A Hidden Falls Near a College Town
Mosher Hill Falls is one of those waterfalls that most people drive past without knowing it exists. Tucked into a wooded ravine on a tributary of the Sandy River near Farmington, this 45-foot cascade drops over layered ledge into a small pool surrounded by hemlock and hardwoods. The walk to reach it is barely a third of a mile on an easy, well-worn path through the woods.
Farmington is a University of Maine campus town in Franklin County, roughly two hours from both Portland and Bangor. Most people passing through are headed to Rangeley, Sugarloaf, or the western mountains. Mosher Hill Falls is a quick detour that takes 30 minutes from the car and back, and it is the kind of low-key natural spot that makes you glad you stopped.
The Trail
The path to the falls leaves from a roadside pulloff and drops gently through mixed forest for about a third of a mile. The trail is informal but obvious, following the stream drainage downhill to the base of the falls. Footing is generally good, with some roots and a few muddy patches near the water.
The walk is flat enough for almost anyone. Young children, elderly visitors, and people in casual shoes can handle it without trouble. The only section that requires any attention is the final approach to the pool at the base, where the ground can be slippery on wet rocks.
The rocks at the base of the falls are wet and mossy year-round. Watch your footing when approaching the pool, especially with children. The ledge above the falls is also slick and should be avoided.
The Falls
Mosher Hill Falls drops roughly 25 feet over a series of angled ledge steps. The water fans out as it descends, creating a broad curtain effect during higher flow. The falls are framed by hemlock trees on both sides, giving the spot a sheltered, intimate feel that larger waterfalls lack.
The pool at the base is shallow and not really suitable for swimming, but on a hot day you can wade in the stream below the falls and cool off. The setting is quiet and peaceful. You are unlikely to share the falls with more than one or two other visitors, even on a weekend.
In spring, snowmelt from the surrounding hills pushes the flow up significantly, and the falls are at their most impressive from mid-April through late May. By midsummer the flow decreases but the falls remain scenic. After a heavy rain at any time of year, the volume picks up noticeably.
The best time to see Mosher Hill Falls at peak flow is late April through mid-May, when snowmelt feeds the stream. The falls go from a gentle cascade to a full-width curtain of water. If you are passing through Farmington in spring, it is worth the 30-minute detour.
Getting There
Mosher Hill Falls is located off Mosher Hill Road on the outskirts of Farmington. From the center of town, head north on Route 2 and turn onto Mosher Hill Road. The trailhead pulloff is on the road, marked informally. Parking is roadside with space for 3 to 4 cars.
Farmington has all the services you need: grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and the University of Maine Farmington campus. It is a good base for exploring the waterfalls of Franklin County, with Smalls Falls about 40 minutes north on Route 4 and Angel Falls a similar distance into the mountains.
Farmington is a good lunch stop if you are waterfall-hopping in Franklin County. You can hit Mosher Hill Falls in the morning, drive north to Smalls Falls and Angel Falls, and be back in Farmington for dinner. The downtown has several casual restaurants popular with the college crowd.
When to Go
Spring
Peak water flow from snowmelt. Late April through May is the best window. Trail can be muddy.
Summer
Lower water volume but still scenic. The hemlock canopy keeps the area cool. Good for a quick stop.
Fall
Foliage in the surrounding forest adds color. Water flow depends on recent rain.
Winter
The falls may partially freeze, which is photogenic. The short trail is walkable with care.
Spring is the season to see Mosher Hill Falls at its best. The snowmelt window is short, typically lasting from mid-April through late May, and the difference in flow between spring and late summer is dramatic.
Packing List
Mosher Hill Falls Visit
- Camera (the falls photograph well in any light)
- Water bottle
- Shoes with some grip (wet rocks near the base)
- Bug spray (May through July)
FAQ
How tall is Mosher Hill Falls?
The falls drop approximately 25 feet over a series of angled ledge steps. During high water in spring, the full width of the ledge is covered and the falls are quite impressive for their size.
How long does it take to walk to the falls?
The trail is about 0.3 miles one way and takes 5 to 10 minutes. The entire visit, including time at the falls, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Can you swim at Mosher Hill Falls?
The pool at the base is shallow and not suitable for swimming. You can wade in the stream below the falls in summer, but this is more of a viewing destination than a swimming hole.
Is there a fee?
No. There are no fees or permits required. Parking is roadside with no formal trailhead infrastructure.
Is this worth a special trip?
On its own, Mosher Hill Falls is a quick stop rather than a destination. It pairs well with other Franklin County waterfalls like Smalls Falls and Angel Falls for a full day of waterfall-hopping in the western mountains.
