10 Easiest Waterfalls in Maine
“Easy” here means a short walk, a roadside-style approach, or a quick viewpoint loop. Maine is unusually strong on roadside waterfall views, but cold water, slick rock, and changing flow still deserve a careful read of each guide.
Compare the ranked list on the map, then open the full guide for parking, approach notes, and seasonal context. Want the scenic roadside set only? See Best roadside waterfalls in Maine.
Rank 1: Smalls Falls — Township E
Tiered Sandy River roadside waterfall south of Rangeley on Route 4, Township E, western Maine.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 2: Screw Auger Falls — Greenville
Grafton Notch State Park's polished slot-rock waterfall on the Bear River in Newry, Maine.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 3: Coos Canyon — Byron
A short gorge on the Swift River in Byron, Maine, on Route 17. Pools, low jumps, and a classic rest-area swim and…
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 4: Snow Falls — West Paris
A short Little Androscoggin River gorge on Route 26 at West Paris, Oxford County, Maine.
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 5: Houston Brook Falls — Pleasant Ridge
A short-trail horsetail waterfall off Route 201 near Bingham, in Pleasant Ridge Plantation.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 6: Ellis Falls — Andover
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A cascade in the Andover area of Oxford County, part of the Ellis River corridor in Maine's Lakes & Mountains.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 7: Rumford Falls — Rumford
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A major Androscoggin River waterfall through downtown Rumford, Oxford County, Maine.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 8: Step Falls — Newry
Multi-tiered cascade and ledge pools on Wight Brook in Newry, Maine. Short walk from a preserve lot off Route 26.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 9: Ledge Falls — East Millinocket
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Low tiered drop in East Millinocket in Penobscot County's Maine Highlands backcountry.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 10: Swift River Falls — Roxbury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Tiered drop on the Swift River in Roxbury, Maine. Roadside scenic stop along the Route 17 corridor.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 0-5 min