Mother Walker Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Mother Walker Falls
Mother Walker Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Grafton Notch State Park area of Maine. It is part of the Bear River and is known for its cascading flow over rocky terrain, especially during the spring and after heavy rains.
The Setting
Mother Walker Falls sits at 1,421 feet within Grafton Notch State Park, in the foothills of Maine.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dryad Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 300 feet, lies 12.0 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Silver Ripple Cascade (30 ft, 11.8 mi) and Screw Auger Falls (23 ft, 0.9 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Mother Walker Falls is very short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It involves a brief walk from the parking area to a viewing spot near the falls.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mother Walker Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mother Walker Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is in the spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and stay on designated paths. Be aware of changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ellis River, 9.6 miles away, not on Mother Walker Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
75 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 45 years of record
5.17 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 Ellis River at South Andover, Maine (15 km away).
Today
Strong
82 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
89 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
95 cfs
7/10Fri
Strong
90 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
89 cfs
7/10Sun
Strong
98 cfs
7/10Mon
Strong
98 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Mother Walker Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Mother Walker Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 79 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 173 feet of descent through Mother Walker Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,421 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 174 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 67 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,421 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 173 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Mother Walker Falls is located along Route 26 in Grafton Notch State Park. The falls are easily accessible from the road, with a short walk required to view them.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area along Route 26 near the falls. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,421 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.578114° N, -70.926741° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after a rainstorm for the best views of the falls. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls may be wet and slippery.
Where to Stay
Jordan Hotel
Grand Summit Hotel
River View Resort
Town & Country Inn & Resort
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
HASTINGS CAMPGROUND
15.9 miles away · 25 sites
Overview Hastings Campground is located on Route 113 near the shore of Evans Brook in western Maine. It is situated in a rustic and remote part of White Mountain National Forest, not far from the towns of Gilead Me and Gorham, New Hampshire. Activities include fishing, hiking and mountain biking. 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 i
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Grafton Notch State Park include Screw Auger Falls, Moose Cave, and hiking trails such as the Eyebrow Loop Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Moose sightings are also possible in the region.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
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