Poplar Stream Falls

A Hidden Falls Below Sugarloaf

Poplar Stream Falls drops roughly 30 feet over a series of granite ledges in the Carrabassett Valley, just a short walk from the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. The falls are tucked into a narrow ravine where Poplar Stream cuts through the forest on its way to the Carrabassett River. It is one of those waterfalls that feels like a secret, reached by a roughly 2-mile walk through quiet forest.

The Carrabassett Valley is better known for Sugarloaf Mountain’s ski slopes, but the surrounding hills and streams hold some of the best short hikes in western Maine. Poplar Stream Falls is the most accessible of these, offering a satisfying payoff for very little effort. The cascade fans out over angled granite, pooling at the base in a spot that invites wading on a warm day.

The Hike

The trail begins at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, which serves as a cross-country skiing center in winter and a recreation hub in summer. From the parking area, follow the marked trail into mixed hardwood and softwood forest. The path is well-maintained, following an old woods road for most of its length before narrowing as it approaches the stream.

The standard roundtrip via Warren’s Trail is about 4 miles, with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. The grade is gentle and the footing is good, with a few root-crossed sections and one or two muddy patches after rain. Casual hikers with a little endurance handle this trail easily. Most people complete the round trip in 2 to 3 hours, including time at the falls.

As you approach the falls, the trail descends slightly toward the stream and you begin to hear the water before you see it. The final stretch brings you to the top of the cascade, where you can look down the sloping granite ledges to the pool below. A short scramble on the rocks takes you to the base for a better vantage point.

The Falls

Poplar Stream Falls is not a single vertical drop. The water slides and cascades over a series of tilted granite shelves, spreading out as it goes and regathering into channels between the ledges. In spring, when snowmelt from the surrounding mountains feeds the stream, the falls run wide and loud. By late summer, the flow narrows to a few main channels, but the falls remain photogenic.

The pool at the base is shallow enough for wading and deep enough in spots to sit and cool off. On hot summer days, this is a popular swimming hole for locals and Sugarloaf visitors. The water is cold, fed by mountain runoff, and the granite ledges around the pool offer natural seating.

When to Go

Practical Notes

Parking at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is free. During ski season, the center is a full-service facility with rentals, restrooms, and food. In summer, the building may have limited hours but the parking area and trails are accessible.

There are no fees or permits required for the hike. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Carrabassett Valley has restaurants and lodging near the Sugarloaf base area, about 5 minutes from the Outdoor Center. The town of Kingfield, about 15 minutes south on Route 27, has additional dining options and a general store.

Cell service is spotty in the Carrabassett Valley. You may get a signal near the Outdoor Center but will likely lose it on the trail.

Getting There

From Route 27 in the Carrabassett Valley, follow signs to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. The center is on the Outdoor Center Road, off Route 27, south of the main Sugarloaf access road. From Portland, take the Maine Turnpike to the Farmington exit, then Route 27 North through Kingfield. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. From Bangor, take Route 2 West to Farmington, then Route 27 North, roughly 2.5 hours.

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