Are there fees or permits required for Stair Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Stair Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Stair Falls.

Nearby gauge (Sebec River) · 820 ft³/s · About average

Stair Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Stair Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Stair Falls.

Maine

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Stair Falls, see below

Katahdin Iron Works PCON · NGO

Photo Credits (5)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

Fredlyfish4 CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

AirHaake CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

About Stair Falls

Stair Falls tumbles along the West Branch of the Pleasant River in Maine, cascading over a series of rocky ledges that create a peaceful, photogenic riverside setting. The falls lie within the Katahdin Iron Works land unit (designation: PCON) on conservation land managed by a local NGO, and are framed by dense northern hardwood and spruce forest—an inviting spot for hikers and photographers seeking quiet natural scenery. Seasonal flow can be dramatic in spring and after heavy rains, highlighting the layered character of the drops. The approach traverses conservation lands and includes stretches of logging road, forest track and some unmarked segments, so come prepared with good footwear, basic route-finding skills, and check with the land manager/NGO for current parking or access guidance.

The Setting

Stair Falls sits at 1,135 feet within Katahdin Iron Works, in the foothills of Maine.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Screw Auger Falls (23 ft) lies 2.0 miles to the east. Also nearby: Billings Falls (15 ft, 0.3 mi).

Screw Auger Falls Billings Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Surface and route: a mix of logging roads, forest tracks and informal/unmarked paths; expect variable grade with short climbs and uneven terrain. Signage is limited—route-finding experience and a map or GPS are recommended. The access route and falls are on conservation lands within the Katahdin Iron Works unit managed by a local NGO; consult the land manager for up-to-date access information and parking.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by a tranquil forest setting. The area is remote, so it is important to plan ahead and be prepared for limited amenities.

Accessibility

The falls are located in a remote area with potentially rough terrain, making them less accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Stair Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Stair 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

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and strong currents in the river. Cell phone service may be limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting. Carry a first aid kit and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sebec River, 19.2 miles away, not on Stair Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

820 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

76 230 844 1.6k

Based on 71 years of record

3.65 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

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

Sebec River at Sebec, Maine

USGS 01033000

19.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 325 sq mi

Altitude: 296 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Sebec River at Sebec, Maine (31 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

820 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

886 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

850 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

796 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

841 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

927 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

962 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

919 cfs

9/10

Best window: Thu — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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.

Is Stair Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Stair Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 34°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 828 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 measures about 19 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Stair Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 1,137 feet.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Stair Falls near Brownville Junction, Maine, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Stair Falls near Brownville Junction, Maine, showing about 19 feet of drop

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,137 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 19 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Stair Falls is located near Brownville Junction, approximately 19.3 miles away. The falls can be accessed via logging roads in the area, but specific directions should be verified before visiting as road conditions may vary. GPS coordinates: 45.4942, -69.3445.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is typically available along nearby logging roads, but spaces may be limited and conditions can vary depending on the season.

Elevation

1,135 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.494213° N, -69.344495° W

Land Management

Katahdin Iron Works PCON

Managed by NGO

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the area is remote and trails may not be clearly marked. Check road conditions before visiting, especially during mud season or winter. Wear sturdy footwear and be cautious on slippery rocks near the falls.