Within four hours, you can witness eight cascading waterfalls and explore one of the least recognized gems of Maine.
Key Points
A 179-mile circuit in Maine leads visitors to eight waterfalls within approximately four hours. The route begins and concludes at the Snow Falls Gorge near West Paris, Maine.
Maine
is renowned for its spectacular coastline, characterized by its rough, rock-strewn cliffs punctuated with lighthouses and quaint fishing hamlets famous for their cuisine.
fresh-from-the-ocean seafood
However, very few travelers explore the south-central region of the area where they can swap salty breezes for thick woodlands and unexpectedly discover an abundance of cascading waterfalls.
The team at
Only In Maine
demonstrated this frequently overlooked treasure through a 179-mile journey that leads to eight separate waterfalls. This 4-hour circuit (excluding the time you’ll spend at each waterfall) begins and concludes in Snow Falls Gorge close to West Paris, Maine. The picturesque gorge features four distinctive drops and serves as an excellent starting point for your waterfall adventure.
Starting from where snow falls, the path leads you northward towards Rumford Falls. This area boasts multiple tiers of waterfalls, with the highlight being the upper falls. After exploring this site, proceed further to reach Smalls Falls. It’s an easy detour accessible via a half-mile trail from the roadside and offers a refreshing swimming spot. Be sure to allocate some leisurely time for taking a dip in the pool, or consider extending your adventure by driving over to nearby attractions.
Rangeley Lake State Park
.
The subsequent waterfall along your road trip journey is the remarkable Angel Falls, which features an awe-inspiring drop of 90 feet amidst towering cliffs. The trek to reach this spot—a mile-long walk—is thoroughly rewarding as you get to witness another stunning waterfall later in your itinerary without having to leave your vehicle.
Coos Canyon might be seen from the road, yet you should not overlook the opportunity to take a dip in its emerald-hued pool, encircled by a canyon with sleek, arched stones.
Following is The Cataracts, a sequence of transparent pools and minor waterfalls situated within a tight canyon. This is succeeded by Dunn Falls, which ranks among the most favored and renowned falls in Maine. Dunn Falls features two primary drops—a higher section and a lower section—that can only be reached through an approximately two-mile loop trail. Additionally, it offers access to the area.
Appalachian Trail
.
The last cascade in the Maine waterfall circuit, the
Screw Auger Falls
, brings you back near your starting point, just north of Snow Falls Gorge and the community of West Paris. This area is supplied by a rough section of the Bear River, which creates two striking waterfalls with drops of up to 30 feet. The beautiful gorge surroundings make Screw Auger a favored destination during the summertime.
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Travel & Leisure
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