LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Sprague Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Sprague Falls
Sprague Falls is a small, tranquil cascade tucked into Maine’s forested landscape, a perfect short escape for hikers wanting scenery without a long slog. The falls are a quieter, lesser-known spot that rewards an easy outing with mossy rocks, dappled light through the trees, and the steady sound of falling water. Expect a peaceful setting that feels remote despite the short approach. Reaching the viewpoint is straightforward — the trail is a brief 0.6-mile walk with only about 50 feet of elevation gain, rated easy and configured as an out-and-back. That short distance and gentle climb make Sprague Falls a great stop for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking to add a scenic detour to a day of exploring coastal Maine. Note that formal campgrounds are not immediately adjacent; the nearest developed option is Schoodic Woods Campground, roughly 29.9 km away by road.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 0.6 miles, Elevation gain: 50 feet, Difficulty: Easy, Trail type: Out-and-back. The path to Sprague Falls is short and mostly gentle — a quick stroll through wooded terrain with minimal climbing. The route is unambiguous and compact, but sections can be uneven or rooty, so sturdy footwear is recommended. There is no USFS trail number or detailed USFS surface/grade/class data provided for this approach.
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 Sprague Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sprague 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
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions, and avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Narraguagus River, 3.9 miles away, not on Sprague Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
482 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 78 years of record
9.12 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Narraguagus River at Cherryfield, Maine (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
500 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
548 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
627 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
656 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
648 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
674 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
627 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Milbridge hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Sprague Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Sprague Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 558 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 35 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 67 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. Facing southeast, the falls 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
- 67 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 35 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- 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 southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sprague Falls is located in Washington County, Maine, near the town of Cherryfield. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or a detailed map to navigate to the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the falls. Visitors should plan to park along the roadside or in designated areas if available.
Elevation
72 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.645076° N, -67.993895° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Bring bug spray during the summer months, as the area can be buggy. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Acadia Inn
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel by IHG
Oceanfront Hancock Cottage
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
Schoodic Woods Campground
18.6 miles away · 94 sites
Overview For Schoodic Woods campsites, 90 percent of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10 percent are released at 10 am 14 days ahead of a desired arrival date on a rolling basis. For example, if you plan to arrive on May 24, you can make an online reservation starting at 10 am EST Dec 1 from the first release or starting at 10 am EST on May 10 from the second release. All campsite reservations must be made through recreation.gov.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Cherryfield and other natural sites in Washington County.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and forest wildlife. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and black flies.
Cities near Sprague Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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