Waterfalls

Smalls Falls

This stunning series of waterfalls offers visitors a picturesque retreat featuring cascading waters, lush forests, and peaceful surroundings.

Directions: Route 4 South, about 12 miles outside the village of Rangeley, after a long downhill, you’ll see the State Rest Area sign for Smalls Falls on the right. Follow driveway to the parking area close to the stairway. Click here for the GPS Link

What to Do at Smalls Falls

• Hiking: A short trail system leads visitors up the series of falls, offering different vantage points and access to each pool. The hike is moderate and family-friendly, with opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature along the way.
• Swimming: The natural pools at the base of the falls are ideal for cooling off on a warm day. However, caution is advised as the rocks can be slippery!
• Picnicking: A well-maintained picnic area is located near the parking lot, complete with tables and grills. It’s a great spot to enjoy lunch with the soothing sounds of the falls in the background.
• Photography: With its cascading waters, moss-covered rocks, and seasonal foliage, Smalls Falls is a photographer’s dream year-round.

Access and Facilities

Smalls Falls is easily accessible, with a large parking lot located just off the road. The area is maintained by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and offers restrooms, picnic areas, and informational signs about the local flora and fauna.

Tips for Visiting

• Wear sturdy footwear, especially if you plan to hike along the falls.
• Be mindful of slippery rocks near the water.
• Carry out any trash to help preserve this pristine location.
• Arrive early during peak season, as the area can become crowded.

Angel Falls

Tucked away in the serene wilderness near Rangeley, Maine, Angel Falls is one of the state’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Known for its dramatic 90-foot plunge, Angel Falls is often described as a “must-see” for adventurers and nature enthusiasts exploring the Rangeley Lakes Region. Angel Falls is not only one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls but also one of its most picturesque. The waterfall’s name comes from the way the water fans out as it descends, creating a shape reminiscent of angel wings. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, dense forests, and moss-covered rocks, this natural wonder offers a magical experience for visitors.

Directions: From Oquossoc village, take Route 17 South for about 18.5 miles. You’ll have been traveling ‘downhill’ from the Height of Land for quite a while and when it flattens out, immediately look for a dirt road with a bridge at the start of a large field on the right. This bridge crosses the Swift River (you should see a sign), follow this road for about 3.5 miles and look for a road on the left going downhill. Follow it into an old gravel pit (there will be a large boulder with graffiti), and park here. From the parking area, look for red blazes and follow a logging path across Berdeen Stream. Continue following the red-blazed trail to Mountain Brook. The trail follows up the stream and crosses several times before you come to the falls. Click here for the GPS link

What to Do at Angel Falls

• Hiking and Exploring: The trail to Angel Falls is as much a part of the adventure as the destination. Enjoy the peaceful sounds of the brook and take in the beauty of the forest along the way.
• Photography: Angel Falls is a photographer’s dream, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color. Bring your camera to capture the dramatic cascade and the serene pool below.
• Relaxation: The area around Angel Falls is a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and soak in the natural beauty.

Tips for Visiting Angel Falls

1. Stream Crossings: Be prepared for several crossings; waterproof boots or shoes with good grip can be helpful.
2. Leave No Trace: Help preserve this pristine area by carrying out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.
3. Check Conditions: Spring rains or heavy snowmelt can make the trail more challenging, so check local conditions before you go.

Cascade Brook

Located within the picturesque Rangeley Lakes Region, Cascade Brook is a serene and scenic destination that offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. This charming brook winds its way through a lush forest, creating a series of small waterfalls, cascades, and pools that showcase the beauty of Maine’s wilderness.

Directions: Route 4 South, about 4 miles outside of the village of Rangeley, you’ll see a Cascade Stream Gorge sign on the right-pointing you to a road on the left that parallels Route 4. Just a bit down this road, you’ll see an RLHT sign on the left for parking. Follow the steep gravel drive up to the parking at the trailhead. Enter trail through the woods to the stream, follow up the stream approximately 1.5 miles. Click here for the GPS link

What to Do at Cascade Brook

• Hiking: Cascade Brook is accessible via trails that meander through the forest, offering opportunities to experience Maine’s natural beauty up close. The trails vary in difficulty, making it a great spot for families, casual hikers, and those looking for a leisurely stroll.
• Water Features: Along the brook, you’ll encounter small cascades and pools perfect for cooling your feet on a warm day. The sound of rushing water provides a calming soundtrack to your visit.
• Wildlife Watching: The surrounding woods are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other forest creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of nature as you explore.

Tips for Visiting Cascade Brook

1. Getting There: Cascade Brook is located within the Rangeley Lakes Region, easily accessible by car. Local maps or visitor centers can provide precise directions and trail recommendations.
2. Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, as trails may be rocky or wet, especially near the water.
3. Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a camera to capture the natural beauty of the brook and surrounding forest.
4. Respect Nature: Carry out all trash and stay on marked trails to protect the area’s delicate ecosystem.

Coos Canyon

Nestled along the scenic Swift River in Byron, Maine, Coos Canyon is a stunning gorge that has long been a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. With its dramatic rock formations, sparkling pools, and rushing waterfalls, this natural wonder offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

Directions: From Oquossoc village, take Route 17 South, passing the Height of the Land and other scenic overlooks. Continue on Route 17 until you reach Coos Canyon on your left, you will see a sign! Click here for the GPS link

What to Do at Coos Canyon

• Swimming and Cliff Jumping: The deep pools and refreshing waters of the Swift River make Coos Canyon a popular swimming destination in the warmer months. Adventurous visitors can test their courage by jumping from the gorge’s ledges into the inviting waters below.
• Gold Panning: The Swift River has a rich history of gold prospecting, and visitors can still try their luck today. Bring your gold pan, or rent one nearby, and see if you can uncover a glimmering treasure in the river’s sandy bottom.
• Picnicking: With picnic tables and grassy areas nearby, Coos Canyon is an ideal spot for a family picnic. Enjoy your meal with the sounds of rushing water and the scenic canyon as your backdrop.
• Photography: The striking rock formations and cascading waters make Coos Canyon a fantastic location for capturing the beauty of Maine’s wilderness.
• Hiking: Trails in the area provide opportunities to explore the surrounding forest and enjoy different perspectives of the canyon and Swift River.

Access and Amenities

Coos Canyon is conveniently located on Route 17, the Scenic Byway between Rangeley and Rumford, making it an easy stop during a drive through the region. A parking lot provides easy access to the canyon, and public restrooms are available nearby. Enjoy lunch at the picnic tables or grassy areas near the falls!

The Coos Canyon Gift Shop across the road offers gold panning supplies, souvenirs, and information about the area!

Tips for Visiting Coos Canyon

1. Bring a Picnic: Pack food and enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views.
2. Safety First: If swimming or jumping into the water, always check the depth and look out for rocks. The water can be cold and swift in certain spots.
3. Respect Nature: Be sure to leave no trace and protect this beautiful location for future visitors.