Great Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Drive Up
About Great Falls
Great Falls is a prominent waterfall located on the Androscoggin River, near the cities of Auburn and Lewiston in Maine. The falls are known for their wide, cascading flow and historical significance as a power source for local mills. The waterfall is particularly striking during high water flow in the spring or after heavy rains.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Great Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No hiking is required to view Great Falls. The waterfall can be seen from designated viewing areas near the Great Falls Plaza, making it accessible for all visitors.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Great Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit due to the high water flow from snowmelt. Summer and fall also offer pleasant conditions, while winter provides a unique view of the falls with ice formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated viewing platforms and avoid getting too close to the riverbanks. Water levels and currents can change rapidly, especially after heavy rains.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Androscoggin River, 2 miles away, not on Great Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
2,050 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
2.41 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Androscoggin River near Auburn, Maine (3 km away).
Today
Moderate
2050 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1911 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
2084 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
2360 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
2526 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
2393 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
2166 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early 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 Auburn hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Great Falls Frozen?
Updated about 11 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Great Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°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
- 2200 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 52 feet through Great Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 149 feet.
The ground changes about 23 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 13 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 149 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 52 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Great Falls is easily accessible from both Auburn and Lewiston. The falls are located near the Great Falls Plaza area, and visitors can use local roads to reach the viewing points. Coordinates: 44.0998, -70.2226.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is parking available near the Great Falls Plaza area, with several public lots and street parking options nearby.
Elevation
118 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.099795° N, -70.222554° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring for the most impressive water flow. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious near the riverbanks, as water levels and currents can be unpredictable.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn & Suites Auburn I-95
Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch
Hampton Inn Lewiston-Auburn
Residence Inn by Marriott Auburn
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
Nearby attractions include the Auburn Riverwalk, Lewiston's Museum L-A, and the Bates College Museum of Art.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature common river wildlife such as ducks, herons, and fish.
Cities near Great Falls
Other waterfalls named Great Falls
12 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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