LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bucks Falls near Brownville Junction, Maine, showing about 58 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Nearby gauge (Piscataquis River) · 136 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Bucks Falls

Maine

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Bucks Falls

Bucks Falls is a small, scenic waterfall located in Maine, known for its tranquil setting and natural beauty. It is a lesser-known destination, making it a peaceful spot for visitors seeking solitude in nature.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Little Wilson Falls (60 ft) lies 8.8 miles to the northwest.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Details about the trail leading to Bucks Falls are not well-documented. Visitors should be prepared for potentially uneven terrain and bring appropriate footwear.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful, natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The flow of the falls may vary depending on recent rainfall.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bucks Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bucks Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is often higher during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and uneven terrain. Always stay on marked trails if available and avoid venturing too close to the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 18 minutes ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Piscataquis River, 9.2 miles away, not on Bucks Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

136 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 124 years of record

2.19 ft

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.

USGS 01031500
9.2 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 296 sq mi
Altitude: 358 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Piscataquis River near Dover-Foxcroft, Maine (15 km away).

Moderate confidence
Moderate right now
138 cfs
→ Holding steady
81857781858577TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Strong

149 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Strong

143 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

133 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

147 cfs

8/10

Sat

Strong

155 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

165 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

154 cfs

10/10

Best window: Thu — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Brownville Junction hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Bucks Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Bucks Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 36°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
146 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Maine.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 58 feet of drop through Bucks Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 336 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 19 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bucks Falls near Brownville Junction, Maine, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bucks Falls near Brownville Junction, Maine, showing about 58 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
336 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 58 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Southwest
Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bucks Falls is located near Bucksport, Maine. Access is typically via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or GPS for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or in designated areas if available.

Elevation

338 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.308384° N, -69.317548° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check local weather conditions before visiting, as the flow of the falls may be more impressive after rain. Bring bug spray during warmer months, as insects may be present.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Bucksport, Maine, offers additional attractions such as Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory.

Wildlife

The area may feature common Maine wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.

Cities near Bucks Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

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1.0 miles Unknown
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Other waterfalls named Bucks Falls

1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.

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