Gilman Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (4)
About Gilman Falls
Gilman Falls is a small named waterfall in the southern part of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, between Deasey Mountain and Lunksoos Mountain near the International Appalachian Trail. It is not the Gilman Falls on the Stillwater River in Old Town. We found no published description of this falls or of a route to it.
The Setting
Gilman Falls sits at 1,634 feet within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, in the hills of Maine.
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
The falls are in roadless backcountry and are not suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gilman Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets are allowed in Katahdin Woods and Waters but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gilman Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid getting too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Penobscot River, 13.5 miles away, not on Gilman Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
182 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 2 years of record
2.46 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 E. Br. Penobscot River below Grand Lake Matagamon (22 km away).
Today
Roaring
197 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
190 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
191 cfs
7/10Sat
Roaring
195 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
197 cfs
6/10Mon
Strong
190 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
188 cfs
10/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, 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 Patten hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gilman Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Gilman Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 37°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 177 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
Location & Access
Getting There
The nearest maintained route is the International Appalachian Trail over Deasey and Lunksoos Mountains, reached from trailheads off the monument's Katahdin Loop Road. It includes a ford of Wassataquoik Stream and makes a long day hike; Deasey Mountain alone is about 10 miles round trip.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
1,634 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.951437° N, -68.694761° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Be cautious near the water, as rocks may be slippery.
Where to Stay
Katahdin Valley Motel
Family Friendly Lakefront Cottage, Ambajejus Lake
All Season Fun and Cozy Home in Island Falls, ME
Black Bear Dens
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
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Camping and Huts
13 miles away · 27 sites
Overview Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and enjoying other re
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Deasey Mountain, the monument's highest peak with a 1929 fire lookout, and Lunksoos Mountain are on the International Appalachian Trail nearby.
Wildlife
The area around Gilman Falls may feature local wildlife such as birds and small mammals.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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