Two Beautiful Waterfalls in Central Maine
Moxie Falls
Distance
2.0 miles round trip
Difficulty
Moderate/easy with 1 or 2 minor hills
Location
Parking
There is a small parking lot that is just for the trail, therefore it is very hard to miss the trailhead. If full, you can park on the side of the road like we did!
Trailhead
Entrance sign with details about the trail directly in the center of the parking lot.
Pets
Permitted on leash
Trail
This is one of Maine’s highest waterfalls and is a relatively easy walk that takes just under 1 mile to reach the falls. Traveling to the falls in late March means there was snow covering the entire path. Luckily we travel with our yaktrax for our shoes to assist in walking on ice, but they were not required for much of the trail. The trail starts very flat, and after about 1/2 mile in, there is a welcome sign and the trail becomes a little steeper, though very minimal as far as hiking goes. Overall, the difficulty was moderate/easy due to one or two smalls hills, and several kids were on this trail, likely no older than 7 or 8 making it look easy. Dogs are permitted, as long as they are on a leash, and even our 7# yorkie was able to make the entire trip without needing a lift. For the ease of this hike, the views are well worth it. Once you make it to the end, there are two separate sections.
Viewing the river and waterfall from directly above, and allows you to look down over the waterfall from an observation platform
Across from the waterfall is (what I consider) a better view of the entire falls as they plunge into the swimming hole.
Yes! Swimming Hole!
Swimming is allowed under the falls, however due to ice and obviously snow everywhere, we opted out of hiking down and jumping in. If we are still in Maine come summer, some photos will be included of the path down.
Houston Brook Falls
Distance
1 Mile Round Trip
Difficulty
Easy, but slightly steeper than Moxie Falls and may be icy in spring
Location
Parking
You can park on the side of the road, or right in front of the transfer station gate, but park to the left of the fencing and do not block the gate.
Trailhead
Right to the left of the transfer station gate fencing marked “Houston Brook Falls”
Pets
Permitted
Trail
The total time spent hiking is approximately 10-15 minutes and only .5 miles to reach the falls. There is a slight downhill trek the entire time with patches of ice pending on which month you visit (we visited in Late March). In comparison to Moxie Falls, the waterfall is shorter in height, but do not let that deter you. It is absolutely stunning! At the end of the trail you can get right up next to the falls for pictures, swimming (in warmer weather), and take a snack break. For the length of hike, personally I found this waterfall to be the better of the two if I had to choose only one. Luckily you don’t and can see both in one day! Enjoy!
