Moxie Falls Maine: Trail Length, Directions and Safety Tips

Moxie Falls is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Maine, tucked into the woods near The Forks in Somerset County. A short, well-built trail leads to a series of wooden platforms above a gorge, where Moxie Stream drops nearly 90 feet into a deep pool. It is one of the best waterfall hikes in western Maine, and it is easy enough for most families. This guide covers the length of the hike, directions from Route 201, parking, swimming and safety, and what else to do nearby.

The details below come from Maine Trail Finder, Wikipedia and Maine By Foot. They don’t all agree on the numbers, so where they differ we say so.

Moxie Falls at a Glance

• Where: Moxie Gore, near The Forks, about 50 miles north of Skowhegan on US Route 201.
• Hike: about 2 miles round trip, per Maine Trail Finder, with the falls a little under a mile from the trailhead. Other guides list 1.2 to 2.3 miles, depending on whether they count side trails.
• Difficulty: easy to moderate. The first half is wide and gentle, and the last stretch is steeper with stairs.
• The falls: a vertical drop of nearly 90 feet (Maine Trail Finder). Wikipedia lists over 90 feet, and the plunge pool at about 17 feet deep. Other sources give 80 to 96 feet.
• Cost: no fee.
• Season: open year-round, including for snowshoeing.
• Dogs: allowed. Keep them leashed near the platforms and the gorge.

How to Get to Moxie Falls

In The Forks, turn right off Route 201 onto Moxie Pond Road, also called Lake Moxie Road. The turn comes just before the bridge over the Kennebec River. The trailhead and parking area are on the left. Maine Trail Finder puts the trailhead about 2.3 miles along the road, and Maine By Foot says 1.8 miles, so watch for the lot and don’t rely on the odometer. The trailhead is on Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands land, according to Maine Trail Finder.

Parking is free, but it fills up. Maine Trail Finder says the trail is busiest on weekends from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and suggests visiting outside those hours. Maine By Foot found the lot full on every visit. Arrive early or on a weekday.

The Trail

The first half of the trail is gravel and compacted dirt, typically about 8 feet wide, with gentle slopes. At about half a mile there is a woods road crossing with a welcome sign, which Maine Trail Finder suggests as a good turnaround point for strollers and wheeled mobility devices. After that the trail gets steeper and includes wooden stairs and boardwalks, leading to several observation platforms with different views of the falls.

Swimming and Safety

Moxie Falls has more than one kind of hazard, so take the signs seriously. Maine Trail Finder says swimming under the falls is allowed but advises caution. Wikipedia notes that there are also pools upstream of the falls for swimming. The water is cold and moves fast, especially after rain or in spring, and the rock around the gorge is slippery.

• Stay on the platforms and behind the railings when you are looking at the falls from above. Don’t climb on the rocks at the edge of the gorge.
• Never jump from the cliffs or ledges. The drop is large, and the water below is deep and powerful.
• Skip the swim after heavy rain or snowmelt. Maine Trail Finder notes the falls run fuller after rain or snow, and footing is slippery.
• Watch your footing in winter. The trail is open year-round, but the stairs and platforms can be icy.
• No camping. Camping is not allowed at the falls.

Best Time to Visit

The falls are open all year. Water flow is strongest after snowmelt or heavy rain, and the surrounding forest looks its best in fall. See our Maine in October and fall foliage guides for timing. In winter the trail is popular with snowshoers, but be careful with the ice.

What Else to Do Near The Forks

• Whitewater rafting: The Forks is the center of Maine rafting. See our Dead River rafting guide.
• Snowmobiling: the area is on the winter trail network, covered in our snowmobiling in The Forks guide.
• Nearby towns: Bingham and Jackman are the closest places to stay and eat.
• More waterfalls: see our best waterfalls in Maine, and more trails in our Maine hiking guide and best hikes in Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike to Moxie Falls?

About 2 miles round trip, with the falls a little under a mile from the trailhead, per Maine Trail Finder. Other guides list shorter and longer numbers. Allow about an hour, plus time at the platforms.

How tall is Moxie Falls?

Maine Trail Finder says a vertical drop of nearly 90 feet, and Wikipedia lists over 90 feet. Sources vary between about 80 and 96 feet. It is one of the tallest single drops in Maine.

Can you swim at Moxie Falls?

Maine Trail Finder says swimming under the falls is allowed but to use caution, and there are pools upstream. The water is cold and powerful, especially after rain, so don’t swim when it is running high.

Is there a fee or parking at Moxie Falls?

There is no fee. Free parking is at the trailhead, but the lot fills up on busy weekends, especially from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Can you take a dog to Moxie Falls?

Yes, pets are permitted. Keep your dog leashed near the platforms and gorge.

Is Moxie Falls open in winter?

Yes, the falls are open year-round, and snowshoeing is a listed activity. Expect ice on the stairs and platforms.