Great Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Drive Up
About Great Falls
Great Falls sits on the Androscoggin River in Lewiston–Auburn, Maine, and offers a broad, powerful cascade that has long been part of the area's industrial story—historically harnessed as a power source for local mills. The falls are especially dramatic during spring runoff and after heavy rains, when higher flows accentuate the drop and reveal the river’s raw energy. Visitors often come for quick roadside views, photography, or to appreciate an important piece of local landscape and history. Beyond the easy viewing areas, hikers can explore a short route that lets you take in more of the river corridor. There is no USFS trail name or number associated with this route; access typically begins from nearby parking and viewing points, making Great Falls a flexible destination for both casual sightseers and hikers looking for a brief, rewarding outing.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Great Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Route type: out-and-back. Difficulty: moderate. There is no formal U.S. Forest Service trail designation or published USFS trail number for this route. Hikers should expect an informal path that leaves from the parking/viewing areas and may include uneven riverbank terrain; wear sturdy footwear and plan for a short, moderately strenuous hike to get a closer look at the falls.
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 high water flow from snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage views, while summer provides a pleasant atmosphere for a casual visit.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the riverbanks, especially during high water flow. The currents can be strong and dangerous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Saco River, 3.2 miles away, not on Great Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
789 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 110 years of record
2.39 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 Saco River at Cornish, Maine (5 km away).
Today
Moderate
789 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
793 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
900 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
918 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
1002 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
962 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
951 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
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 Cornish hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Great Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Great Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 39°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 806 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 78 feet of descent through Great Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 316 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 31 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 316 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 78 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Great Falls is easily accessible from downtown Lewiston or Auburn. The falls can be viewed from the Great Falls Plaza area or from nearby walking paths along the river.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Great Falls Plaza in Auburn, which offers convenient access to viewing areas.
Elevation
312 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.852574° N, -70.796729° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the most impressive water flow. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious near the riverbanks, as water levels can rise quickly.
Where to Stay
Noble House Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites North Conway
LILY OF THE VALLEY LIMIT 6
ROCKY BEACH LIMIT 5 cabin
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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Nearby Campground
Saco Ranger District
18.9 miles away · 0 sites
Located on the south eastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. Journey across the Kancamagus Scenic Byway; experience the famous Mt Chocorua area; find solitude in the Presidential Range-Dry River or Sandwich Wildernesses; or discover the beauty along Scenic Route 113. Recreational opportunities are endless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Lewiston-Auburn Riverwalk offers additional scenic views and walking paths. The Bates Mill Complex and Museum L-A are also nearby for those interested in local history.
Wildlife
Birdwatchers may spot various waterfowl and other birds near the river.
Cities near Great Falls
Other waterfalls named Great Falls
12 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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