Ledge Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 358 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Ledge Falls

Maine

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
1.
Jack.Flanagan CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
2.
4.
Silver Starre CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
5.
Silver Starre CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

About Ledge Falls

Ledge Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls located in a scenic area of Maine. It is known for its smooth rock formations and natural pools, making it a popular spot for visitors during warmer months. The falls are surrounded by forested areas, providing a serene and picturesque environment.

The Setting

Ledge Falls sits at 246 feet along the East Branch Penobscot River, in the coastal lowlands of Maine.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Grand Falls (40 ft) lies 7.8 miles to the west.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is limited information about the trail leading to Ledge Falls. It may involve a short walk or hike through forested terrain. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and potential wet or slippery conditions near the falls.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with cascading waterfalls and smooth rock formations. The area may be suitable for wading or relaxing by the water, but caution is advised due to slippery rocks and varying water levels.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The terrain may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ledge Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ledge Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as water flow is typically higher, and the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Rocks near the falls can be slippery, and water levels may vary depending on recent rainfall. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid climbing on wet or unstable surfaces. Always supervise children near the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

358 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 104 years of record

4.51 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 01029500
6.5 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 837 sq mi
Altitude: 294 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge East Branch Penobscot River at Grindstone, Maine (10 km away).

Moderate confidence
Barely Flowing right now
358 cfs
→ Holding steady
008121240TodayTomorrowSunMonTueWedThu

Today

Barely Flowing

358 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

376 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

424 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

412 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

452 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

415 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

371 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late 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 Mattawamkeag 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 22 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 250 feet above sea level.

Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Ledge Falls near Mattawamkeag, Maine, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Ledge Falls near Mattawamkeag, Maine, showing about 22 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
250 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 22 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northeast
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Ledge Falls is located approximately 14.3 miles from Mattawamkeag, 22.2 miles from Patten, and 29.6 miles from Danforth. The falls can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions should be confirmed using a GPS or local maps. The coordinates for the falls are 45.6414, -68.5481.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may find small pull-off areas near the falls. It is recommended to plan ahead and park responsibly to avoid blocking access roads.

Elevation

246 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.641442° N, -68.548085° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and pack out all trash to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Baxter State Park and the Mattawamkeag River, which offer additional opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nature.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disturbing the local fauna.

Nearby Waterfalls

6.1 miles away
Maine
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
8 miles away
Maine
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Other waterfalls named Ledge Falls

3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.

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