Maine
Nature|Waterfalls

4 Gorgeous Maine Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required

Discover easily accessible waterfalls in Maine that require little to no hiking.

Updated Mar 19, 2022

Written by 

Michelle

Maine is chock full of beautiful waterfalls. You've likely read about them before on Only In Maine. We have great waterfall road trips and our cascades can even be enjoyed in the winter! However, we know that not everyone always has the time or the ability to reach some of the waterfalls in Maine that require all-day treks or strenuous hikes. So, we've done our best to round up a few that require little to no hiking at all. If you love hiking trails with waterfalls in Maine, but also love quickly-accessible nature, you'll absolutely adore these!

1. Coos Canyon: Byron, ME 04275 (just off Scenic Highway 17)

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The B's / Flickr

Visible from Route 17 scenic highway, Coos Canyon 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 - with no hiking necessary you can just pull over to take a look.

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2. Snow Falls: West Paris, ME 04289

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Mark Boutilier / Flickr

Snow Falls is an ideal stop for a chilly day. There's no swimming allowed here, so you're not missing out by not leaping on in. A visit to these falls will reveal four separate cascade sets. The waterfalls flow down from the Little Androscoggin River. The best time to visit is from between April to November, when the flow is strongest.

3. Great Falls: Auburn, ME 04210

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Gwyn Fisher / Flickr

You just have to take a short walk on the paved Auburn Riverwalk to view these gorgeous falls. Like Snow Falls, they're powered by the Androscoggin River. This 178-mile river separates Auburn from Lewiston. It's one of our favorite river walks in Maine.

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4. Riverside Walking Trail and Overlook: Rumford, ME 04276

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Doug Kerr / Flickr

Looking for a trail that's a little harder than the above? This one is easy, but not so easy that all you need to do is park the car. You'll love it if you just want a brief opportunity to stretch your legs. In downtown Rumford, you'll find this wonderful walking trail. It will bring you right to the Androscoggin River. It's only about 0.1 miles, so it's very manageable for even novice hikers.

Have you visited any of these "hiking trails" with waterfalls in Maine? Share your favorites in the comments!

And if you're daydreaming about summer swimming, you may be looking for waterfalls in Maine that also double as swimming holes. Check these out, they're perfect for cooling off on a hot day!

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Nature|Waterfalls

This Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination In Maine Is The Perfect Place To Escape

Published Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

Will Suphan

It’s such a joy to explore the out-of-the-way places and hidden gems in Maine. With so much nature to traverse, there’s no shortage of off-the-beaten-path destinations in Maine to discover. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to enjoy on a day trip escape, check out Moxie Falls in Maine. We think you’ll thoroughly enjoy this beautiful hike and the lovely waterfall.

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Moxie Falls can be reached by an easy, 2.1-mile out-and-back trail just off Lake Morse Road, about two miles from a tiny town called The Forks. It makes for a fantastic day trip and it’s a gorgeous area.

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Justin P/Google

Parts of the trail have boardwalks and stairs to guide you along the way and you’ll love just how pretty and lush this area is. Bring some food and enjoy a lovely picnic on this trail.

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Bobby B/Google

You’ll find some intriguing features along the way like this tree with gnarled, exposed roots that looks like it could be a home to some fantasy creatures. Perhaps it’s an Ent from Lord of the Rings trying to walk!

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Becky Miller/AllTrails

This serene hiking trail is such a fantastic place to ease your stress and get back in touch with nature. The sounds and scents of the forest are relaxing and the cool breeze is so refreshing. Plus, it’s just so scenic.

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Nicholas Spardy/Google

The waterfall itself is so magnificent and powerful. I know I could sit and listen to it all day and be mesmerized by watching the water cascading into the natural pool below.

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Glenn Godshall/Google

You can make your way up the rocks to get a bird’s-eye view of this impressive cascade. The water rushes off into the distance and it is such a wondrous display of the power and beauty of nature.

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Glenn Godshall/Google

If you follow the water downstream, it becomes a seemingly endless stairway of water and stone. It’s certainly a rewarding experience.

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Glenn Godshall/Google

Have you ever hiked the trail to Moxie Falls in Maine? What are your favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations in Maine? Tell us in the comments about your favorite hidden gems. If you’d like to see more glorious waterfalls in Maine, hike your way to these:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maine/7-easy-access-waterfalls-me/

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Peter’s Brook and Three Bridges Loop Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Maine

Published Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Will Suphan

With all of our gorgeous waterfalls and fantastic hiking trails in Maine, it can be a challenge to find out which hikes have the best payoff. Although the exercise is a reward in itself, being able to see a beautiful flowing waterfall adds so much more to the experience. If you’re looking for a scenic waterfall hike in Maine, you’ll enjoy the Peter’s Brook and Three Bridges Loop.

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You’ll find the trailhead of the Peter’s Brook and Three Bridges Loop Trail along Blue Hill Road. It’s nestled within Penny’s Nature Preserve as part of the land conservation in the Blue Hill Heritage Trust.

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Megan Perez/AllTrails

This is a moderately challenging 1.5-mile circular loop trail that’s fairly popular all year for hiking, snowshoeing, and history buffs (due to the historic stone quarries here). Rustic wooden bridges span the brook in several places so you won’t have to wade across.

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Andrew Czwakiel/AllTrails

The trail alternates between naturally worn earthen pathways and wooden boardwalks to help you through some of the more rugged parts. Wherever it wanders, it’s a beautiful sight.

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Andrew Czwakiel/AllTrails

The scenery along this trail is quite varied. At times you’ll be surrounded by trees and other times you’ll get a nice expanse of meadows, treelines, and open skies. You’re welcome to bring your dog along as long as he is on a leash.

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Erika Farnlof/AllTrails

If you’re a shutterbug, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get macro shots of various fungi, mosses, lichen, flowers, and so much more. There’s such a variety of flora and fauna about.

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Jill Lawton/AllTrails

We’re almost at the waterfall, and seeing swaths of moss-covered stones creates a feeling of serenity and mystery. It’s lovely when you stop for a moment and listen to the breeze and the birds and take in the scents of the forest.

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Rick Farris/Google

The falls rush through a crevice and create a soothing sound and the rushing water is so lovely to see. We didn’t even have to hike very far to see it. It’s a wonderful spot for a picnic or to simply sit and enjoy the waterfall.

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Jill Lawton/AllTrails

The waterfall is strongest during the snowmelt of spring but is still such a treat any time of year.

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Briana Modlin/AllTrails

Have you had the pleasure of hiking the Peter’s Brook and Three Bridges Loop Trail? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments as well as any other waterfall hikes in Maine you enjoy. If you’d like to get more hiking in, check out some of the best waterfalls in Maine:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maine/best-waterfalls-in-me/

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