When it comes to heaven on earth, is doesn’t get much closer than Maine. From the wildlife that lives on the forest floors to the views at the top of every mountain summit, Vacationland is pulsating with everything it takes to make a physical spot feel like paradise. While we could write about tons of places that bring you close to this kind of beauty, one of our favorites is Cascade Falls in Maine.
For one of the prettiest waterfalls in Maine, you don’t need to go much further than one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
Stephen Walsh / alltrails.com
Located in Saco, the Cascade Falls trail is an easy, well-groomed path leading to…something pretty incredible!
Darryl Gagne / alltrails.com
But first, the half-mile trail is made up of easily traversed stone dust, making it a trip that virtually anyone can take.
Tatty Lee / alltrails.com Visitors in wheelchairs and with strollers have done this walk successfully, but as with any trail you never know the condition of the terrain on any given day. You might want to scope things out before fully committing to the path.
The trail begins at the parking lot and the hardwood and pine forest is beautiful and lush, keeping things shady and cool during hot days.
Bethany Smith / alltrails.com
In the summer, the area along the Cascade Brook is covered in wildflowers, mosses and ferns.
Bethany Smith / alltrails.com
Nearing the end of the trip you’ll see the falls, then the trail moves away from the brook heading to an open area. From here you’ll go back to the trail head and parking lot.
Eric Cyn / alltrails.com
To really immerse yourself in the falls, take a left where you see the “Falls” sign and you’ll see a steep trail leading to the base of the falls.
Courtney Schirling / alltrails.com
The trail down isn’t maintained and while worn down from wear, it’s likely to be tough for those who prefer flat surfaces and smooth terrain.
Angela Byrant / alltrails.com
The view at the bottom of the falls is wonderful and worth the trip. It’s also easily crossable in the summer.
Tom Hatfield / alltrails.com
Fun fact! This area was once used as a stand in for the Alaskan Yukon in a silent film in the 1930s.
Eric Cyn / alltrails.com
From here you’ll head back up, passing an interesting piece of history along the way!
Bethany Smith / alltrails.com Along the path there’s a large structure that appears to be a cage. Children were told that the cage was once used for a gorilla who escaped to roam the woods. It wasn’t uncommon for kids to get into the cage pretending to BE the gorilla, though most people quickly moved on to avoid any surprise gorilla visits! The truth is that it was a bear cages, used to entertain tourists in the 1950s.
At the top, make a left and follow the trail across an old dam to get back to the parking area.
mLe Frost / alltrails.com
These falls are beautiful and worth a trip if you’re in the Saco or Old Orchard Beach area.
Darryl Gagne / alltrails.com
Click here for directions from your location to the trail head and parking lot.
Google Maps
This trail is maintained by the Saco Bay Trails. You can learn more about the organization on their website or on Facebook.
Stephen Walsh / alltrails.com
Darryl Gagne / alltrails.com
Tatty Lee / alltrails.com
Visitors in wheelchairs and with strollers have done this walk successfully, but as with any trail you never know the condition of the terrain on any given day. You might want to scope things out before fully committing to the path.
Bethany Smith / alltrails.com
Eric Cyn / alltrails.com
Courtney Schirling / alltrails.com
Angela Byrant / alltrails.com
Tom Hatfield / alltrails.com
Along the path there’s a large structure that appears to be a cage. Children were told that the cage was once used for a gorilla who escaped to roam the woods. It wasn’t uncommon for kids to get into the cage pretending to BE the gorilla, though most people quickly moved on to avoid any surprise gorilla visits! The truth is that it was a bear cages, used to entertain tourists in the 1950s.
mLe Frost / alltrails.com
Google Maps
Want more waterfalls in your life? Head out on this epic waterfalls road trip to see the best that Maine has to offer!
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