10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Maine (2026 Updated)
Ranked by what visitors photograph and rate five stars, these are the 10 most beautiful of Maine's 119 named waterfalls, starting with Smalls Falls. The list spans the Western Mountains, North Woods and Moosehead Highlands, and Aroostook and Downeast.
How We Picked
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 39 publicly accessible Maine waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Smalls Falls
Phillips, ME · Franklin County · Western Mountains
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 390 photos of it on Google, about 2.5 for every review. 88% of its 154 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Harvey Pond (lake, 0.7 mi) and Perry Mountain (summit, 1.3 mi). It is one of 25 named falls in the Western Mountains region. The nearest town is Phillips, about 9.0 miles to the east.
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2. Screw Auger Falls
Bethel, ME · Oxford County · Western Mountains
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 398 photos of it on Google, about 3.8 for every review. 87% of its 106 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Its listing describes it as: "Small waterfall accessed by multiple trails, popular for swimming, picnics & nature exploration." The setting includes Mother Walker Falls Gorge (valley, under 0.1 mi) and Screw Auger Falls Gorge (valley, 0.6 mi). It is one of 25 named falls in the Western Mountains region. The nearest town is Bethel, about 13 miles to the southeast.
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3. Houston Brook Falls
Kingfield, ME · Somerset County · North Woods and Moosehead Highlands
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 204 photos of it on Google, about 2.5 for every review. 89% of its 80 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). The setting includes Baker Mountain (summit, 1.8 mi). It is one of 57 named falls in the North Woods and Moosehead Highlands region. The nearest town is Kingfield, about 13 miles to the southwest.
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4. Little Wilson Falls
Greenville, ME · Piscataquis County · North Woods and Moosehead Highlands
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 196 photos of it on Google, about 6.5 for every review. 87% of its 30 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Moose Pond (lake, 0.5 mi) and Mud Pond (lake, 0.8 mi). It is one of 57 named falls in the North Woods and Moosehead Highlands region. The nearest town is Greenville, about 8.3 miles to the northwest.
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5. Shin Falls
Patten, ME · Penobscot County · North Woods and Moosehead Highlands
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 108 photos of it on Google, about 3.6 for every review. 93% of its 30 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Grand Pitch (cliff, 0.9 mi). It is one of 57 named falls in the North Woods and Moosehead Highlands region. The nearest town is Patten, about 13 miles to the southeast.
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6. The Cataracts
Mexico, ME · Oxford County · Western Mountains
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 96 photos of it on Google, about 4.8 for every review. 90% of its 20 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). The setting includes Gregg Mountain (summit, 1.7 mi) and Black Mountain (summit, 1.8 mi). It is one of 25 named falls in the Western Mountains region. The nearest town is Mexico, about 16 miles to the east.
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7. Angel Falls
Mexico, ME · Franklin County · Western Mountains
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 134 photos of it on Google. 74% of its 128 reviewers rate it five stars (4.5 average). The setting includes Brimstone Mountain (summit, 1.6 mi). It is one of 25 named falls in the Western Mountains region. The nearest town is Mexico, about 17 miles to the southeast.
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8. Hadlock Falls
Bar Harbor, ME · Hancock County · Aroostook and Downeast
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 115 photos of it on Google, about 3.5 for every review. 76% of its 33 reviewers rate it five stars (4.5 average). The setting includes Cedar Swamp Mountain (summit, 0.3 mi) and Bald Peak (summit, 0.3 mi). It is one of 28 named falls in the Aroostook and Downeast region. The nearest town is Bar Harbor, about 5.4 miles to the northeast.
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9. Katahdin Stream Falls
Millinocket, ME · Piscataquis County · North Woods and Moosehead Highlands
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 45 photos of it on Google, about 3.8 for every review. 100% of its 12 reviewers rate it five stars (5.0 average). The setting includes Hunts Peak (summit, 1.4 mi) and The Owl (summit, 1.5 mi). It is one of 57 named falls in the North Woods and Moosehead Highlands region. The nearest town is Millinocket, about 21 miles to the southeast.
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10. Big Niagara Falls
Millinocket, ME · Piscataquis County · North Woods and Moosehead Highlands
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 74 photos of it on Google, about 9.3 for every review. 88% of its 8 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Indian Pitch Ponds (lake, 0.4 mi) and Lily Pad Pond (lake, 0.5 mi). It is one of 57 named falls in the North Woods and Moosehead Highlands region. The nearest town is Millinocket, about 22 miles to the southeast.
When to Visit Maine's Waterfalls
Maine's waterfalls peak with snowmelt, which typically runs from April into late May, earlier along the coast and later in the high country of the western mountains and North Woods. Many logging roads are soft and muddy during this mud season, and some trailheads are not reachable until roads dry out. Late May through June is black fly season in the interior, so bring head nets and repellent. Summer flows drop but remain decent in wet years, and swimming holes like Smalls Falls and Screw Auger Falls are busiest in July and August. Fall color peaks from late September in the north to mid-October in the south, and autumn rains often restore flow. Winter is long and cold, with many falls frozen and many access roads unplowed.
Before You Go
Access in Maine varies widely by region. Grafton Notch, Baxter and other state parks, Acadia National Park and many roadside sites are straightforward to reach, though Acadia requires a park pass and is very busy in summer. Much of the North Woods, however, is privately owned commercial forest, crossed by gravel logging roads that are shared with heavy trucks; some are gated, with checkpoints and fees for visitors. Cell service is limited or absent across large areas, so carry maps and plan fuel carefully. Hazards include cold, fast water during spring runoff, slick granite and slate, and remote terrain where help may be hours away. Many popular swimming holes have steep ledges, and water levels can change quickly after rain.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. For better pictures, see our waterfall photography tips.
Explore More Maine Waterfalls
See all 119 waterfalls in the Maine waterfall guide, or browse by town: Phillips, Bethel, Kingfield, Greenville, Patten, Mexico, Bar Harbor, Millinocket.
More Maine Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Maine?
Smalls Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 154 Google reviews. It is near Phillips in Franklin County.
How was this list made?
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 39 publicly accessible Maine waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views.
How many waterfalls are in Maine?
Our directory lists 119 named waterfalls in Maine. See them all, sorted by town, in the Maine waterfall guide.
What are the easiest waterfalls to visit in Maine?
Smalls Falls in Franklin County sits beside a highway rest area, and Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch State Park is a short walk from the parking area. Both are among the most reviewed falls in the state.