Ledge Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ledge Falls
Ledge Falls is a series of natural rock slides located in Baxter State Park, Maine. The falls are a popular spot for families and visitors looking to enjoy the unique rock formations and shallow pools. The area is known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The Setting
Ledge Falls sits at 1,220 feet within Baxter State Park, in the foothills of Maine.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Katahdin Stream Falls (40 ft) lies 5.8 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Ledge Falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It features a well-maintained path leading to the falls, with minimal elevation gain. The area around the falls is rocky and may be slippery, so caution is advised.
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 late spring through early fall when the weather is warm, and water levels are suitable for enjoying the rock slides.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. Visitors should exercise caution and supervise children closely. Be aware of changing water levels after heavy rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Penobscot River, 17.5 miles away, not on Ledge Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
182 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 2 years of record
2.46 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 E. Br. Penobscot River below Grand Lake Matagamon (28 km away).
Today
Roaring
197 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
190 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
191 cfs
7/10Sat
Roaring
195 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
197 cfs
6/10Mon
Strong
190 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
188 cfs
10/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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.
Is Ledge Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Ledge Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 37°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 177 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 30 feet of drop through Ledge Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,222 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 35 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 23 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and 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
- 1,222 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 30 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- 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 southwest).
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. Visitors should follow park signage to reach the falls. The exact location may require consulting a park map or asking for directions at the visitor center.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the falls, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,220 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.959767° N, -69.058937° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the rocks around the falls can be slippery. Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to wade or slide in the water. Arrive early during summer weekends to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay
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
16.8 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, South Branch Pond, and Mount Katahdin.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Ledge Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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