1-Day Maine Waterfall Itinerary (Rangeley + Grafton Notch)
This itinerary follows real geography in western Maine: start along the Byron and Mexico corridor, work toward Greenville and Newry, then swing through Rangeley-area classics before finishing with Andover and Carrabassett Valley hike-ins and a late-day brook falls stop.
It is intentionally ambitious for one summer daylight window — treat the ranks as an ordered plan, not a mandate. Open each guide for parking, approach time, and swim context, then choose the stops that best fit your day. For a statewide comparison set, see Top 10 waterfalls in Maine.
Rank 1: 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 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: 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 4: 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 5: Angel Falls — Township D
A tall narrow drop on Mountain Brook in Township D, reached by an unpaved approach west of Houghton / Rangeley.
- Walk
- 15-25 min one way
Rank 6: Dunn Falls — Andover
A tall multi-tier waterfall on the West Branch of the Ellis River in Andover, Maine. AT access from East B Hill Road.
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 7: Poplar Stream Falls — Carrabassett Valley
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Twin Carrabassett Valley waterfalls on the Maine Huts & Trails system, Franklin County, Maine.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 8: 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