Gordon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Gordon Falls
Gordon Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Maine, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Gordon Falls is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It winds through a forested area and leads to a scenic view of the waterfall.
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 Gordon Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gordon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of ticks in the area and check yourself after hiking.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Mattawamkeag River, 0.3 miles away, not on Gordon Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
836 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 92 years of record
5.65 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Mattawamkeag River near Mattawamkeag, Maine (0 km away).
Today
Strong
836 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
832 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
852 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
866 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
843 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
796 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
796 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, 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 Mattawamkeag hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gordon Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Gordon Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 849 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 measures about 30 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Gordon Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 223 feet.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 223 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 30 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Gordon Falls is located near the town of Byron, Maine. It can be accessed via local roads, and visitors should follow signs or use GPS to navigate to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
210 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.503949° N, -68.301687° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Hidden Oasis, Duplex A. Close to almost everything
First Settlers Lodge
The Whitetail Inn and Suites- Lincoln
Briarwood motor 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
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Coos Canyon, a popular gorge and swimming area, is located nearby and worth a visit.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and occasional deer sightings.
Cities near Gordon Falls
Other waterfalls named Gordon Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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