13 Best Waterfalls in Maine, From Local Favorites to Hidden Gems

Maine is an amazing frontier for outdoor enthusiasts! Between the forests, the mountains, and the rocky coastline, there's nothing quite like the state's unparalleled beauty. And if you like waterfalls, well, we've got those, too! For all you waterfall chasers out there, here is your guide to the best waterfalls in Maine.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Tallest Waterfalls in Maine

Maine's tallest waterfalls certainly have that wow factor, don't they? While the tallest waterfall in Maine has a single drop of just 90 feet, it's still quite an impressive sight. Let's take a look at the tallest and biggest waterfalls in Maine:

1. Moxie Falls in West Forks

• Location: West Forks, Maine
• Popularity: Fairly popular
• Need to Know: The trail is easy to navigate, but there are a few stairs toward the end.

Known as the tallest waterfall in Maine, Moxie Falls has a drop of 90 feet. The hike is just two miles round-trip, and most can trek the trail, which is rated as easy on AllTrails. Just above and below the waterfall are swimming holes. On a hot day, make sure you pack a swimsuit and take advantage of the fall's cool water.

2. Step Falls

• Location: Newry, Maine
• Popularity: Fairly popular, especially on weekends
• Need to Know: Located in Step Falls Preserve, the parking lot will shut down once it is full, and no road parking is permitted.

Another easy waterfall hike in Maine, the trek to Step Falls is pleasant. It's a great trail that even kids should find easy, and they will love the waterfall swimming hole! Be prepared with your swimwear and towels if you plan on taking a dip in the waterfall's swimming hole. While there are several drops to this waterfall, the tallest is no higher than 40 feet.

3. Poplar Stream Falls

• Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine
• Popularity: Fairly popular, especially on weekends
• Need to Know: The trail to the waterfall leads to Poplar Hut, where hikers can stay overnight.

Take the 5.9-mile trail system of Poplar Stream Trail and Larry's Trail to the beautiful Poplar Stream Falls. There are two drops along the stream—one is 24 feet while the other is 51 feet. When the water level is high enough, you'll be able to find a swimming hole along the way. I think this is such a magical waterfall hike in Maine!

4. Grand Falls

• Location: Dead River Township, Maine
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: There are several huts peppered along the trail for hikers to rest.

Perhaps the biggest waterfall in Maine, Grand Falls, has a 40-foot vertical drop but measures around 100 feet across. This massive waterfall is an extraordinary sight, and you can reach it via the Maine Huts Trail, an easy 1.6-mile loop with walking bridges over the river and scenery galore! And when you see Grand Falls, you'll find it to be one of the most stunning hidden waterfalls in Maine.

Best Waterfall Hikes in Maine

I love a good hike, don't you? Pack your hiking gear, lace up those boots of yours, download the AllTrails+ app, and hit the trails on one of these waterfall hikes in Maine:

5. Upper and Lower Dunn Falls

• Location: Oxford County, Maine
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: The trail can be especially muddy, so wear hiking boots that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Want to see not one but TWO waterfalls along the same trail? Well, you're in luck because this Maine waterfall hike has two gorgeous falls. You'll start on the Appalachian Trail before you take the blue-blazed Cascade Trail that leads to both the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. Although the waterfalls are incredibly scenic, there are many other gorgeous spots along the trail.

6. Houston Brook Falls

• Location: Bingham, Maine
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: There is a small parking lot by the trailhead.

This short but sweet waterfall hike in Maine is quite family-friendly at just 0.5 miles. On top of that, the 32-foot waterfall drops into a swimming hole below. While this is an easy hike, be aware that the rocks are quite slippery by the waterfall, so exercise extreme caution and wear the appropriate footwear. Other than that, have a great time!

7. Little Wilson Falls

• Location: Northeast Piscataquis County, Maine
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: You can find Little Wilson Falls within the Appalachian Mountain Club 100 Mile Wilderness Conservation Area. 

The hike to Little Wilson Falls isn't the easiest, but it's also not the hardest. This moderate 2.5-mile trek will take you on a waterfall-chasing adventure through the woods, to a viewpoint, and past several waterfalls, including this one. Little Wilson Falls is a beautiful cascade that makes this hike worth it.

8. Screw Auger Falls

• Location: North Oxford County, Maine
• Popularity: Popular
• Need to Know: Located in Grafton Notch State Park.

There's something quite special about the 23-foot Screw Auger Falls on the Bear River. This double waterfall is picture-perfect in every season, and a hike here will make you fall even more in love with nature. The trail is short and incredibly easy, so feel free to bring the whole family.

Accessible Waterfalls in Maine (No Hiking Required)

You don't need to trek for miles on end to discover a stunning cascade in Maine. Want to view a waterfall without the hassle of a hike? Well, look no further than these easily accessible waterfalls in Maine:

9. Smalls Falls

• Location: West Central Franklin, Maine
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need to Know: There is a short staircase by the waterfall for those who wish to access the water.

Along the Sandy River in the Rangely Lakes River, you can find the oh-so-lovely Smalls Falls. Cascading into a pristine pool of water below, it's the perfect place to take a dip on a hot summer's day. You may want to pack a picnic along with your swimming gear and make plans to spend a few hours here.

10. Snow Falls

• Location: West Paris, Maine
• Popularity: Relatively popular
• Need to Know: While tempting, swimming is not allowed.

Found along the Little Androscoggin River is a series of four cascades known as Snow Falls. Easy to access, you really don't have to do any hiking to enjoy their beauty. You can take a stroll around the area surrounding the waterfall and even take a picnic. Sounds like the makings of a great afternoon to me!

11. Great Falls

• Location: Auburn-Lewiston, Maine
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: This waterfall is also known as Lewiston Falls. It’s located in West Pitch Park.

Take a stroll along the Auburn Riverwalk through a historic mill district and you'll eventually come upon Great Falls, a large and roaring waterfall. It's an impressive sight to behold! Spring is the best time to see this waterfall due to the runoff from the melting ice and snow.

Best Waterfalls Near Portland

Not every Maine waterfall is miles away from civilization. You'll even find a few cascades around the Portland area. If you don't want to travel too far from the city, here are the best waterfalls near Portland:

12. Cascade Falls

• Location: Saco, Maine
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: This waterfall is located within the Cascade Falls Preserve

Located about 20 minutes outside the city of Portland in the town of Saco lies the ethereal Cascade Falls. When you visit, you'll understand why it's such a popular spot. From the small parking lot you'll take a short trail to reach the falls. First, you'll encounter an overlook where you can view the cascade from above, then you can descend down a path to see it from below.

13. Jewell Falls

• Location: Portland, Maine
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need to Know: This waterfall is located within Portland’s Fore River Sanctuary.

Did you know that there is only one natural waterfall in the city of Portland, Maine, at the site of the former Cumberland and Oxford Canal? Welcome to Jewell Falls! This is such an incredibly serene escape from the city, so it's no wonder it's such a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Have you visited any of the best waterfalls in Maine? Are there any others you love that are not on this list? If so, nominate it.

Are you planning on taking a road trip to visit any of the aforementioned waterfalls? If so, please take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need for a comfortable ride. Next, use Only In Your State's itinerary planner for tips on nearby lodging, restaurants, and more!