LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Little Allagash Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Little Allagash Falls
Little Allagash Falls is a remote and scenic waterfall located in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine. It is a popular destination for canoeists and outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty. The falls are part of the Allagash River and are known for their cascading waters and serene surroundings.
The Setting
Little Allagash Falls sits at 988 feet along the St. John River, in the foothills of Maine.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no formal hiking trail to Little Allagash Falls. Access is primarily via canoe or kayak along the Allagash River. The journey typically involves paddling through remote wilderness areas, with potential portages around rapids or obstacles.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and remote wilderness experience. The falls are surrounded by dense forest, and the sound of cascading water adds to the serene atmosphere. Wildlife sightings, such as moose or bald eagles, are common in the area.
Accessibility
The falls are not wheelchair accessible due to their remote location and the need for watercraft to reach them.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Allagash Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
Permits are required for camping within the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Contact the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands for more information.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Allagash Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when water levels are suitable for canoeing and the weather is more favorable. Winter visits are possible but require specialized equipment and experience in cold-weather travel.
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 a first aid kit, and be aware of potential hazards such as strong currents, slippery rocks, and wildlife encounters. Always let someone know your travel plans before heading into the wilderness.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 28.7 miles away
58 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
0.20 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
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 St. John River at Ninemile Bridge, Maine (46 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
63 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
79 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
76 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
77 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
79 cfs
3/10Fri
Barely Flowing
71 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
62 cfs
5/10Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early 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 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 30 feet through Little Allagash Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 987 feet.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. 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
- 987 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 30 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
Little Allagash Falls is located in a remote area of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Access is typically by canoe or kayak along the Allagash River. The nearest road access points are limited, and visitors often need to plan multi-day trips to reach the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated access points along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, such as Churchill Dam or Umsaskis Lake. However, these are not directly near the falls, and further travel by watercraft is required.
Elevation
988 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.326595° N, -69.450952° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan your trip carefully, as this is a remote area with limited cell service and no nearby amenities. Bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and camping gear. Check water levels and weather conditions before your trip, as they can significantly impact access and safety.
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other points of interest in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway include Umsaskis Lake, Churchill Dam, and Eagle Lake.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, and loons.
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