LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Hatch Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Hatch Falls
Hatch Falls, located in Maine, is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush forest. It is a lesser-known destination, offering a serene and peaceful environment for visitors. The falls cascade over a series of rocky ledges, creating a beautiful natural setting.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Little Wilson Falls (60 ft) lies 11.8 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Hatch Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a wooded area and leads directly to the waterfall. The path may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hatch Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hatch Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Hatch Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Piscataquis River, 4.7 miles away, not on Hatch Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
40 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 30 years of record
3.86 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Piscataquis River at Blanchard, Maine (8 km away).
Today
Strong
44 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
46 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
48 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
51 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
51 cfs
7/10Sun
Strong
60 cfs
7/10Mon
Moderate
57 cfs
9/10Best window: Thu — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Brownville Junction hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hatch Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Hatch Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°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
- 43 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 46 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,020 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 35 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,020 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 46 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hatch Falls is located in the rural area of Grand Lake Stream, Maine. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or a detailed map to navigate to the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be available in a small pull-off area near the trailhead, but spaces are limited.
Elevation
1,020 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.283107° N, -69.676999° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Bring bug spray during the summer months, as the area can be buggy. Be prepared for limited facilities, as this is a remote location.
Where to Stay
All-Season Sanctuary: Steps to Moosehead Lake
Leisure Life
Abbot Trailside Lodging
NEW! Historic post and beam in-town Moosehead Lake
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
Grand Lake Stream offers additional outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and canoeing.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Hatch Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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