Screw Auger Falls
Maine • 23 ft
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 Screw Auger Falls
Screw Auger Falls is a photogenic cascade in western Maine that threads a series of pools and bedrock drops before tumbling roughly 23 feet — a compact but attractive waterfall that rewards a short hike. The falls sit in the Grafton Notch area and are on public lands managed by the National Park Service as part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail corridor, making them an easy stop for thru-hikers and day visitors alike. Its sculpted channels and plunge pools make for excellent photos and quiet moments beside tumbling water. While modest in scale compared with some of Maine’s more dramatic features, Screw Auger Falls offers striking geology and accessible scenery. For context, other well-known Maine attractions such as Gulf Hagas showcase how varied the state’s river-cut landscapes can be: Gulf Hagas is a three-mile (4.8 km) gorge where the West Branch of the Pleasant River drops 370 feet (110 m), with walls up to 130 feet (40 m) high. Screw Auger’s ease of access and 23-foot drop make it a popular, approachable stop for hikers exploring Maine’s rugged interior.
The Setting
Screw Auger Falls sits at 915 feet within Appalachian National Scenic Trail, fed by the Sebec River, in the foothills of Maine. The falls drop 23 feet.
Height: 23 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route to Screw Auger Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with about 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated moderate. The path is well-defined and maintained, providing direct access to the falls and viewpoints of the cascades; the waterfall itself measures about 23 feet in height. Surface, grade, and formal trail class were not specified in the available trail data, but the route is commonly used by day-hikers and visitors traveling the Appalachian National Scenic Trail corridor managed by the National Park Service.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 23 feet. 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 Screw Auger Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Screw Auger Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Screw Auger Falls is during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak, or in the fall for vibrant foliage. Winter visits may also be possible, but icy conditions can make access more challenging.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls as the rocks can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the gorge.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 17.6 miles away
50 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
1.95 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
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Sebec River at Sebec, Maine (28 km away).
Today
Moderate
50 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
55 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
55 cfs
6/10Mon
Strong
51 cfs
7/10Tue
Moderate
50 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
42 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Brownville Junction 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 45 feet through Screw Auger Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 23 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 931 feet.
The ground changes about 89 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 931 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 45 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Screw Auger Falls is located along Route 26 in Grafton Notch State Park, Maine. It is easily accessible by car, with clear signage directing visitors to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is free of charge. The parking lot is typically spacious but may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
915 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.484491° N, -69.306439° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer and fall foliage season. Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Where to Stay
Abbot Trailside Lodging
Waterfront home on Moosehead Lake
Leisure Life
All-Season Sanctuary: Steps to Moosehead Lake
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Grafton Notch State Park include Mother Walker Falls, Moose Cave, and hiking trails such as the Eyebrow Loop Trail and Table Rock Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot wildflowers and other native plants.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Screw Auger Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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