Baxter’s Roadside Waterfall
Big Niagara Falls is the easiest major waterfall to reach in Baxter State Park, and it delivers far more than its short walk would suggest. Nesowadnehunk Stream, one of the park’s most beautiful waterways, pours over a broad ledge roughly 25 feet high and 50 feet wide, creating a curtain of white water that crashes into a deep pool below. The falls are powerful, loud, and photogenic, and you can reach them from the Daicey Pond Road with a walk of less than a quarter mile.
The falls sit in the heart of Baxter State Park, the 209,644-acre wilderness preserve that surrounds Mount Katahdin. Nesowadnehunk Stream (pronounced “Neh-SOW-ad-neh-hunk,” or just “Sourdnahunk” by locals) drains the western slopes of the Katahdin massif and flows south through the park before joining the West Branch of the Penobscot River. The stream is rocky, cold, and fast, tumbling through a series of cascades and pools that make it one of the most scenic waterways in the park.
Big Niagara Falls is not actually named after Niagara Falls in New York, despite the similarity. The name is a traditional one that has been used for the falls since at least the log-driving era of the 1800s. The “Big” distinguishes it from a smaller cascade called Little Niagara Falls about a mile upstream, which is also worth visiting if you are in the area.
Little Niagara Falls is about a mile upstream from Big Niagara on Nesowadnehunk Stream. It is a smaller, more intimate cascade with a popular swimming hole. You can walk between the two falls on a trail that follows the stream bank. Visiting both takes about two hours total and gives you a complete picture of Nesowadnehunk Stream.
The Walk to the Falls
From the parking pulloff on the Daicey Pond Road (also called the Nesowadnehunk Tote Road), a short trail descends through mixed forest to the top of the falls. The walk is roughly 0.2 miles each way on a well-worn path with minimal elevation change. The trail is not maintained to the standard of Baxter’s hiking trails but is easy to follow.
At the top of the falls, you can stand on the exposed ledge and look down at the cascade. Below the falls, a steep but short scramble leads to the pool at the base. The pool is deep, cold, and swimmable in summer, and it is one of the best swimming holes in Baxter State Park. The rocks around the pool provide natural seating for picnics and sunbathing.
The approach from below is also possible by walking upstream from a second pulloff further east on the road. This approach brings you directly to the pool and the base of the falls, which is the better vantage point for photography.
The rocks around Big Niagara Falls are wet and extremely slippery. The scramble to the base of the falls requires care, especially with children. Wear shoes with good grip. Do not climb on the ledge at the top of the falls, as a slip would send you over the drop.
Swimming and Fishing
The pool below Big Niagara Falls is one of the premier swimming holes in Baxter State Park. The water is cold, typically in the mid-50s to low 60s even in August, but on a hot day the pool is irresistible. The depth below the falls is sufficient for jumping from the lower rocks (not from the top of the falls), and the pool fans out into shallower wading areas downstream.
Nesowadnehunk Stream is managed as a catch-and-release, artificial lures only fishery within Baxter State Park. Wild brook trout live in the stream, and the pools above and below the falls hold fish. Bring a small fly rod or ultralight spinning rod if you want to fish. The trout are not large but they are wild and beautiful.
The best swimming at Big Niagara is in July and August when afternoon air temperatures warm the rocks around the pool. Morning visitors tend to be hikers passing through; afternoon visitors come specifically to swim. Bring a towel and plan to spend at least an hour. The cold water takes some getting used to, but it is refreshing on a hot day.
When to Go
Spring
Highest water flow. The falls are at peak power in late May and June. Cold water. Black flies. Park roads may not be fully open until late May.
Summer
Warmest conditions. Swimming is best in July and August. Falls are impressive at moderate flow. Park is busiest.
Fall
Foliage along Nesowadnehunk Stream is beautiful. Cooler water. Park closes road access October 15.
Winter
Park road is closed. Falls are inaccessible by vehicle. Snowshoe approach is possible but very long.
Summer is the best time for Big Niagara Falls, combining comfortable temperatures with good water flow and swimming conditions. The falls are impressive year-round when accessible, but the swimming hole makes July and August the prime months.
Practical Information
Baxter State Park has specific rules that differ from other parks in Maine. Dogs are not allowed in the park. Entrance is by vehicle reservation during peak season (July through early September), and the park gates open at 6 AM. Non-resident vehicles pay a $15 entrance fee. The park is day-use only unless you have a campsite reservation at Daicey Pond, Kidney Pond, or another park campground.
The Daicey Pond Road (Nesowadnehunk Tote Road) is a rough gravel road with a 20 mph speed limit. It connects the Togue Pond gatehouse to the western side of the park. Big Niagara Falls is roughly 13 miles from the southern gatehouse.
Packing List
Big Niagara Falls Visit
- Sturdy shoes with good grip (slippery rocks around the falls)
- Swimsuit and towel (the swimming hole is excellent)
- Camera (the falls photograph well from below)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Bug spray (black flies June through mid-July)
- Sunscreen (the pool area is open and sunny)
- Warm layers (water and air can be cold even in summer)
- Baxter State Park entrance fee ($15 for non-residents)
Getting There
From Millinocket, take Route 157 west and then Baxter State Park Road north to the Togue Pond gatehouse, about 18 miles. From the gatehouse, follow the park perimeter road (Nesowadnehunk Tote Road) west and north for approximately 13 miles to the Big Niagara Falls pulloff on the left side of the road. The pulloff is marked with a small sign.
From Bangor, Millinocket is about 80 miles north on Route 11 and Route 157, roughly 1.5 hours. From Portland, the drive to Millinocket is about 4.5 hours via Interstate 95.
GPS coordinates for Big Niagara Falls: 45.9170, -68.9950
FAQ
How far is the walk to Big Niagara Falls?
The walk from the roadside pulloff to the falls is approximately 0.2 miles each way, making the round trip less than half a mile. The trail is short and easy with minimal elevation change.
Can you swim at Big Niagara Falls?
Yes. The pool below the falls is one of the best swimming holes in Baxter State Park. The water is cold (mid-50s to low 60s), but it is deep enough for swimming and jumping from the lower rocks. Do not jump from the top of the falls.
Are dogs allowed at Big Niagara Falls?
No. Dogs are not allowed anywhere in Baxter State Park. This is a park-wide rule with no exceptions.
Do I need a reservation to visit Big Niagara Falls?
During peak season (July through early September), vehicle reservations are required to enter Baxter State Park. Outside peak season, entry is first-come, first-served with the entrance fee. Check the Baxter State Park website for current reservation requirements.
What is the difference between Big and Little Niagara Falls?
Big Niagara Falls is the larger cascade, roughly 25 feet high and 50 feet wide. Little Niagara Falls is about a mile upstream, smaller and more intimate, with its own popular swimming hole. Both are on Nesowadnehunk Stream and can be visited in a single outing.
