Slugundy Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Slugundy Falls
Slugundy Falls is a tucked-away cascade nestled within the Appalachian Trail Corridor in Maine, overseen and owned by SPR. The falls offer a peaceful, photogenic spot framed by quiet forest — a pleasant destination for hikers and nature lovers looking for a scenic stop without a long backcountry commitment. SPR manages the site under its SP designation, helping preserve the corridor’s natural character. The trail’s wooded setting and the short approach make Slugundy Falls a rewarding half-day excursion; wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for some uneven footing as you approach the water and viewing areas.
The Setting
Slugundy Falls sits at 587 feet within Appalachian Trail Corridor, in the foothills of Maine.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Little Wilson Falls (60 ft) lies 3.7 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Billings Falls (15 ft, 6.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Rated moderate. The route follows wooded terrain through the Appalachian Trail Corridor managed by SPR and leads directly to the falls. Footing may be uneven in places, so sturdy shoes and caution near wet rocks are recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Slugundy Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Slugundy Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Slugundy Falls, as water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall view.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on wet or slippery rocks near the falls. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly and let someone know your itinerary.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Piscataquis River, 12.9 miles away, not on Slugundy Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
40 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 30 years of record
3.86 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 Piscataquis River at Blanchard, Maine (21 km away).
Today
Strong
44 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
46 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
48 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
51 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
53 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
61 cfs
7/10Mon
Moderate
57 cfs
9/10Best window: Thu — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Brownville Junction hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Slugundy Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Slugundy Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 43 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 36 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 587 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 587 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 36 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Slugundy Falls is located near the town of T9 R5 WELS in Maine. Access typically involves driving on logging roads, which may be rough or unpaved. Visitors should use a reliable map or GPS as signage may be limited.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should ensure they park in designated areas to avoid obstructing logging operations.
Elevation
587 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.413936° N, -69.420329° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months as mosquitoes and black flies can be prevalent. Check road conditions before visiting, especially during the spring thaw or after heavy rains.
Where to Stay
Abbot Trailside Lodging
Leisure Life
All-Season Sanctuary: Steps to Moosehead Lake
Waterfront home on 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 nearby natural attractions include the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Deboullie Public Reserved Land.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally moose. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Slugundy Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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