Little Niagara Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Little Niagara Falls
Little Niagara Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Baxter State Park, Maine. It is part of Nesowadnehunk Stream and is known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty.
The Setting
Little Niagara Falls sits at 997 feet within Baxter State Park, fed by the E. Br. Penobscot River, in the foothills of Maine.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Katahdin Stream Falls (40 ft) lies 3.2 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Little Niagara Falls is a short and relatively flat hike along the Appalachian Trail. It is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, offering scenic views of the surrounding forest and Nesowadnehunk Stream.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic hike through the forest, leading to a small but charming waterfall. The area around the falls is typically quiet and offers opportunities for photography and relaxation.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Niagara Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A reservation or permit is required to enter Baxter State Park. Visitors should check the park's website for details on obtaining permits.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Niagara Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 21.6 miles away
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
63°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 63 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
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 (35 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 Brownville Junction 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 83 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 996 feet.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 67 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 996 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 83 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
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 Niagara Falls is located within Baxter State Park, which is accessible via the Togue Pond Gate or Matagamon Gate. The falls are reached by hiking along the Appalachian Trail within the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated trailheads within Baxter State Park. Visitors should check with the park for specific parking locations and availability.
Elevation
997 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.872267° N, -69.039770° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes and black flies can be common. Check Baxter State Park's rules and regulations before visiting.
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
20.9 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
Big Niagara Falls, Katahdin Stream Falls, Mount Katahdin, and other hiking trails within Baxter State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and birds. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Little Niagara Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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