Grand Falls
Maine • 40 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Grand Falls
Grand Falls is a stunning waterfall located on the Dead River in Maine. It features a wide cascade with a drop of approximately 40 feet, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest, offering a serene and remote experience for visitors.
The Setting
Grand Falls sits at 988 feet in the foothills of Maine. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Grand Falls is a short and relatively flat hike through a forested area. It is well-marked and suitable for most visitors, including families. The trail leads directly to the base of the falls, offering excellent views and photo opportunities.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 feet. 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 Grand Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grand Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution near the falls, as the rocks can be slippery and the currents are strong. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Spencer Stream, 1.5 miles away, not on Grand Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
138 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 27 years of record
2.86 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Spencer Stream near Grand Falls, Maine (2 km away).
Today
Strong
149 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
196 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
184 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
192 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
185 cfs
7/10Sun
Strong
187 cfs
7/10Mon
Strong
168 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Kingfield hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Grand Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Grand Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 143 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 67 feet of drop through Grand Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 40 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 987 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 1 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 987 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 67 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Grand Falls is located in western Maine, near the town of West Forks. Access is typically via logging roads, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Directions can vary, so it is advised to consult a detailed map or GPS before visiting.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved and potentially rough road conditions.
Elevation
988 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.297553° N, -70.222289° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months, as mosquitoes and black flies can be prevalent. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or uneven in places. Check road conditions before heading out, as the access roads can be rough.
Where to Stay
Charming Bingham Home Near Outdoor Adventure, Pet Friendly!
The Sterling Inn
All-Season Sanctuary: Steps to Moosehead Lake
Sugarloaf 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
The Forks area offers other outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River and hiking on nearby trails.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and birds. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Grand Falls
5 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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