Ellis Falls

A Roadside Gem in Andover

Ellis Falls is one of those waterfalls that rewards you without making you work for it. Located just off Route 120 near East Andover in Oxford County, this two-tier cascade on the Ellis River drops roughly 22 feet and sits within a short walk of the road. You can hear it from your car.

The falls consist of two distinct plunges. The upper drop is visible from the road and falls into a narrow chute. The lower drop requires a short scramble down the bank to see properly, where the river widens and tumbles over a broader ledge. Both drops are framed by granite ledge and mixed forest, and the whole scene is surprisingly scenic for how little effort it takes to reach.

Getting to the Falls

From the center of Andover, take Route 120 (East B Hill Road) east. After roughly 3 miles, cross the bridge over the Ellis River. Immediately after the bridge, turn left onto South Arm Road. The falls are visible from this road within a few hundred feet. There is a small pulloff for parking.

The upper cascade is visible from road level. To see the lower falls, follow a short informal path down the bank on the left side. The scramble is only about 50 feet but the slope is steep and can be slippery when wet. Use caution, especially with children.

There is no official trail, no signs, and no developed access. This is simply a waterfall along the road that people have been stopping to see for generations.

The Falls

The Ellis River is not a large waterway, and Ellis Falls reflects that. This is not a thundering wall of water. It is a graceful cascade that slides and drops through a narrow channel in the bedrock. The upper tier falls into a tight chute, and the lower tier fans out wider over a ledge into a shallow pool.

In spring, the river runs high and the falls carry good volume, creating a satisfying roar. By midsummer, the flow drops and the falls become quieter, but the rock formations and forest setting remain attractive. The falls face generally south, so afternoon light reaches the lower cascade and creates good photography conditions.

The Ellis River holds native brook trout, and anglers occasionally fish the pools below the falls. A Maine fishing license is required.

When to Visit

Ellis Falls is accessible year-round since Route 120 and South Arm Road are maintained. Spring offers the best water flow. Summer and fall are the most comfortable for a quick stop. Winter brings ice formations on the falls, but the bank scramble becomes treacherous.

Practical Notes

There are no fees, no permits, and no facilities at Ellis Falls. The pulloff is small and holds maybe three or four cars. On busy summer weekends, you may need to park along the road shoulder. There are no restrooms nearby.

Dogs are welcome but should be leashed near the falls. The scramble to the lower cascade is not suitable for dogs with mobility issues.

Packing List

Getting There

Ellis Falls is just outside Andover in Oxford County. Rumford is the nearest larger town with full services and sits about 20 minutes south. Andover itself has a small general store but limited other amenities, so fuel up in Rumford before heading in if your tank is low.

From the center of Andover, take Route 120 (East B Hill Road) east. After roughly 3 miles you cross a bridge over the Ellis River. Immediately after the bridge, turn left onto South Arm Road. The falls are visible from this road within a few hundred feet.

Parking is a small roadside pulloff that holds maybe three or four cars. On busy summer weekends you may need to park along the shoulder. The upper cascade is visible from road level. To reach the lower tier, follow a short informal scramble of about 50 feet down the bank. The footing is steep and slippery when wet.

GPS coordinates for the falls are approximately 44.6443, -70.7056. Both Route 120 and South Arm Road are maintained year-round, so the pulloff is accessible in all seasons, though the bank scramble becomes treacherous when iced over.

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