Maine’s waterfalls aren’t the tallest in the country, but they are among the most beautiful – tucked into gorges, mountain notches, and northern wilderness. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the ones worth the trip.
The best waterfalls in Maine are Moxie Falls, Angel Falls, Screw Auger Falls, Step Falls, Smalls Falls, Gulf Hagas, and Houston Brook Falls. Moxie Falls is the tallest and most iconic, Screw Auger the most accessible, and Smalls Falls the best swimming hole. Each is covered below.
1. Moxie Falls (The Forks)
Moxie Falls (The Forks) is the best and tallest waterfall in Maine. At around 90 feet, Moxie Falls near The Forks is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the state – and one of the most accessible, reached by an easy two-mile round-trip trail with viewing platforms. Quintessential northern Maine wilderness.
2. Angel Falls (Rangeley)
Angel Falls (Rangeley) is the most dramatic hidden waterfall. A roughly 90-foot plunge deep in the mountains near Rangeley, where the water fans out into an angel shape as it falls. A wooded hike in adds to the sense of discovery – a true hidden gem. The area around it, the Height of Land, is ★ 4.9 from 1,000+ Google reviews.
3. Screw Auger Falls (Grafton Notch)
Screw Auger Falls (Grafton Notch) is the most beautiful accessible waterfall. In Grafton Notch State Park near Bethel, Screw Auger Falls drops through a corkscrew gorge the Bear River has carved into smooth bedrock. A short paved path makes it one of Maine’s easiest and prettiest waterfalls to visit. The area around it, Grafton Notch State Park, is ★ 4.8 from 1,000+ Google reviews.
4. Step Falls (Newry)
Step Falls (Newry) is the best waterfall for families. Near Newry, Step Falls staircases down granite ledges in a series of tiers and pools over a roughly 200-foot drop – an easy quarter-mile walk with swimming holes, perfect for kids.
5. Smalls Falls (Rangeley)
Smalls Falls (Rangeley) is the best waterfall swimming hole. Along Route 4 near Rangeley, Smalls Falls cascades into a pristine pool – one of Maine’s most beloved and accessible swimming-hole waterfalls, with a short trail and viewing areas.
6. Gulf Hagas (100-Mile Wilderness)
Gulf Hagas (100-Mile Wilderness) is the best waterfall hike. Called the Grand Canyon of Maine, Gulf Hagas is a slate canyon with a series of waterfalls – Screw Auger, Buttermilk, Billings, and more – along the West Branch Pleasant River. A remote, rewarding day hike.
7. Houston Brook Falls (Pleasant Ridge)
Houston Brook Falls (Pleasant Ridge) is the best quiet waterfall. A 40-foot cascade with a deep pool reached by a flat ten-minute walk near Moxie Falls – a locals’ favorite with an off-the-beaten-path feel even on busy weekends.
Best Waterfalls in Maine: FAQ
What is the tallest waterfall in Maine?
Moxie Falls near The Forks and Angel Falls near Rangeley are the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Maine, both around 90 feet. Moxie Falls is the more accessible of the two, reached by an easy two-mile round-trip trail.
What is the most accessible waterfall in Maine?
Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch State Park is the most accessible waterfall in Maine, reached by a short paved path right off Route 26. Smalls Falls and Step Falls are also very easy walks with viewing areas.
When is the best time to see Maine waterfalls?
Spring (May and June) brings the highest flow from snowmelt. Summer is best for swimming holes as flows drop and pools clear. Fall frames the falls in foliage. The bigger drops like Moxie and Angel hold their flow best through the season.
See also our best hikes in Maine, best state parks, and best scenic drives. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
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