Are there fees or permits required for Passamagamet Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Passamagamet Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Passamagamet Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Passamagamet Falls near Brownville Junction, Maine

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (East Branch Penobscot River) · 675 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Passamagamet Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Passamagamet Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Passamagamet Falls.

Maine

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Passamagamet Falls

Passamagamet Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Maine, known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings. It is part of the Penobscot River system and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading water amidst a forested setting.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is limited information available about the specific trail leading to Passamagamet Falls. Visitors should be prepared for potentially uneven terrain and unmarked paths. It is recommended to consult local guides or recent visitor reports for the most accurate trail details.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and remote experience at Passamagamet Falls. The falls are surrounded by forested areas, and the sound of rushing water creates a tranquil atmosphere. Wildlife sightings may also be possible in the area.

Accessibility

The falls may not be easily accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain and remote location.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Passamagamet Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Passamagamet Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as water flow is typically higher due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for exploration.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and strong currents in the water. Be prepared for remote conditions, and let someone know your plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Penobscot River, 16.3 miles away, not on Passamagamet Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

675 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

408 737 2.5k 3.5k

Based on 105 years of record

4.99 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

East Branch Penobscot River at Grindstone, Maine

USGS 01029500

16.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 837 sq mi

Altitude: 294 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge East Branch Penobscot River at Grindstone, Maine (26 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

675 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

729 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Strong

744 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

680 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

724 cfs

7/10

Sat

Strong

837 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

864 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

741 cfs

10/10

Best window: Thu — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late 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 Brownville Junction hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Passamagamet Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Passamagamet Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 33°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 731 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Passamagamet Falls near Brownville Junction, 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.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Passamagamet Falls is located near the Penobscot River in Maine. Access is typically via logging roads or forest roads, so a high-clearance vehicle may be recommended. Exact directions should be verified with local resources or maps.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking may be available near the falls, but it is likely limited and unpaved. Visitors should plan accordingly and ensure they are not blocking access roads.

Elevation

492 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.749214° N, -68.925877° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Check local road and trail conditions before visiting.

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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Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

The Penobscot River and surrounding forested areas offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation.

Wildlife

The area around Passamagamet Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and possibly moose. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.