Holeb Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Hard
About Holeb Falls
Holeb Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the remote wilderness of western Maine, near the Canadian border. It is part of the Moose River Bow Trip, a popular canoe route, and is known for its rugged beauty and tranquil surroundings.
The Setting
Holeb Falls sits at 1,214 feet within Holeb, in the foothills of Maine.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Holeb Falls is not well-defined, as the falls are primarily accessed via canoe along the Moose River. For those attempting to reach the falls by land, expect rugged terrain and a lack of marked trails.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a remote and serene wilderness experience. The falls are surrounded by dense forest and are a highlight of the Moose River Bow Trip. The area is ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Holeb Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Holeb Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild, and the river levels are suitable for canoeing.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for remote wilderness conditions. Bring adequate supplies, including food, water, and navigation tools. Be aware of potential hazards such as strong river currents, slippery rocks, and wildlife. Cell service is unreliable in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Spencer Stream, 16.3 miles away, not on Holeb Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
97 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 27 years of record
2.70 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
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Spencer Stream near Grand Falls, Maine (26 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
105 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
91 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
84 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
98 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
93 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
85 cfs
5/10Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Kingfield hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Holeb Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Holeb Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 37°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 99 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 43 feet of drop through Holeb Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,214 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 42 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 5 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,214 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 43 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Holeb Falls is most commonly accessed as part of the Moose River Bow Trip, a multi-day canoeing adventure. The falls are located along the Moose River, and access by land is limited and challenging due to the remote location. Visitors should plan for a wilderness experience.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the starting point of the Moose River Bow Trip, typically at Holeb Landing. However, there is no direct parking near the falls themselves.
Elevation
1,214 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.533381° N, -70.363680° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the area is remote and cell service is unreliable. Be prepared for wilderness conditions, including insects and variable weather. If canoeing, ensure you have the proper gear and experience for the Moose River Bow Trip.
Where to Stay
LE JAZZ- Chalet rustique/chic avec SPA
Microtel Inn Suites by Wyndham Lac-Megantic
Auberge et Chalets sur le Lac
Hotel Motel Le Château
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
The Moose River Bow Trip itself is a major attraction, offering a multi-day canoeing adventure through pristine wilderness. Nearby, visitors can explore other parts of western Maine's forests and rivers.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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