Moxie Falls
Maine's tallest waterfall plunges 90 feet through a dramatic slate gorge. An easy hike leads to one of New England's most impressive cascades.
Moxie Falls drops 90 feet over a sheer slate ledge into a mist-filled gorge—Maine’s tallest waterfall and one of the most impressive cascades in New England. The falls are hidden in the Western Maine woods near The Forks, requiring a short hike through forest to reach, but the trail is easy and the payoff is spectacular.
Unlike many New England waterfalls that require scrambling or difficult approaches, Moxie Falls welcomes casual visitors. A well-maintained trail leads to viewing platforms at the gorge rim, where the full height of the falls reveals itself. For those willing to descend to the base, the experience becomes more immersive—spray, thunder, and the raw power of water in motion.
The Falls
Vital Statistics
- Height: 90 feet (tallest in Maine)
- Type: Plunge waterfall
- Water source: Moxie Stream
- Best flow: Spring (peak runoff) and after heavy rain
What Makes Moxie Special
The height: At 90 feet, Moxie Falls dwarfs most New England waterfalls. The uninterrupted plunge creates genuine drama.
The gorge: The falls drop into a narrow slate canyon, amplifying the sound and spray. The dark rock walls frame the white water perfectly.
The accessibility: Unlike many comparable waterfalls, Moxie requires only an easy 0.6-mile hike on a well-maintained trail.
The setting: Deep in the Maine woods, away from roads and development. The wilderness context adds to the experience.
Seasonal Variations
Spring (April-May): Peak flow from snowmelt. The falls thunder with maximum volume. Trail may be muddy.
Summer (June-August): Reduced flow but still impressive. The pool at the base offers swimming for the bold.
Fall (September-October): Lower water but beautiful foliage surrounding the gorge.
Winter (December-March): Partial or full ice formation. Spectacular when frozen but trail conditions can be challenging.
The Hike
Trail Statistics
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Elevation change: Minimal on main trail; steeper descent to base
- Difficulty: Easy to viewing platform; moderate to base
- Time: 30-45 minutes to falls; 1-1.5 hours total
The Route
The trail begins from a parking area on Moxie Pond Road and follows an old woods road through mixed forest.
What to expect:
- Wide, well-marked path
- Mostly flat terrain with gentle undulations
- Boardwalks over wet sections
- Forest of spruce, fir, and hardwoods
- Sound of the falls grows as you approach
Viewing Platforms
The trail leads to observation platforms at the rim of the gorge, offering direct views of the falls from above.
Upper platform: First views of the falls and gorge.
Lower platform: Closer to water level, better angle on the full drop.
Descending to the Base
Stairs and a trail descend from the rim to the base of the falls. This section is steeper and can be slippery.
At the base:
- Full-height view of the cascade
- Mist and spray (waterproof your camera)
- Deep pool (swimming possible in summer)
- Dramatic perspective on the gorge walls
Note: The descent adds difficulty and time. The rim views are satisfying on their own.
Practical Information
Getting There
Moxie Falls is located near The Forks, in Maine’s Kennebec Valley.
From The Forks: Head east on Lake Moxie Road, then turn onto Moxie Pond Road. The trailhead parking is signed on the right, about 2 miles from the turn. Gravel roads but generally accessible to regular vehicles.
From Route 201: About 3 miles from The Forks village.
GPS note: Cell coverage is limited in this area. Download directions before losing signal.
Parking
Small gravel lot at the trailhead. No fee. Can fill on busy summer weekends.
Facilities
No restrooms or facilities at the trailhead. The Forks has restaurants and services.
When to Visit
Best times:
- Spring for maximum water flow
- Weekday mornings for solitude
- After rain for increased flow
Avoid:
- Holiday weekends (crowded parking)
- Extended dry spells (reduced flow)
What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear (trail can be wet and rocky)
- Water and snacks
- Camera (waterproof protection if descending to base)
- Layers (gorge is cool and shaded)
- Bug spray (summer mosquitoes are real)
Safety Considerations
Gorge Edges
The viewing platforms have railings, but the gorge rim is otherwise unprotected. Keep children close. Stay back from edges.
Wet Surfaces
The trail, stairs, and rocks near the falls can be extremely slippery. Take your time, especially on the descent to the base.
Swimming
The pool at the base offers swimming in summer, but the water is cold and the rocks are slippery. No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk.
Remoteness
Cell service is unreliable. The area is isolated. Hike with a partner and let someone know your plans.
Combining with Other Activities
The Forks
This small village is the hub for outdoor adventure in the Kennebec Valley.
Rafting: The Kennebec and Dead Rivers offer some of the best whitewater in the East. Multiple outfitters run trips.
Kayaking: Calmer water options available for paddlers.
ATVing: Trail networks throughout the region.
Other Waterfalls
The region has several other falls worth visiting:
Houston Brook Falls: Another impressive cascade near The Forks.
Smalls Falls: Near Rangeley, a series of cascades with swimming holes.
Angel Falls: Maine’s second tallest, requiring a more challenging hike.
Moosehead Region
The Forks sits at the southern edge of Maine’s Moosehead region—moose country, big woods, and vast wilderness.
The Experience
The trail winds through quiet forest, the kind of Maine woods that go on for miles in every direction. Birds call. Sunlight filters through spruce and fir. The world narrows to the path ahead.
And then you hear it—the distant rumble that grows as you walk, becoming unmistakable. Water, falling. A lot of water, falling a long way.
The trail reaches the rim and the gorge opens before you. The falls drop in a single white sheet, 90 feet of Moxie Stream suspended briefly in air before shattering on the rocks below. Mist rises from the impact. The sound fills the canyon.
You can stay at the rim and absorb the view. Or you can descend—stairs, then a trail, then the base of the gorge where spray dampens your face and the thunder of the falls vibrates in your chest. Here, looking up at the cascade, the scale becomes visceral. This is water doing what water does, and doing it at a scale that commands attention.
Moxie Falls asks only 0.6 miles of easy walking and delivers one of the most impressive natural features in New England. The equation is simple, and it works.
Maine’s tallest waterfall hides in the woods near The Forks, waiting for those willing to take a short walk off the road. The trail is easy. The falls are not. That contrast—effortless access to raw power—is what makes Moxie Falls worth the drive.