15 Maine Waterfalls Worth Chasing This Fall

Maine in the fall is pure magic. The crisp air carries the scent of pine and woodsmoke, trails are dusted with crunchy leaves, and the hillsides blaze with shades of crimson, gold, and amber.

It’s the kind of season that makes you want to slow down, wrap your hands around a mug of cider, and wander into the woods to discover something beautiful.

Waterfalls are one of Maine’s best-kept autumn treasures. Some roar dramatically, others tumble gently over ledges, and all of them glow against the backdrop of fiery foliage.

Whether you’re looking for a quick roadside stop or a half-day hike, these cascades are worth adding to your fall adventure list.

Presumpscot Falls

Falmouth / Portland

Presumpscot Falls is the kind of easy-access waterfall that feels like a reward without the work. Located in Falmouth just minutes from Portland, the falls are fed by the Presumpscot River and offer multiple trail approaches.

The Oat Nuts Park Trail, about 2 miles out and back, makes a family-friendly option, while Presumpscot River Preserve adds another stretch of woodland walking. For accessibility, Walton Park provides an ADA-compliant path to the water’s edge.

In autumn, the cascades are framed by golden oaks and fiery maples. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a quick photo stop, and kids love the easy walk through leaf-strewn woods.

Angel Falls

Franklin County (Township D)

Angel Falls is one of Maine’s most iconic waterfalls — and for good reason. Dropping nearly 90 feet, the cascade resembles a pair of angel wings as it fans out over jagged granite ledges.

Locals often call it “Angel Wing Falls,” a fitting nickname when the water seems to glow beneath the fall foliage.

The hike to Angel Falls is short but rocky, with sections that can be slick from mist and fallen leaves. Bring sturdy shoes and take your time.

When you reach the base, the view is nothing short of heavenly: white water cascading against a backdrop of scarlet maples and golden birches.

Screw Auger Falls

Grafton Notch State Park (Newry/North Oxford)

Located within Grafton Notch State Park, Screw Auger Falls is both beautiful and accessible. A short, well-defined path with railings leads to overlooks where the Bear River plunges 23 feet into a narrow gorge, swirling through natural potholes before continuing downstream.

In autumn, the gorge is rimmed with glowing foliage, and the crisp mountain air makes the whole area feel alive. It’s an excellent stop if you’re exploring the nearby Sunday River region.

Grand Falls

Dead River, near West Forks

At 40 feet tall and about 100 feet wide, Grand Falls is all about breadth and power. Fed by the Dead River, the cascade stretches dramatically across the riverbed, creating a curtain of frothy water that contrasts beautifully with the blaze of fall leaves along the shoreline.

The drive in follows a bumpy dirt road before leading to a short trail, making the experience feel like a true North Maine Woods discovery.

While it’s a tempting swimming hole, don’t swim here — the currents are dangerously strong. Instead, linger at the overlook and soak in the sight of rushing water framed by flaming autumn color.

Dunn Falls

Andover, Oxford County

Dunn Falls delivers a one-two punch of natural beauty. The lower falls plunge nearly 80 feet into a rock-walled pool, while the upper falls tumble another 70 feet through a gorge above.

Fed by the Ellis River, these cascades are especially striking in fall, when the cliffs are draped in crimson and gold leaves.

The trail in is moderate, with some elevation changes that make it a workout. The reward, however, is unforgettable: the roar of rushing water, cool mist rising into crisp mountain air, and a rainbow of fall color crowning the scene.

Gulf Hagas Falls

Monson, Piscataquis County

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” Gulf Hagas is a rugged, 8-mile gorge filled with a series of waterfalls, including Buttermilk, Billings, and Stair Falls. Fed by the West Branch of the Pleasant River, the cascades range from delicate ribbons to churning plunges.

Hiking here is an all-day adventure, and in the fall, the reward is enormous. The gorge walls glow with color, the air is crisp and woodsy, and the sound of rushing water echoes as you explore. It’s strenuous, but if you’re chasing fall beauty, Gulf Hagas delivers some of the best in Maine.

Hay Brook Falls

Bowdoin College Grant East / KI–Jo-Mary

Tucked quietly into the woods, Hay Brook Falls is a 28-foot cascade that feels like a secret. Because it’s lesser-known, you might just have the place to yourself — making it perfect for an autumn picnic.

Bring a blanket, pack a thermos, and settle near the brook as colorful leaves drift into the water. Located within the North Maine Woods system, the area requires a small fee to enter, but the reward is solitude and natural beauty.

Houston Brook Falls

Bingham (Kennebec Valley)

At 32 feet tall, Houston Brook Falls isn’t the biggest in Maine, but it’s beloved for its easy access and photogenic beauty. The short trail from the roadside parking area leads to a cascade that tumbles into a misty pool.

In early fall, the water levels are lower, and it’s sometimes possible to wade. Later in the season, the water runs stronger, and colorful leaves gather in the swirling mist. Either way, it’s an excellent stop for families or anyone on a road trip through Bingham.

Moxie Falls

West Forks, Somerset County

Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s tallest and most dramatic waterfalls, plunging more than 90 feet into a deep pool below. Near The Forks, a short, 1-mile trail (about 2 miles round trip) leads to multiple viewing platforms, including a boardwalk that looks straight onto the falls.

In fall, the surrounding forest bursts into color, creating a dramatic frame for the whitewater. Remote and a little wild, it’s one of those places where you’ll want to linger with your camera — or just soak up the view in silence.

Upstream pools are also popular in warmer weather, though always use caution.

Alder Stream Falls

Franklin County (remote)

Alder Stream Falls offers two cascades: a 20-foot upper drop and a 25-foot lower fall that tumbles over a rocky ledge. The trail can be steep and slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must.

While swimming isn’t allowed, autumn adds its own magic here. The forest glows gold, and the falls shimmer with reflected color. It’s a quieter stop that rewards adventurous leaf-peepers who don’t mind rougher terrain.

Step Falls

Newry — Step Falls Preserve

Step Falls is a long, graceful cascade that stretches nearly 250 feet as it descends over a series of rock ledges. Managed by the Mahoosuc Land Trust, the preserve features a ¾-mile trail that winds gently uphill to viewpoints of the ledges and pools.

In October, the granite glows warm in the autumn light, the brook sparkles, and the trail itself is carpeted in red and gold leaves. Step Falls is a favorite for families and hikers looking for a rewarding, short trek.

The Cascades (Cascade Stream Gorge)

Sandy River Plantation (near Rangeley)

The Cascades tumble through Cascade Stream Gorge, a narrow chasm in Sandy River Plantation near Rangeley. The trail (about 0.8 miles out and back) follows a 90-foot-deep gorge where the water carves its way down through multiple tiers of rock.

In fall, the gorge feels like a tunnel of color, with cliffs rising steeply on either side. It’s one of those hikes where every turn brings a new perspective, and the mix of vibrant foliage and roaring water makes it unforgettable.

Smalls Falls

Route 4, 12 miles south of Rangeley

Smalls Falls combines natural beauty with visitor-friendly amenities, making it one of Maine’s most popular waterfall stops. The 54-foot cascade is surrounded by colorful rock walls, and the Sandy River creates a series of pools perfect for wading (though chilly in autumn!).

Picnic tables, restrooms, and easy access make this a family favorite. In October, the contrast of multicolored rock, clear water, and fiery leaves is a feast for the eyes.

Little Wilson Falls

Elliotsville Township, Appalachian Trail

Little Wilson Falls offers three drops, with the top cascade being the tallest and most dramatic. Fed by Little Wilson Stream, the waterfall is reached via a blue-blazed side trail to the Appalachian Trail, making it a true backcountry adventure.

Fall transforms the area into a tunnel of color, with scarlet leaves overhead and golden ones underfoot. While swimming is possible in the lower pool, most visitors come for the spectacle of water and foliage colliding in perfect harmony.

Snow Falls

West Paris

Snow Falls may only be 25 feet tall, but it’s a cascade with charm. Fed by the Little Androscoggin River, the water plunges over jagged ledges before tumbling into a fenced-in gorge.

With picnic tables, public restrooms, and nearby parking, it’s one of the most family-friendly waterfall stops. In fall, kids love tossing leaves into the rushing water, while adults savor the crisp air and postcard-perfect setting.

Chasing Waterfalls This Fall

Maine’s waterfalls are beautiful year-round, but in autumn they feel downright magical. Whether you’re hiking deep into the woods or pulling off the roadside for a quick view, each cascade offers a new way to fall in love with the season.

Pack your flannel, lace up your boots, and let Maine’s waterfalls guide your autumn adventures.