Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
6 m
About Howland Falls
Howland Falls is a small, forested cascade located in western New Brunswick near the Maine border. The falls sit in a largely rural landscape and are reached by local roads and informal footpaths. Flow and appearance are seasonal, highest in spring snowmelt and after heavy rain, lower in late summer. Specific published information about developed facilities, exact height, and an official trailhead is limited; descriptions below use conservative language where details are not confirmed.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Howland Falls flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 419-444 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating the step that forms the waterfall.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.3-km out-and-back trail gains 6 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
There does not appear to be a heavily developed, maintained trail to Howland Falls. Expect short, informal paths from a roadside pullout or a brief bushwhack through mixed forest to reach the stream and viewing areas. Terrain may include roots, rocks, and steep banks immediately adjacent to the water. If a named trail exists locally, it is not widely documented in major trail databases, treat the approach as minimally maintained.
What to Expect
A modest cascade or series of drops in a wooded setting with moss-covered rocks and typical eastern Canadian forest vegetation. Flow varies by season: high in spring and after rains, lower in late summer. There may be limited or no formal viewpoints, handrails, or signage. Expect uneven footing near wet rocks and bank edges. Wildlife in the area can include deer, beaver, moose (in season), and typical birdlife; insects (blackflies, mosquitoes) can be significant in warm months.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Howland Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Howland Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt/after rains) for highest flow and dramatic water conditions. Late spring through early fall for easiest access and more stable trail conditions. Winter offers ice formations but poses avalanche/ice/freeze hazards and may require winter gear, treat winter visits as for experienced winter hikers only.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery rocks, steep or unstable banks, sudden increases in flow after rain, cold water exposure, and limited cell reception. Do not approach the edge of the falls or climb on wet rocks. Wear appropriate footwear, bring a companion if possible, and tell someone your plan. In winter expect ice and snow hazards; ice near falls can be unstable. Follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing natural features.
Current Water Conditions
0.9 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 57 years of record
0.67 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Fredericton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Coordinates: 45.9273, -67.0193. Howland Falls is approximately 16.1 miles from Fredericton, 34.9 miles from Vanceboro (ME), and 49.0 miles from Danforth (ME). Access is typically by car on paved and secondary gravel roads; final approach may be on a short forest or logging road and/or an informal footpath. There may be no signed trailhead, use GPS coordinates and local maps. Check local forest service or municipal sources for seasonal road conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is likely limited to a roadside pullout or an informal clearing near the trail/stream; there may be no developed parking lot or facilities. Park well off the roadway, do not block gates or driveways, and follow local signage if present.
Elevation
89 metres above sea level
Coordinates
45.927296° N, -67.019347° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use GPS coordinates and a reliable map; cell reception may be spotty. • Wear sturdy waterproof footwear with good traction, rocks will be slippery. • Bring insect repellent in spring/summer and check for ticks after the visit. • Park legally and respectfully; do not block gates or private driveways. • Stay off unstable banks and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. • If conditions are unclear, contact local municipal or provincial natural resources/parks offices for up-to-date access info.
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For this easy 0.3 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Great Bear Camping
4.5 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearest significant center: Fredericton (≈16 miles). The area is part of rural western New Brunswick near the Maine border; expect other outdoor opportunities such as local rivers, forests, and small community parks, check Fredericton-area and provincial tourism resources for verified nearby sites.
Wildlife
Typical regional wildlife may include white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, black bear, foxes, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. Insect season includes blackflies and mosquitoes; ticks are present in warmer months.
Cities near Howland Falls
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