Little Wilson Falls
Maine • 60 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Little Wilson Falls
Little Wilson Falls tumbles roughly 60 feet into a forested gorge along Little Wilson Stream, offering a striking reward for a moderate Maine hike. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountain region and accessed from the corridor of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the falls sit within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail land unit (a National Trail managed by the National Park Service). The narrow gorge and cascading drop create dramatic photo opportunities and a peaceful spot to linger before returning to the trail. This cascade is a popular stop for day hikers and thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail corridor, providing an accessible slice of Maine wilderness without a long backcountry approach. Because the falls are reached from the established trail corridor, expect a mix of quiet forest, rocky ledges and streamside viewpoints that highlight the rugged, wooded character of the region.
The Setting
Little Wilson Falls sits at 830 feet within Appalachian National Scenic Trail, fed by the Piscataquis River, in the foothills of Maine. The falls drop 60 feet.
Height: 60 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail: out-and-back along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail corridor. Distance: 3.4 miles round trip. Elevation gain: about 500 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Surface and technical class: primarily natural tread through forest with rocky sections and stream crossings (no USFS trail number provided in source data). The route climbs and descends moderate grades, and footing can become slick or muddy in spring or after heavy rains—wear grippy shoes and be prepared for some rock-hopping near the falls. Managed as part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (National Trail) by the National Park Service.
What to Expect
The falls drop 60 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Wilson Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Wilson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is most accessible, and the waterfall flow is typically strong. Winter visits are possible but may require snowshoes or crampons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hikers should exercise caution near the edge of the gorge and around slippery rocks. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device.
Current Water Conditions
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
3.09 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Piscataquis River at Blanchard, Maine (15 km away).
Today
Low
3 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
5 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
7 cfs
4/10Mon
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
7 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
8 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
8 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 133 feet of descent through Little Wilson Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 60 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 830 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 104 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 103 feet in the 500 feet below it. 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
- 830 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 133 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
Little Wilson Falls is located near Monson, Maine, and can be accessed via the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead is typically reached by driving along Elliotsville Road, which may require a high-clearance vehicle depending on road conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead along Elliotsville Road, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early during peak seasons.
Elevation
830 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.373937° N, -69.471718° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots, especially during wet conditions. Bring bug spray in the summer months to protect against mosquitoes and black flies. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the trail with fewer crowds.
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With 3.4 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Abbot Trailside Lodging
Leisure Life
All-Season Sanctuary: Steps to Moosehead Lake
Waterfront home on Moosehead Lake
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
The Appalachian Trail and nearby Borestone Mountain are popular hiking destinations in the area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and a range of bird species.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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