Most people are impressed by Niagara Falls for good reason. Even those who have never visited can conjure their own images of the crashing water and hear the thunderous sound. While we agree that this natural wonder is certainly incredible, we don’t think you need to travel all the way to the Canadian border to find an impressive waterfall. Especially not when Maine has its very OWN Niagara Falls. In fact, we have TWO.
Big and Little Niagara Falls are hidden within Baxter State Park.
daveynin / Flickr
Known best for Mount Kadahdin and the many hiking and camping opportunities, this is one of the most visited parks in all of Maine.
Richard Abrams / alltrails.com
But, don’t get distracted by that famous mountain - today we’re focused only on Maine’s own Niagara Falls!
John Hayes / Flickr Your first point of entry is the Togue Pond Gatehouse of Baxter State park. You’ll need to register here. Next you’ll head left where the road splits. Drive 10 miles to the Kidney Pond Campground where you’ll take a left and drive to the campground parking lot.
Both Little and Big Niagara Falls are located in the Nesowadnehunk Stream, which is south of Lily Pad Pond and Daicey Pond.
Google Maps
There are two routes leading to the falls. Today we’ll focus on the easier of the two, which begins at the Daicey Pond Campground and follows the Appalachian Trail for about 1 mile.
Lou BSc / alltrails.com The more involved route is about 5 miles and includes a fun canoe paddle through Lily Pad Pond.
Start on the AT and follow the Nesowadnehunk Stream from the campground.
Lou BSc / alltrails.com
Soon, you’ll come to an offshoot trail that leads to Little Niagara Falls.
John Hayes / Flickr
The name implies a meager water flow, but the reality is actually a roaring waterfall that’s big on beauty.
Baileigh Studer / alltrails.com
This section of the falls primarily flows over rocks in a flat area of the stream.
Lou BSc / alltrails.com
It picks up speed as it heads towards Big Niagara Falls, though.
Lou BSc / alltrails.com
From here, hike another quarter of a mile up where you’ll come to a second side trail.
Mary Anne Trump / alltrails.com
This is when you’ll start hearing the roar Big Niagara!
Mary Anne Trump / alltrails.com
The sight is impressive and there are enough dry areas that you’ll be able to walk quite close to the falls themselves.
Terry Hamlin / alltrails.com
But extremely careful here as you never know where you’ll find loose gravel and rocks.
Terry Hamlin / alltrails.com
You’ll take the same route back to your starting point, making the full hike about 3 miles.
Lou BSc / alltrails.com Make sure to factor in some time at the end for the lovely guided walk around Daicey Pond.
And this time of year you’ll find boats for rent at the campground, making for one long wonderful day in the Maine outdoors.
Chris_grier / Flickr
For more beautiful ways to enjoy the Maine outdoors, check out this garden walk that meanders through carefully curating flowers and plants attracting hundreds of butterflies every summer.
daveynin / Flickr
Richard Abrams / alltrails.com
John Hayes / Flickr
Your first point of entry is the Togue Pond Gatehouse of Baxter State park. You’ll need to register here. Next you’ll head left where the road splits. Drive 10 miles to the Kidney Pond Campground where you’ll take a left and drive to the campground parking lot.
Google Maps
Lou BSc / alltrails.com
The more involved route is about 5 miles and includes a fun canoe paddle through Lily Pad Pond.
Baileigh Studer / alltrails.com
Mary Anne Trump / alltrails.com
Terry Hamlin / alltrails.com
Make sure to factor in some time at the end for the lovely guided walk around Daicey Pond.
Chris_grier / Flickr
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