Here are some of the best long-distance waterfall hikes in New England. Most of these waterfalls can be reached as destinations in their own right, but are more fun as part of the larger hike shown below. The ratings reflected below represent the waterfall plus the overall experience of the entire hike. Each individual waterfalls' rating may differ from the overall rating shown below. There are likely to be a dozen more great long-distance waterfall hikes in Maine, but we haven't quite gotten there
quite yet!
mileage includes hike up scenic Mt. Race and Mt. Everett; five noteworthy waterfalls
and two summits with great views; backcountry camping available at Race
Brook Campsites and nearby Laurel Ridge campsites
mileage includes hike up Mt. Washington; extremely difficult; ascends famous
Tuckerman Ravine Trailon Mt. Washington, which requires good
weather and proper gear; lodging available at Hermit Lake shelter
mileage includes hike up Mt. Moosilauke; very steep trail; cascades are
1100 feet tall in total; part of the Appalachian Trail; camp at Beaver Brook Shelter
located within the Dry River Wilderness; several backcountry campsites are available if you want to camp; new bridge over river means there are no Dry River crossings necessary to reach the falls; take note that Hurricane Irene did severaly damane this trail and it may not re-open until 2012 or 2013.
mileage includes loop hike up Mt. Lafayette and Mt. Lincoln; three waterfalls on this
outstanding loop; bring proper clothing and ample food/water
on this fantastic hike; lodging available at AMC Greenleaf Hut
mileage includes hike up to and around Lonesome Lake; family-friendly day-hike with
one river crossing between Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls that may be difficult in high water; take note that a bridge was destroyed on this hike, which is likely to make this hike impossible to do until it is fixed.
family-friendly day-hike will visit
both of these waterfalls; lodging available at nearby AMC Zealand Falls Hut;
Zealand Falls is best seen in high water
both of these falls are located deep within Baxter State Park; use Russell Pond backpacking site as a base camp to visit both
waterfalls; start hike at Roaring Brook trailhead; reservations required
mileage includes hike up Katahdin; falls are only 1.6 miles
one-way from Katahdin Stream Campground; Katahdin is extremely difficult; located in Baxter
State Park; day-use parking permit required (reserve in advance)
mileage includes hike up Mt. Mansfield; very difficult trail; short but challenging bushwhack required to view most of cascades, but some good portions are visible along the main trail; descend via
Long Trail; short road walk required at the end of the hike
