Man O'War Brook Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Man O'War Brook Falls
Man O'War Brook Falls tumbles through a quiet pocket of Acadia National Park, offering a classic Maine woodland cascade framed by evergreen trees and moss-covered ledges. The site lies on land owned by DESG and is within the park's designated MPA, and it is managed by the National Park Service—so you'll find preserved scenery and the sort of clear, easy-to-follow information that makes a short visit straightforward and rewarding. Photographers and families alike will appreciate the intimate scale of the falls and the shaded pools at their base. Access is simple: a short, easy hike leads you to the falls, making Man O'War Brook a great half-day stop while exploring Acadia's trails and rocky coastline. If you're camping, Blackwoods Campground is the nearest overnight option at about 8.97 km away, making it convenient to base a morning or evening visit from the campground.
The Setting
Man O'War Brook Falls sits at 102 feet within Acadia National Park, fed by the Otter Creek, in the coastal lowlands of Maine.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 1.0 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 200 feet. Difficulty: easy. This short route within Acadia National Park is a brief forested walk with a modest ascent to the falls—suitable for most visitors and families. The trail is managed as part of the park by the National Park Service; Blackwoods Campground lies roughly 8.97 km from the trailhead for nearby overnight camping.
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 Man O'War Brook Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Man O'War Brook Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Acadia National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device if venturing further into the wilderness.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
1.55 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 Otter Creek near Bar Harbor, Maine (9 km away).
Today
Strong
0 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
0 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
0 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
1 cfs
10/10Thu
Moderate
1 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
1 cfs
9/10Sat
Strong
1 cfs
8/10Best window: Wed — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, 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 Northeast Harbor 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 80 feet of drop through Man O'War Brook Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 100 feet above sea level.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 80 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
- 100 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 80 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
Man O'War Brook Falls is located near the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The falls can be accessed via a short hike from the trail, with the closest access point being near the town of Monson. Visitors should consult local maps or guides for precise directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at trailheads along the Appalachian Trail. Specific parking locations may vary depending on the chosen access point.
Elevation
102 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.318969° N, -68.320017° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
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This easy 1.0 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.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Acadia Inn
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
Kimball Terrace Inn
Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel by IHG
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
BLACKWOODS CAMPGROUND
5.6 miles away · 292 sites
Overview For Blackwoods campsites, 90 percent of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10 percent are released at 10 am 14 days ahead of a desired arrival date on a rolling basis. For example, if you plan to arrive on May 24, you can make an online reservation starting at 10 am EST Dec 1 from the first release or starting at 10 am EST on May 10 from the second release. All campsite reservations must be made through recreation.gov. 90%
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Appalachian Trail passes near the falls, offering additional hiking opportunities. The town of Monson provides amenities and serves as a gateway to the 100-Mile Wilderness.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Moose sightings are also possible in the region.
Cities near Man O'War Brook Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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