It's no secret that we love exploring the outdoors of Maine. It's even less of a secret that the waterfalls here are some of our favorite destinations. They're often easier to find than many people think and they offer a fun addition to many hiking trails. This is especially true for those of us who like a little motivation in the form of a fun payoff at the end of a trail to get us going. Summer is a great time to explore some of our favorites and we recommend starting with those on this list.

1. Rattlesnake Pool, Evans Notch

If you love the idea of crystal-clear Caribbean waters, this is the (small) waterfall for you! It flows into a small swimming hole that offers emerald green water and a fun way to cool down. But be prepared! This is one very cold body of water! You can learn more about it here!

2. The Cataracts, Newry

This waterfall can be found on a trail that's less than a mile. The start of the route is in the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land and the markers leading to your destination are well-placed and simple to follow. This one is small, but the area is lush and beautiful in the summer making it well worth the visit. You can learn more about it here!

3. Houston Brook Falls, Pleasant Ridge

The route to find this waterfall is fairly simple and the journey is a beautiful one. The trail should take about 10 minutes and when you reach the waterfall plan on spending some time to enjoy a snack and a swim. You can learn more about finding it here!

4. Gulf Hagas, Piscataquis County

Gulf Hagas is sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon" of Maine and when you visit you'll see why. The walls surrounding it are made of towering granite and a visit will most certainly make you feel tiny. The one catch? To visit you'll need to take a hike of almost 7 miles. If you're up for the challenge check out this article to learn more about it!

5. Cascade Falls, Saco

You may not be able to swim here, but visiting in the summer is no less refreshing. The looped trail leading towards it is just a half-mile, making the journey relatively short. Along the way, you'll even catch a glimpse of some history. What does that mean exactly? Check out the article here to find out.

6. Smalls Falls, Franklin County

This area is popular among hikers and Smalls Falls is a great place to visit to cool down after a day spent hitting the trails. The largest of the falls is 54 feet and it's not uncommon to see visitors jumping into the swimming hole below. We recommend simply going in from the banks, but either way this is one beauty you won't want to miss. Learn more about it here!

7. Kezar Falls Gorge, Lovell

This waterfall could be considered slightly off-the-beaten-path, but if you can find it it's not far from downtown Norway, Maine. The trail to get there is a very short steep route which should take about 2 minutes. Once you're there the first thing you'll see is the swimming hole. Hop in and swim towards the back to find the hidden waterfall! To learn more about how to find it click here!

What are some of your favorite waterfalls in Maine? If you have some you recommend share them with us in the comments!

We love waterfalls, but they're not the only reason we hit the trails. Maine's Bowl Trail leads to a magnificent hidden oasis that might even be better!