Gauntlet Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
About Gauntlet Falls
Gauntlet Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Maine, known for its rugged beauty and natural surroundings. It is part of the Dead River system and may be best viewed during periods of higher water flow, such as spring or after heavy rains.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Details about the trail to Gauntlet Falls are limited. Visitors should be prepared for potentially uneven terrain and bring appropriate footwear. The trail may not be well-marked, so navigation skills could be necessary.
What to Expect
Expect a remote and natural setting with limited amenities. The falls are part of a rugged landscape, and the flow of water may vary depending on the season and recent rainfall.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gauntlet Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gauntlet Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is higher due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The terrain around the falls may be slippery and uneven. Exercise caution, especially during wet conditions. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sebec River, 18.9 miles away, not on Gauntlet Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
812 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
3.64 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Sebec River at Sebec, Maine (30 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
877 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
838 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
724 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
689 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
708 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
726 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
777 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Brownville Junction hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gauntlet Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Gauntlet Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°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
- 812 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 54 feet of drop through Gauntlet Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 775 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 33 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 775 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 54 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Gauntlet Falls is located near the Dead River in western Maine. Access may require navigating forest roads or trails, and specific directions should be confirmed before visiting.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby forest roads or designated areas if available.
Elevation
768 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.538659° N, -69.035322° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check weather conditions before visiting, as the area may be challenging to access during or after heavy rains. Bring a map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable.
Where to Stay
Hidden Oasis, Duplex A. Close to almost everything
Abbot Trailside Lodging
Waterfront home on Moosehead Lake
Leisure Life
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Dead River and surrounding forested areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nature.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Gauntlet Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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