Dog Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Dog Falls
Dog Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Maine, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a peaceful retreat in the forest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Dog Falls is a relatively short and easy hike through a wooded area. The path is well-trodden but may have uneven terrain in some sections. Visitors will enjoy the peaceful forest setting and the sound of the waterfall as they approach.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dog Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Dog Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically more active due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The area around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked trails. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on St. Croix River, 13.6 miles away, not on Dog Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
373 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 98 years of record
4.29 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge St. Croix River at Vanceboro, Maine (22 km away).
Today
Roaring
403 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
396 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
405 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
424 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
435 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
405 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
383 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid January to early March, peaking in May.
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 Vanceboro hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Dog Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Dog Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 366 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 38 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 212 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 20 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 212 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 38 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Dog Falls is located in a remote area of Maine. Visitors typically access the falls via local roads and a short hike through the forest. Exact directions may vary depending on the starting point, so it is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may consist of small pull-off areas near the trailhead. Visitors should plan accordingly and arrive early during peak seasons.
Elevation
210 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.371459° N, -67.430275° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may have uneven or muddy sections. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as bugs can be prevalent. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the falls with fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
Woodhaven - Seaside Accommodations
Casa Breeze B & B
Scoodic Motel
Oakhill Oasis guest house
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other hiking trails and natural attractions in the area may be worth exploring. Check local guides for recommendations.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect the natural habitat and avoid feeding animals.
Cities near Dog Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Dog Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
Writing about Dog Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.