Dunn Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Dunn Falls
Dunn Falls tumbles through the western Maine slopes of the Mahoosuc Range in two distinct and photogenic steps: an Upper Falls that drops in a dramatic plunge and a Lower Falls that threads through a narrow gorge. The setting is classic northern New England — mossy ledges, mixed spruce and hardwood forest, and the steady rush of water — making it a favorite quick outing for hikers who appreciate close-up waterfall views without a full-day commitment. The falls are reached from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (designation: NT), and the route to Dunn Falls is administered as part of the Appalachian Trail by the National Park Service. Expect a well-defined 3.2-mile out-and-back hike with about 500 feet of elevation gain; the overall difficulty is rated moderate, so it’s an accessible option for most hikers who can handle some rocky and rooted tread. Both the Upper and Lower Falls appear along the route, with the Lower Falls offering especially photogenic cascades and close vantage points for pictures and short rest stops.
The Setting
Dunn Falls sits at 1,306 feet within Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in the foothills of Maine.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Silver Ripple Cascade (30 ft) lies 8.0 miles to the east. Also nearby: Screw Auger Falls (23 ft, 6.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back (Appalachian National Scenic Trail, managed by the National Park Service). Length: 3.2 miles round trip. Elevation gain: ~500 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The tread is classic AT hiking: forested singletrack with sections of exposed roots and rocks and several short, steeper pitches. Hikers will pass viewpoints for both the Upper Falls (a plunging drop) and the more gorge-like Lower Falls; the Lower Falls is often considered the more dramatic photo stop. No specialized technical gear is required for summer hiking, but sturdy footwear is recommended for the rocky sections and wet approaches near the cascades.
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 Dunn Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on most of the Appalachian Trail and must be leashed on park land, but are banned in the Smokies and Baxter State Park.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Dunn Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Dunn Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls, though trail conditions may be challenging.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and carry a map or GPS device as cell service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ellis River, 9.4 miles away, not on Dunn Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
64 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 45 years of record
5.07 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 Ellis River at South Andover, Maine (15 km away).
Today
Moderate
65 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
73 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
69 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
68 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
72 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
73 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
73 cfs
9/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, 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 Bethel hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Dunn Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Dunn Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°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
- 67 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.
1-meter lidar shows Dunn Falls dropping about 267 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 1,373 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 52 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 196 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and 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
- 1,373 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 267 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Dunn Falls is located near Andover, Maine. The trailhead can be accessed from the Appalachian Trail crossing on East B Hill Road. Visitors should follow signs for the Appalachian Trail and Dunn Falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at a small pull-off area near the Appalachian Trail crossing on East B Hill Road. Space may be limited, so arrive early during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,306 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.661724° N, -70.898407° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring bug spray during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes and black flies. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends.
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With 3.2 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Charming Home Near Ski Areas
Jordan Hotel
Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham
Sunnyside home near Sunday River, Black Mountain, Lakes and Hikes
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.
Nearby Campground
HASTINGS CAMPGROUND
21.8 miles away · 25 sites
Overview Hastings Campground is located on Route 113 near the shore of Evans Brook in western Maine. It is situated in a rustic and remote part of White Mountain National Forest, not far from the towns of Gilead Me and Gorham, New Hampshire. Activities include fishing, hiking and mountain biking. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and i
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Andover offers small shops and local dining options. The Appalachian Trail provides additional hiking opportunities in the area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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