Grand Falls
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. Known for its wide, dramatic cascade and remote wilderness setting, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The falls are particularly impressive during spring runoff or after heavy rains.
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 a viewing area near the base of the falls.
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 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 is the best time to visit, as the falls are at their most powerful during the snowmelt. Summer and fall are also great for enjoying the surrounding scenery, while winter visits may require snowshoes or skis.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution near the falls, as the rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on St. Croix River, 12.2 miles away, not on Grand Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
706 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 67 years of record
4.37 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 St. Croix River at Baring, Maine (20 km away).
Today
Moderate
706 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Moderate
747 cfs
7/10Thu
Moderate
732 cfs
7/10Fri
Moderate
736 cfs
7/10Sat
Moderate
758 cfs
7/10Sun
Moderate
787 cfs
7/10Mon
Moderate
773 cfs
7/10Best window: Today — moderate flow (trip score 7/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early 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 Vanceboro 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 strong flow slows freezing
Grand Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 706 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 shows the creek losing roughly 30 feet through Grand Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 177 feet.
The ground changes about 28 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 177 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 30 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
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 typically involves driving on logging roads, which may require a high-clearance vehicle. Directions can vary depending on the season and road conditions, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved and potentially rough parking conditions.
Elevation
161 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.274239° N, -67.476664° 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 logging roads can be rough or inaccessible during certain times of the year.
Where to Stay
Kennedy House
Dominion Hill Country Inn
Sunset Tides
Treadwell 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 additional 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 moose, deer, and birds. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural environment.
Cities near Grand Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Grand Falls
5 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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