LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Mallison Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Mallison Falls
Mallison Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Windham, Maine, along the Presumpscot River. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful natural setting.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Mallison Falls is short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors. It follows a gentle path along the Presumpscot River, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding forest.
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 Mallison Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mallison Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Mallison Falls due to higher water levels.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of changing water levels, especially after heavy rains.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Presumpscot River, 5.9 miles away, not on Mallison Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
342 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
2.40 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 Presumpscot River near West Falmouth, Maine (9 km away).
Today
Moderate
342 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
373 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
390 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
391 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
359 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
339 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
344 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, peaking in March.
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 Little Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Mallison Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Mallison Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 348 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 shows the creek losing roughly 65 feet through Mallison Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 98 feet.
The ground changes about 9 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 98 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 65 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
Mallison Falls is located off Mallison Falls Road in Windham, Maine. The falls are accessible via a short walk from the parking area near the Presumpscot River.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the falls, typically along the roadside or in small designated areas.
Elevation
98 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.727301° N, -70.420330° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery in some areas.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland, ME
Comfort Inn South Portland Airport
Home2 Suites By Hilton Portland Airport
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 sections of the Presumpscot River and local parks in Windham.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species and small mammals. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Mallison Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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