LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Mad River Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Mad River Falls
Mad River Falls sits tucked into the forested slopes of the White Mountain National Forest, offering a quietly scenic destination for hikers who enjoy a shorter, rewarding outing. The cascade is reached via a short USFS-designated spur (Bickford Brook Spur A, Trail #31852A) that drops into the riparian corridor; the approach through mixed woods makes this feel like a genuine hidden gem without a long trek. The falls and trail are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the national forest, and the outing pairs well with nearby camping — Basin Campground is about 2.67 km away if you want to make a night of it. Expect a moderate overall hike with some steady climbing on the approach, and bring sturdy shoes for the native-surface spur that leads down to the water.
The Setting
Mad River Falls sits at 974 feet within White Mountain National Forest, in the foothills of Maine.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Bickford Brook Spur A (#31852A), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
BICKFORD BROOK SPUR A #31852A
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.08 miTrail Description
The official USFS spur to Mad River Falls is Bickford Brook Spur A (Trail #31852A): a short (0.08 GIS miles) class 2 segment surfaced with native material and typically pitching at a 12–20% grade as it descends toward the brook. The main tread is generally natural and wooded; expect uneven ground in places, so good footwear and caution on the steeper spur are recommended.
What to Expect
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 Mad River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mad River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with White Mountain National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery near the falls, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Wild River, 7.2 miles away, not on Mad River Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 62 years of record
1.26 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 Wild River at Gilead, Maine (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
25 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March 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 Bethel hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Mad River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Mad River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 30 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 260 feet of descent through Mad River Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 978 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 223 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 126 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 978 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 260 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
Mad River Falls is located near the town of Batchelders Grant in Oxford County, Maine. Access typically involves driving on rural roads, and the trailhead may be unmarked or difficult to locate. Visitors are advised to use GPS coordinates or consult local hiking resources for precise directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may consist of a small pull-off area near the trailhead. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking access roads.
Elevation
974 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.288398° N, -71.006184° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the warmer months, as mosquitoes and other insects may be present. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven in spots. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy after rain.
Where to Stay
White Mountains Getaway with amazing views!
Town & Country Inn & Resort
Top Notch Inn
The Glen House
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
BASIN CAMPGROUND
1.7 miles away · 21 sites
Overview Basin Campground is located in a rustic, remote part of White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, about 15 miles north of Fryeburg, Maine. It is a small facility with access to hiking and mountain biking trails and proximity to a small pond for fishing and canoeing. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the mo
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Grafton Notch State Park and Screw Auger Falls are located nearby and offer additional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.
Cities near Mad River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Mad River Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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