Are there fees or permits required for Norway Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Norway Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Norway Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Norway Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Norway Falls near Patten, Maine, showing about 56 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 312 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Norway Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Norway Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Norway Falls.

Maine

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Baxter State Park SP · SPR

About Norway Falls

Norway Falls is a quietly scenic cascade tucked into the woods of Baxter State Park in Maine. Nestled within this state park land unit (designation: SP), the falls offer a classic northern-forest setting—rocky ledges, mossy banks, and the steady rush of water—that makes for an inviting short escape from the region's larger trails. The visit to Norway Falls is best approached as a moderate day hike: the route is an out-and-back that climbs through shaded forest and delivers a rewarding waterside viewpoint without requiring a full-day commitment. Because the falls lie inside park lands, expect a preserved, natural setting and bring sturdy footwear for uneven footing and seasonally variable conditions.

The Setting

Norway Falls sits at 942 feet within Baxter State Park, fed by the E. Br. Penobscot River, in the foothills of Maine.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Norway Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. The route follows forested terrain on natural tread; hikers should be prepared for uneven ground and occasional root- or rock-strewn sections. There is no USFS trail number provided for this route in the available data, and surface/grade/class details beyond the moderate difficulty and elevation gain are not specified.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with the sound of cascading water surrounded by lush greenery. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls, offering a peaceful experience.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not documented. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Norway Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Norway Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Norway Falls, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, enhancing the scenery.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Trails may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 38 minutes ago Barely Flowing

312 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 2 years of record

2.74 ft

Water depth at gauge

64°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

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. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

E. Br. Penobscot River below Grand Lake Matagamon

USGS 01029100

9.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 493 sq mi

Altitude: 626 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge E. Br. Penobscot River below Grand Lake Matagamon (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

312 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

312 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

312 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

310 cfs

4/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

332 cfs

3/10

Tue

Low

341 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

316 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

299 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, peaking in May.

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 Patten 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 shows the creek losing roughly 56 feet through Norway Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 948 feet.

The ground changes about 45 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 15 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Norway Falls near Patten, Maine, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 948 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 56 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Norway Falls is located near the town of Norway, Maine. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not well-documented, but there may be limited parking near the trailhead. Visitors should plan accordingly and check local resources for updates.

Elevation

942 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.005363° N, -68.843834° W

Land Management

Baxter State Park SP

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months. Check local weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become slippery after rain.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Camping and Huts

8.5 miles away · 27 sites

Reservable

Overview Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and enjoying other re

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

The town of Norway, Maine, offers small-town charm and local shops. Nearby hiking trails and lakes may also be worth exploring.

Wildlife

The area around Norway Falls may feature typical Maine wildlife, such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be aware of ticks and other insects.