Step Falls is a spectacular long chain of descending horsetails and cascades that lies a few miles outside of the eastern border of Grafton Notch State Park. Situated on a 24-acre property managed by the Nature Conservancy, an influential organization dedicated to preserving “the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive,” Step Falls was acquired in 1962 and has been a popular attraction for waterfall fanatics and swimming hole lovers for decades. At Step Falls, Wight Brook, a wide mountain stream, meanders its way down several hundred feet of sunny granite slabs. During spring runoff, the water volume can supposedly reach up to 500 cubic feet per second. In the summer months, however, horsetails and plunges transform into skinny, nearly powerless slides, and dozens of water sculptured paths that existed in spring often dry up. As if being one of the tallest falls in Maine is not enough, Step Falls also has numerous shallow pools, many of which offer fine places to wade and, in the slightly deeper of the pools, swim. The yellow-tinted water in the pools has a very clear and clean appearance. The largest pool at the site, approximately 40 feet long by 12 feet wide, is surrounded by several moss-surrounded horsetails that empty into the pool. Along the edges of the pools are broad, mostly flat, sunny granite slabs that meet every requirement for a relaxing picnic. Be aware that signs at the falls indicate that pets are not welcome here.

From the parking area, walk north on the obvious trail into the woods. Soon after entering the woods, the Nature Conservancy has set up a self-registration box with information describing the geology, history and a description of Step Falls. After registering, continue up the yellow-marked trail to all sections of the falls. There are cascades and plunges for a few hundred yards, all easily accessed by many spur paths created by traveling visitors over the years.

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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