we've got moxie
and other waterfalls to explore in Maine’s Kennebec Valley.
waterfalls
moxie Falls
Moxie Pond Road, Moxie Gore
One of the tallest single drops in Maine, Moxie Falls is a spectacular 30-yard drop along Moxie Stream. This breathtakingly scenic waterfall is located just a few miles from the heart of Kennebec Valley’s whitewater rafting. Despite its somewhat remote location in the Upper Kennebec Valley, Moxie Falls is very popular with visitors. You will likely encounter others along the trail, swimming in the pools, or gathering at one of the waterfall’s vantage points.
Above and below the falls, the landscape is adorned with several unnamed large, wide cascades with some pools. A large one of note is situated about 500 feet upstream of the main falls. Some of the best swimming spots are about a hundred feet downstream from the main plunge. Reaching the pools requires a moderately difficult level of scrambling on steep terrain. Still, the perspective of the falls from below is well worth the effort.
This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider visiting outside of peak periods.
Cold Stream Falls
Cold Stream Forest Public Land, Johnson Mountain Township
Starting at the trailhead on Mountain Brook Road, the forested rocky trail to the falls heads towards the streamside. Eventually, the blue-blazed trail runs roughly along the stream, leveling out some. Near the 20-foot horsetail falls, the ravine deepens with steeper walls rising above. The ravine is home to the most mature forest stands in the Cold Stream Forest Public Land. Cold Stream Falls includes a fine swimming hole and is quite secluded.
To reach the trailhead, travel on US-201 and turn east onto the Capital Road, a gravel logging road just north of West Forks. Cross over Cold Stream and turn left onto Mountain Brook Road to a small parking area on the west side of the road.
Grand Falls
Township 3, Range 4
The challenge in visiting the wild and scenic Grand Falls is no access via paved roads. This classic example of a horseshoe or block-style fall is 40 feet tall and over 100 feet across. Upstream, the Dead River dam significantly affects the water level at the falls, causing the flow to vary from a sheet of whitewater to turbulent on the left and gentler horsetails on the right. Beautiful year-round, its size keeps it from completely icing over in the Winter, making it a popular snowmobile destination. During peak Foliage season, this highly photogenic location should not be missed.
The falls are best reached via a section of the Maine Hut Trail from the West Forks Trailhead parking area on US-201. The trail follows the Dead River east between its confluences with the Kennebec River and Spencer Stream. This trail has several ascents and descents of 300-500 feet along this section and crosses several notable tributaries. The trail is not maintained for use during the summer and fall, though it is open to the public, so take care when using it.
Houston Brook Falls
Ridge Road, Bingham
Just minutes off Route 201, Houston Brook Falls is the perfect spot to cool down on a hot summer day. It is a short hike to the beautiful 32′ high waterfall and a sublime swimming hole. Ideal for all ability levels, it’s easy to navigate when water levels are low. At high water, it can be dangerous. The mist created by the falls often makes the rocks too dangerous to walk on, so watch your footing and be safe!
From Route 201, turn onto Rt 16/Bridge St and cross the Kennebec River. After the bridge, take a right onto Ridge Road and head north for 3.5 miles. Houston Brook Falls parking is on the right, with a small sign marking the trailhead.
