfalls road trip.
10. You've got a big ride for this portion, but enjoy the time together before arriving at The Cataracts.
The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
The B's / Flickr
Admittedly best in early spring when the snow melt makes these falls roar, you'll still have a good time scrambling around the rocks any time of year. Together the individual falls total about 100' and you'll enjoy swimming and sliding around when it's warm enough. At just under one mile, this is one of the best waterfall hikes in Maine.
11. After a long ride, stop the car and enjoy yourself at Snow Falls.
Snow Falls Gorge, West Paris, ME 04289, USA
Mark Boutilier / Flickr
There are four cascade sets at Snow Falls, which flow from the Little Androscoggin River. If you're behind schedule and need to move along, fear not! You won't be able to swim here so this one will be a quick end to the trip. And this is one of the waterfalls in Maine with no hiking required to see them! The surrounding scenery makes these falls some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Maine. Ranked among the top waterfalls in Maine to visit, their story is fascinating, having been named after Captain Snow who is said to have been killed in 1762 by a warring Indian tribe.
12. End your awesome weekend trip enjoying Maine waterfalls with a hearty dinner at The Rustic Grill and Tavern in West Paris!
Google Maps
West Paris, ME, USA
Duncan McFarland/Google
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, The Rustic Grill and Tavern in West Paris, Maine is permanently closed.

Once you’ve finished your weekend on the road visiting waterfalls in Maine, head to these other natural wonders in Maine!

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Waterfalls In Maine

Melissa M. | July 14, 2022

What are some of the most incredible natural wonders in Maine?

There’s no doubt in any of our minds that the state of Maine is filled with resplendent beauty. From mountains to the coastline and everything in between, it’s a remarkable state to spend time outdoors. So, what about the natural wonders of Maine? Well, there are quite a few. Among the highlights is Bubble Rock at Acadia National Park. This rock looks as though it’s going to tumble down the hill at any given moment which is part of what makes it so fascinating. And then there’s Debsconeag Ice Cave in Millinocket. Oddly enough, this cave is cold and filled with ice year-round!

Are there any other road trips in Maine you could suggest?

Among the best road trips in Maine are some of the ones we put together. From our waterfalls road trip to our natural wonder road trip, terrifying Maine road trip, and more, there’s so much to explore around this great state!

What are some of the best day trips in Maine?

If you don’t have enough time for a two or three-day trip, just go someplace exciting for the day. Among our day trip suggestions, why not visit and explore the charming town of Kittery? Located near the New Hampshire border, this is Maine’s oldest town. Perhaps a good day trip with kids would be to Old Orchard Beach, an amusement park that sits right on the beach. That just has the makings of an incredibly fun and memorable day the whole family can enjoy!

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