Are there fees or permits required for Little Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Little Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Little Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Little Falls.

Little Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Little Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Little Falls.

Maine

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 27 other waterfalls also named Little Falls, see below

Machias River CONE · PVT

Photo Credits (5)

Me in ME CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

KimCarpenter NJ CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

bobtravis CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

sdobie CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

About Little Falls

Little Falls is a small, picturesque cascade set along the Machias River land unit. The cascade is at its most dramatic in spring when snowmelt swells the flow, but its tranquil pool and forested banks make it a pleasant destination any time of year. The site is designated CONE within the Machias River land unit and is privately owned; management is listed as UNKL, so visitors should be mindful of posted access information and landowner rules. Reaching Little Falls rewards hikers with a short yet satisfying outing: the commonly used route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Expect a mostly natural, wooded setting with the kind of quiet, local charm that draws nearby day hikers—good footwear and readiness for uneven footing will make the visit more enjoyable.

The Setting

Little Falls sits at 148 feet within Machias River, fed by the Libby Brook, in the coastal lowlands of Maine.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail: 2.4-mile out-and-back; Elevation gain: ~350 ft; Difficulty: Moderate. There is no formal USFS trail number or published surface/grade/class data for this route. Trail infrastructure is limited, and hiking typically follows a primitive—often unmarked—path through forested terrain alongside the Machias River land unit. Because the falls and approaches lie on privately owned land (designation CONE, manager listed as UNKL), expect natural tread (roots, rocks, and mud in wet seasons) and variable footing. Visitors should plan for uneven terrain, bring sturdy footwear, and respect any posted signs or access restrictions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a small, tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be quiet and less crowded, making it ideal for relaxation or photography.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is the best time to visit due to higher water flow from snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good options for pleasant weather and scenic views.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid venturing too close to the water's edge.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Libby Brook near Northfield, Maine (9 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

4 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

4 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

4 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

5 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

5 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

5 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

4 cfs

6/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

4 cfs

5/10

Best window: Wed — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early May, 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 Milbridge 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 24 feet of drop through Little Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 147 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 24 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 8 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Little Falls near Milbridge, Maine, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Little Falls near Milbridge, Maine, showing about 24 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 147 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 24 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Little Falls is located near the town of Gorham, Maine. It is accessible via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or local maps to navigate to the area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside parking or small designated areas nearby. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking private property or roadways.

Elevation

148 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.860352° N, -67.801112° W

Land Management

Machias River CONE

Managed by UNKL

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during spring for the best water flow. Wear sturdy shoes if exploring the area, as the terrain may be uneven. Bring insect repellent during warmer months.