Ledge Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ledge Falls
Ledge Falls, located in Baxter State Park, Maine, is a series of cascading waterfalls and natural rock slides along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. It is a popular spot for families and visitors looking to enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of the area.
The Setting
Ledge Falls sits at 1,230 feet within Baxter State Park, fed by the E. Br. Penobscot River, in the foothills of Maine.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Ledge Falls is very short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads directly from the parking area to the falls and picnic area. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. 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 Ledge Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ledge Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ledge Falls is during the summer and early fall when water levels are moderate, and the weather is warm enough for wading or sliding on the rocks.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. Exercise caution when wading or sliding. Water levels and currents can change rapidly after rain. Always supervise children closely.
Current Water Conditions
312 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 2 years of record
2.74 ft
Water depth at gauge
64°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
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. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge E. Br. Penobscot River below Grand Lake Matagamon (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
312 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
312 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
335 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
345 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
341 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
316 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
299 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, peaking in May.
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 Patten 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 35 feet through Ledge Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,236 feet.
The ground changes about 64 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 43 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,236 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 35 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
Ledge Falls is located within Baxter State Park, which is accessible via the Togue Pond Gate or Matagamon Gate. Visitors should follow park signage to reach the falls. The exact location is near the Ledge Falls Picnic Area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Ledge Falls Picnic Area, which is a short walk from the falls.
Elevation
1,230 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.993935° N, -68.887822° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring water shoes if you plan to wade or slide on the rocks, as they can be slippery. Be cautious of water levels, especially after heavy rains, as the current may be stronger.
Where to Stay
Katahdin Valley Motel
Family Friendly Lakefront Cottage, Ambajejus Lake
All Season Fun and Cozy Home in Island Falls, ME
Mattawamkeag River Cottage
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
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Camping and Huts
10 miles away · 27 sites
Overview Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and enjoying other re
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Baxter State Park include Katahdin Stream Falls, Sandy Stream Pond, and Mount Katahdin.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as moose, deer, and various bird species. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Ledge Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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