This Trail Leading To Multiple Waterfalls In Maine Is Often Called The Grand Canyon Of The East

There are tons of trails in Maine that allow adventurers to explore beautiful landscapes and natural features. And best of all, it doesn't even matter what part of the state you're in! Step outside your door and you're bound to find a hike, walk, or even a short path that leads through impressive scenery. We always have a running list of the explorations we'd like to do and the hike we're featuring today is always near the top!

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of The East, Gulf Hagas is a gorge that’s one of the most impressive natural wonders in Maine. You’ll find it in Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park, which might not be around the corner for most people, but we promise it’s worth the trip!

The gorge was created by the flow of the Western Branch of the Pleasant River. The area comprises three miles and the most notable feature for most people is the magnificent vertical slate walls. These walls create the many waterfalls that can be seen on this hike.

Those who love having multiple options will appreciate that the entire network of routes is more than 11 miles. If you have the time over a few days we recommend exploring them all, but for today we’re focusing on the 8.2-mile Rim Trail and connected Pleasant River Tote Trail.

You’ll begin your journey at the Gulf Hagas Parking Area. Be sure to use this as your starting point rather than the trailhead for the Head of the Gulf Trail or you’ll add another half-mile or so to your trip.

From the trailhead, you’ll find yourself navigating dense woods. While the route is well-marked and easy enough to follow, the trail is rated moderate due to the 1,000-foot elevation gain.

Completing this trail is no easy feat! But the beauty and feeling of accomplishment when you’re done is worth it.

The entire trail through the forest and around the waterfalls will likely take at least eight hours so it’s best to be a fairly experienced hiker before setting off on this journey.

Running alongside the Rim Trail is the Pleasant River Tote Road, which can be taken at a few different points along the Rim Trail. This is a great way to head back to the start as it’s easier than the full Rim Trail route.

When you return back to the starting point after your hike you’ll have experienced some gorgeous waterfalls as well as Maine’s famous Gulf Hagas and you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

The Rim Trail and Pleasant River Tote at Gulf Hagas can be accessed any time of year, but always be careful when conditions are wet or snowy as any trail can become slippery and dangerous quickly. Bring the pups along for the adventure, but be sure to keep them on a leash. You can learn more about visiting by checking out this page on alltrails.com. Or you can visit Maine Trail Finder. The entry fee for the area is $11 for Maine residents and $16 for non-residents.

If you love the idea of being close to nature in a more remote part of the state, we've got another area to plan on visiting. You can stay in a Maine wildlife refuge at the four-season Tomhegan Wildlife Cabins.