Sawtelle Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sawtelle Falls
Sawtelle Falls is a secluded, scenic cascade set in a forested corner of Maine, ideal for hikers who enjoy a quiet nature escape. The falls are framed by mature woods and offer a photogenic plunge pool and shady spots to sit and listen to the rushing water. Expect a mellow, restorative hike through mixed forest; sturdy footwear is recommended for the uneven, root-strewn sections that lead down to the water.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route follows a natural forest footpath that winds through wooded terrain and drops toward the falls. Surface is unimproved dirt with exposed roots and occasional uneven tread; sections can be steeper in places but there are no technical moves. Wear sturdy shoes, take care on the descent to the water, and be prepared for typical woods conditions (roots, leaf litter, and occasional slick rock near the stream).
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 Sawtelle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sawtelle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, especially after rain. Always supervise children and pets near the water. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Seboeis River, 1.1 miles away, not on Sawtelle Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
34 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 28 years of record
4.56 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Seboeis River near Shin Pond, Maine (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
37 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
39 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
39 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
33 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, 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 Patten hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Sawtelle Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Sawtelle Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 39°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 35 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 48 feet through Sawtelle Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 604 feet.
The ground changes about 24 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 604 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 48 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sawtelle Falls is located near the town of Jackman, Maine. Access typically involves driving on local roads, and the falls may be reached via a short walk from a nearby parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited depending on the season.
Elevation
600 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.154213° N, -68.649763° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes and other insects may be present. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls.
Where to Stay
All Season Fun and Cozy Home in Island Falls, ME
Mattawamkeag River Cottage
Sewall House Yoga Retreat
Black Bear Dens
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Camping and Huts
7.5 miles away · 27 sites
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.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Moose River and the town of Jackman, which offers additional outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally moose. Visitors should remain cautious and respectful of wildlife.
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Sawtelle Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.