Dunn Falls

Two Waterfalls, One Notch

Dunn Falls is not one waterfall but two. The West Branch of the Ellis River drops through a narrow notch in the mountains near Andover North Surplus, creating a lower falls that plunges about 80 feet and an upper falls that drops roughly 70 feet. Between them, the river runs through a tight canyon with cascading pools, old-growth forest, and some of the most dramatic scenery in western Maine.

The falls sit along the Appalachian Trail in Oxford County, and the standard loop hike covers about 2.5 miles with 410 feet of elevation gain. It is a moderate hike with roots, rocks, and a river ford, but nothing that will stop a reasonably fit hiker. The reward is two full-sized waterfalls in a setting that feels completely wild, even though the trailhead is only about 8 miles from the center of Andover.

Getting to Dunn Falls requires some effort to find. The trailhead is on East B Hill Road, a rural road that connects Andover with the New Hampshire border. The parking area is a small dirt pulloff with room for maybe a dozen cars. There are no signs on the main road, so you need to know where you are going.

The Hike

The most common route is a loop using the Appalachian Trail and the Cascade Trail. From the parking area on East B Hill Road, you can go in either direction. Most people start on the Cascade Trail (heading left at the junction), which follows blue blazes for about half a mile to the river ford, passing Dunn Notch Cascades along the way.

Dunn Notch Cascades are a series of smaller falls that drop about 40 feet in total across three steps. They are a nice appetizer for the main event and are worth pausing at. The trail runs close enough that you can see them clearly from the path.

After the Cascade Trail, you reach the river ford. In summer conditions, the water is typically shin to knee-deep. The bottom is rocky, so water shoes or sandals make the crossing much more comfortable. After the ford, the trail climbs to Lower Dunn Falls.

Lower Dunn Falls

The lower falls are the showstopper. The West Branch of the Ellis River drops roughly 80 feet in a powerful plunge into a deep pool at the base of the notch. The walls of the notch rise steeply on either side, covered in moss, ferns, and hemlock. The pool at the base is deep enough for swimming in summer, though the water is cold and the approach requires scrambling over wet rocks.

The falls face a narrow opening in the notch, which means direct sunlight only reaches the base for a few hours in the middle of the day. The rest of the time, the falls are in dappled shade, which creates a moody, atmospheric quality. Photographers tend to prefer the shade for shooting waterfalls anyway, as it eliminates harsh contrast between the white water and dark rock.

Upper Dunn Falls

From the lower falls, the trail continues upstream about a quarter mile to the upper falls. This section of trail is rough, with steep spots and exposed roots. The upper falls drop about 70 feet in a fan shape, spreading wider as the water descends over the rock face. The character is different from the lower falls. Where the lower falls are a concentrated vertical plunge, the upper falls spread out across the rock.

Between the two falls, the river runs through pools and smaller cascades that are excellent for swimming. The water is calmer here than at the base of either waterfall, and the pools are deep enough to submerge in. On a warm day, this stretch between the falls is one of the best swimming spots on any Maine waterfall hike.

When to Go

Summer and early fall are the best times for most visitors. July and August offer the warmest water temperatures (still cold, but swimmable) and the easiest river ford. The forest canopy is fully leafed out, creating a green tunnel effect on the trail.

Fall foliage in the notch is exceptional. The hardwoods on the canyon walls turn vivid orange and gold, contrasting with the dark hemlock and white water. Late September through early October is peak color in this part of Maine.

Spring brings the most dramatic water flow but the trickiest conditions. The river ford may be waist-deep and dangerous during snowmelt. Black flies are brutal in June. By late June, conditions typically settle.

Practical Notes

The parking area is a small dirt lot with no amenities. No restrooms, no trash cans. Pack out everything. The trail is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC).

Dogs are allowed and most dogs handle the trail well. The river ford is the main concern for smaller dogs. Keep dogs leashed near the cliff edges at both waterfalls.

Packing List

Getting There

From Andover, take East B Hill Road (also marked as a road toward Upton) east for approximately 6 miles. The small dirt parking area is on the right side of the road where the Appalachian Trail crosses. There may be a small AT sign, but it is easy to miss. Look for a dirt pulloff with a few cars.

From Bethel, take Route 2 west to Route 5 north to Andover, then follow East B Hill Road. From Rumford, take Route 2 west to Andover. The total drive from Portland is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. From Bangor, about 3 hours.

GPS coordinates for the trailhead: 44.6647, -70.8962

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