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.
The Setting
Great Falls sits at 118 feet along the Androscoggin River, in the coastal lowlands of Maine.
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
1,460 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
1.95 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Androscoggin River near Auburn, Maine (3 km away).
Today
Roaring
1577 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
1675 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1596 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
1680 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
1628 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
1556 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
1566 cfs
10/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
Writing about Great Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.