For years, there has been a dispute of which waterfall, Angel Falls or Moxie Falls, is Maine’s tallest single drop. Some accounts will say that Angel Falls, at 90 feet, is a foot taller than Moxie Falls. Other sources have stated that they are both 90 feet tall. Dean Goss, maintainer of www.northeastwaterfalls.com, shed light on the true answer which is neither! Katahdin Falls, a remote falls found deep in the mountainous woods of Baxter State Park, wins the tallest waterfall in Maine award. Regardless of which falls is the tallest, each offers a wild remote treasure not commonly found in this region. With surrounding cliff walls of up to 115 feet in height, Angel Falls is remarkably scenic. The 25-foot gap positioned on the top of the cliff wall can be explained by two theories, the first being erosion. Through the years it appears as if the water was slicing its way through the cliff walls, causing the sediments to flow downstream. The other theory suggests that the perfectly sized and shaped boulder at the base of the waterfall used to sit in the gap above. Perhaps it was knocked out during the last Ice Age or even by a great hurricane. We cannot say which theory is correct, but the gap on the cliff wall which the water flows through distinguishes Angel Falls from all others in the region. What makes Angel Falls deserving of its name is the way the water lightly kisses the rocks upon its descent from the heavens. The light flowing plunge has soft sounds as it sprays into the rust colored water below. Given the difficulty of accessing this waterfall in winter we can only assume that the strong early spring run off offers a stronger and different perspective that limited viewers have the opportunity of seeing.

From the parking pull off, walk a few yards further up Bemis Road to an unnamed road on your left. For the first 0.2 mile of the hike to the falls, the trail follows an old dirt road that stems from Bemis Rd. It is currently only distinguishable from other roads by a sign prohibiting kindling fires in the area. Follow this dirt road as it descends past a gravel pit on the left and a large circular dirt lot on the right. You should soon see two obvious trails here. Take the red-blazed trail that is furthest trail on the left. The parking area where the trail begins is identifiable by a large boulder. About 0.5 mile from Bemis Road, you will have to cross Berden Stream, which, on our visits, was completed with minimal effort. We have heard of some difficulties of crossing this stream during periods of high water. After crossing the stream, continue for 0.3 mile further, following the red-markers as the trail skips back and forth across the brook before reaching the base of the falls.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

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