A Wall of Water in the Maine Woods
Moxie Falls drops over 90 feet straight down into a narrow slate gorge on Moxie Stream, just outside the small rafting town of The Forks in Somerset County. The pool at the base is roughly 17 feet deep, and on a quiet morning the sound of the falls carries well before you can see them. This is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in New England, and it takes almost no effort to reach.
The trail is roughly one mile each way on mostly flat ground, ending at a wooden boardwalk and viewing platform perched above the gorge. You will not scramble over rocks or navigate tricky stream crossings. You walk through the woods, and then suddenly the forest opens up and there is this massive curtain of white water dropping into a canyon below you.
The viewing platform sits at the top of a sheer drop into the gorge. The rocks around the falls are slippery year-round, and people have been injured climbing past the railings. Stay on the boardwalk and use the designated viewpoints. The gorge walls are steep, loose, and dangerous.
The Hike
From the parking area on Moxie Pond Road (Lake Moxie Road), the trail follows a wide, well-maintained path through mixed hardwood and softwood forest. The first half is nearly flat. In the last quarter-mile, the trail descends gradually toward the gorge, and a set of wooden stairs brings you down to the boardwalk overlook.
The round trip covers about two miles and takes most people 45 minutes to an hour, including time at the falls. The footing is good, with some roots and a few muddy spots after rain, but nothing technical. Kids, dogs, and people in decent sneakers can handle this trail without trouble.
The parking lot is a gravel pulloff that holds maybe 20 cars. On summer weekends and fall foliage weekends, it fills by mid-morning. The trail itself never feels crowded because people spread out, but the parking situation can be frustrating. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends or visit midweek.
Most people turn around after the main overlook. If you follow the trail a short distance upstream from the boardwalk, you will find pools and smaller cascades on Moxie Stream that are far less visited. On a hot day, some of these upper pools are calm enough for wading. The main falls are not safe for swimming, but the upstream spots offer a quieter alternative.
The Falls
What makes Moxie Falls striking is not just the height but the setting. The water drops into a tight gorge carved through dark slate, and the walls on either side rise steeply, covered in moss and ferns. In spring and early summer, when snowmelt pushes the flow up, the falls are thunderous. By late August the flow can thin to a fraction of its peak volume, so timing matters.
The falls face roughly east, which means morning light hits the water directly and creates good conditions for photography. By afternoon the gorge is in shadow. If photos matter to you, go early.
Moxie Stream flows from Moxie Pond, about three miles upstream, and joins the Kennebec River roughly a kilometer below the falls. The Kennebec is famous for whitewater rafting, and many visitors combine a morning at Moxie Falls with an afternoon on the river. Several outfitters in The Forks run trips daily from May through October.
When to Go
Spring
Peak water flow from snowmelt. The falls are at their most powerful in May and early June. Trail can be muddy.
Summer
Warm weather, good trail conditions. Water flow decreases through the season. Busy weekends.
Fall
Foliage color in the gorge is beautiful late September through early October. Moderate water flow.
Winter
Accessible with snowshoes or traction devices. The falls partially freeze, which is dramatic, but the road may not be plowed.
Spring is the best time to see Moxie Falls at full power. Snowmelt from the surrounding hills feeds Moxie Stream heavily through May, and the volume of water pouring over the edge is noticeably greater than in late summer. The trade-off is mud on the trail and black flies that can be fierce in June.
Summer is the most popular season. The trail is dry, the weather is warm, and the falls are still impressive even at reduced flow. Fall brings foliage color to the hardwoods lining the gorge, and the contrast of orange and red leaves against dark slate and white water photographs well.
Winter visits are possible but require preparation. The road to the trailhead may not be plowed, and the trail will be snow-covered. The falls partially freeze into ice columns, which is a sight worth seeing if you are comfortable hiking in winter conditions.
Practical Notes
The Forks is a tiny town with limited services. Fill your gas tank and grab food before you arrive. The general store in The Forks has basics, but the nearest full grocery is in Bingham, about 25 miles south. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent at the trailhead and along the trail.
There are no fees or permits required. The parking area and trail are maintained by the state. Restrooms are not available at the trailhead.
Dogs are allowed on the trail and should be leashed. The boardwalk area at the falls has open edges, so keep your dog close.
Packing List
Moxie Falls Visit
- Water bottle (no water sources on the short trail)
- Camera (morning light is best for photos)
- Bug spray (June and July especially)
- Sturdy shoes or sneakers (trail is easy but can be muddy)
- Rain jacket (weather changes fast in the mountains)
- Snacks if combining with other activities in the area
Getting There
From The Forks village, turn onto Moxie Pond Road (also called Lake Moxie Road). This turn is on the east side of Route 201, immediately before the bridge over the Kennebec River if you are coming from the south. Follow Moxie Pond Road for about 2.3 miles. The trailhead parking area is on the left, marked with a small sign.
From Bingham, take Route 201 north for approximately 25 miles to The Forks. From Greenville, head west on Route 15 and then south on Route 201. The drive from Portland takes roughly 3.5 hours. From Bangor, expect about 2 hours.
GPS coordinates for the trailhead parking: 45.3541, -69.9400
FAQ
How tall is Moxie Falls?
Moxie Falls drops over 90 feet (roughly 30 meters) in a single vertical plunge into a slate gorge. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in New England.
Can you swim at Moxie Falls?
Swimming at the base of the main falls is not safe due to the depth of the gorge and the difficulty of accessing the pool. However, there are calmer pools upstream of the falls along Moxie Stream where wading and shallow swimming are possible in summer.
How long is the hike to Moxie Falls?
The trail is about one mile each way (two miles round trip) on mostly flat, well-maintained terrain. Most people complete the round trip in 45 minutes to an hour, including time at the overlook.
Is the Moxie Falls trail dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail and should be leashed. The boardwalk viewing area has open edges, so keep your dog under control near the overlook.
When is the best time to visit Moxie Falls?
Late May and early June offer the highest water flow from snowmelt. Summer is the most popular season with easier trail conditions. Fall brings beautiful foliage. Winter is possible with snowshoes but the access road may not be plowed.
