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.
Looking for the best water to visit? See our guide to the best lakes in Maine, or get on the water yourself with the best kayaking in Maine.
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.
Best Waterfalls by Type
- Tallest: Moxie Falls and Angel Falls, both around 90 feet
- Most accessible: Screw Auger Falls
- Best for swimming: Smalls Falls, Step Falls and Rattlesnake Pool
- Best for families: Step Falls and Screw Auger Falls
- Best waterfall hike: Gulf Hagas
- Quietest: Houston Brook Falls
1. Moxie Falls (The Forks)
Moxie Falls 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 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. More trails nearby are in our Rangeley hiking guide.
3. Screw Auger Falls (Grafton Notch)
Screw Auger Falls 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 1,100+ Google reviews.
4. Step Falls (Newry)
Step Falls 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 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 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, and one of the stops in our best hikes in Maine.
7. Houston Brook Falls (Pleasant Ridge)
Houston Brook Falls 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 for Swimming
Many of Maine’s best waterfalls double as swimming holes. These are the ones most often recommended for a summer dip:
- Screw Auger Falls (Grafton Notch): a popular pool at the base of the falls, with an easy walk from the parking area.
- Step Falls (Newry): a series of small drops and pools that are good for wading and cooling off.
- Smalls Falls (Rangeley area): a string of cascades and pools beside a roadside rest area.
- Rattlesnake Pool (Carrabassett Valley): a deep pool fed by a waterfall near the ski country around Sugarloaf, and a favorite summer swimming spot.
- Gulf Hagas: a longer hike with pools along the way, best for confident hikers.
Safety: Maine’s rivers stay cold even in July and run fast after rain. Rocks near falls are slippery, so stay away from the top of any drop, check the depth before you jump, and skip swimming after heavy rain.
More Maine Waterfalls Worth a Stop
Maine has hundreds of named waterfalls. These three are easy to add to a trip.
Rumford Falls (Rumford)
A large drop on the Androscoggin River, right in the middle of town. You can see it without hiking, which makes it an easy stop on the way to the western mountains.
Snow Falls (West Paris)
A small gorge reached by a short walk from the parking area, good for families and for a quick stop in the western foothills.
Katahdin Stream Falls (Baxter State Park)
A short walk from Katahdin Stream Campground inside Baxter State Park. Park entry rules and fees apply, so check Baxter’s current requirements, covered in our Baxter State Park guide, before you go.
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.
What is the best waterfall for swimming in Maine?
Smalls Falls near Rangeley is the best waterfall swimming hole in Maine, with Step Falls in Newry and Rattlesnake Pool in the Carrabassett Valley close behind. Maine’s rivers stay cold even in summer, so check the depth before you jump.
What are the best waterfalls in Maine for families?
Step Falls in Newry and Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch are the best for families, both with short, easy walks. Snow Falls in West Paris is a good quick stop in the western foothills.
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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