Big and Little Niagara Falls

Description

Big and Little Niagara Falls are two iconic Maine waterfalls located in Baxter State Park in Maine. The falls are located in township T3 R10 WELS and they can be found along the Nesowadnehunk Stream. The Nesowadnehunk Stream is fed by many large ponds and it features a large watershed. This means that any day is a wonderful day to visit the falls because they are almost always roaring.

The waterfalls both drop in beautiful formations consisting of cascades and slides. Regarding height, they both drop about 20 feet. Big Niagara Falls is the lower waterfall and Little Niagara Falls is the upper waterfall. There is a wonderful pool at the base of the little falls. It’s a popular spot for swimming on warm summer days among hikers. Some even slide down the waterfall into the clear and warm pool.

When it comes to accessing the waterfalls, a lot of driving and a decent hike is required. The waterfalls are located in Baxter State Park which is a 200,000+ acre wilderness area permanently preserved as a state park in Northeast Piscataquis. The state park is massive and very barren in area. Fortunately, there is a campground that gives visitors access to the trailhead to Niagara Falls.

Trail Information

• Trail Length: 2.4 miles
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 150 feet
• Route Type: Out-and-back
• Dog Policy: Not allowed

Visitors can park at the Daicey Pond Campground and then hop on the iconic Appalachian Trail which leads to the two waterfalls. From the trailhead, Little Niagara Falls is a 0.9-mile hike with a short spur leading to the waterfall. To see Big Niagara Falls, the hike is extended another 0.4 miles and it features a short spur as well. In total, out-and-back, the trail is 2.4 miles and it features 150 feet of elevation gain. The trail is rated as moderate and is typically completed in 1.5 hours.

Dogs are strictly forbidden in Baxter State Park.