Goose Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Goose Falls
Goose Falls is a tidal waterfall in Brooksville, Maine, where the waters of the Bagaduce River meet the ocean. Its tidal nature means the falls change dramatically with the ebb and flow — at high tide the channel narrows and the fall can look more forceful, while low tide exposes broader rock ledges and estuarine shoreline. That shifting character makes each visit a little different and rewarding for photographers and nature lovers alike. The trail is a pleasant short outing for hikers prepared for a steady climb; allow time at the water’s edge to watch the tide-driven changes in flow and shoreline. Because camping is not available within 10 km, plan logistics accordingly for a day trip.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail leads through wooded terrain down to the tidal channel where Goose Falls flows into the Bagaduce River; surface, grade, and any USFS trail class or official trail number are not specified in the available data. Expect a steady uphill return on the way out and allow time at the falls to observe how the appearance and flow change with the tides.
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 Goose Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Goose Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during high tide to see the waterfall at its fullest flow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the water and changing tidal currents. Always supervise children and pets near the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ducktrap River, 12.6 miles away, not on Goose Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 28 years of record
1.26 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 Ducktrap River near Lincolnville, Maine (20 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
1 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
1 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
1 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, 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 Belfast hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 31 feet of drop through Goose Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 10 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 31 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Goose Falls is located near Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park in Brooksville, Maine. It can be accessed via Route 175 and local roads leading to the sanctuary.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park, which provides access to Goose Falls.
Elevation
0 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.354244° N, -68.809197° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check the tide schedule before visiting to experience the waterfall at its most dynamic. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places.
Where to Stay
Alamoosook Lakeside Inn Orland
Acadia Inn
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
Lord Camden Inn
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
DUCK HARBOR CAMPGROUND
23.8 miles away · 5 sites
Overview Duck Harbor campsites are reservable starting on April 1st at 10:00am ET. Duck Harbor Campground is located on Isle au Haut, a rugged island off the coast of Stonington, Maine. Remote and inaccessible to automobiles, Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by mailboat. Recreation Isle au Haut offers excellent hiking. The remoteness of the island provides a quiet experience along primitive trails with many great views of rocky cliffs and coastal scenery. Bicycling is allowed but is very ri
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park, Blue Hill Peninsula, and the town of Castine.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of bird species, including ospreys and eagles, as well as marine life in the tidal waters.
Cities near Goose Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Goose Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.