A Staircase of Waterfalls and Swimming Pools
Step Falls is not a single waterfall. It is a series of cascades, slides, and pools spread over a 250-foot vertical drop on Wight Brook in Newry, Maine. The brook tumbles down an open granite ledge in a continuous staircase of waterfalls, each step spilling into a natural pool before dropping to the next. On a hot summer afternoon, the ledges are lined with families wading, sunbathing, and sliding down the smooth rock faces into the cold mountain water below.
The preserve sits on 24 acres along Wight Brook, just off Route 26 near the entrance to Grafton Notch State Park. Originally owned by The Nature Conservancy, the property was transferred to the Mahoosuc Land Trust in 2012, which continues to manage and protect it. The falls are one of the most accessible and family-friendly swimming destinations in western Maine, requiring only a short walk from the parking area to reach the first pools.
The granite ledges at Step Falls are smooth and extremely slippery when wet. Water shoes with rubber soles are essential, not optional. The rock surface is angled, and a slip can send you sliding down the ledge into a pool or onto rocks below. Watch children closely near the upper cascades where the drops are steeper.
The Trail
The yellow-blazed trail begins at the small parking lot off Route 26, about 7.5 miles north of the junction with Route 2 in Newry. The path follows the east bank of Wight Brook upstream, climbing gradually alongside the cascades. The trail covers about 0.55 miles one way (1.1 miles round trip) with roughly 229 feet of elevation gain.
The lower section is gentle and follows the brook past the first pools and slides. As you climb, the cascades get taller and the pools deeper. The trail becomes steeper toward the top, where the brook makes its biggest drops and hiking boots with solid traction help on the rooty, ledge-strewn climb. Most families with children stop at the lower and middle pools, where the wading is easiest and the slides are gentlest. Stronger hikers continue to the top for views down the entire cascade.
The round trip takes 30 minutes to an hour for most people, though on a summer day you may spend hours at the pools and barely notice the time passing.
The lower pools are the gentlest and the most popular with young children. As you climb higher along the brook, the cascades get steeper and the pools deeper. Pick your spot based on your comfort level. The middle section offers the best combination of natural water slides and deep pools for swimming.
Swimming at Step Falls
Swimming is the main draw at Step Falls. The brook has carved dozens of pools into the granite, ranging from shallow wading pools a few inches deep to plunge pools several feet deep at the base of the larger cascades. The smooth, sloping ledges between the pools act as natural water slides. You sit at the top of a ledge, let the water carry you down the smooth rock, and splash into the pool below.
The water is cold, fed by mountain streams and springs. Even in August, expect temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s. On a hot day, the combination of sun-warmed granite ledges and cold water is refreshing. The open ledges get full sun for most of the day, so the rock heats up enough to dry off comfortably between swims.
There are no lifeguards. The depth of the pools varies with water level and recent rainfall. Check the depth before sliding or jumping into any pool. Some of the natural slides end in shallow sections where the bottom is close.
The parking lot is small and fills fast on hot summer weekends, especially Saturday afternoons. A lot attendant may temporarily close the lot when it reaches capacity. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends or visit on a weekday for a much quieter experience. Parking along Route 26 is not permitted.
Respecting the Preserve
Step Falls Preserve is a conservation property, not a state park. The Mahoosuc Land Trust asks visitors to stay on the trail and the open ledges, respect the posted boundaries, and pack out all trash. No alcohol, no fires, and no camping. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times.
The preserve’s small size means that visitor impact is concentrated. The land trust relies on visitors treating the property well so it can remain open and free. This is one of the few places in Maine where you can swim at a waterfall with no fees and no permits. Keep it that way by leaving no trace.
When to Go
Spring
High water makes the cascades dramatic but too cold and powerful for swimming. Trail can be muddy. Black flies in late May and June.
Summer
Warm enough for swimming. Full sun on the ledges. Parking fills fast on weekends. Best conditions July through August.
Fall
Foliage along Wight Brook is beautiful. Water is too cold for most swimmers. Fewer crowds.
Winter
Route 26 through Grafton Notch is closed in winter. The preserve is inaccessible.
July and August are the prime months. The water level is lower than spring, which makes the slides safer and the pools calmer, while the air temperature is warm enough to make the cold water feel good. September brings foliage but the water is chilly for swimming. Spring offers the highest water volume and the most dramatic cascades, but the brook is too powerful and cold for safe swimming, and late-May and June visits run into black flies, so pack bug and tick protection.
Packing List
Step Falls Visit
- Water shoes with rubber soles (essential on the slippery ledges)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen (the open ledges get full sun)
- Water and snacks
- Camera (waterproof or in a dry bag near the pools)
- Bug spray (June especially)
- Trash bag (pack out everything you bring in)
Getting There
Step Falls Preserve is on Route 26 in Newry, Maine, about 7.5 miles north of the junction with Route 2. The small parking lot is on the east side of the road, just south of the bridge over Wight Brook. Look for the Mahoosuc Land Trust sign.
From Portland, take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Auburn, then Route 26 north through Norway, South Paris, and Bethel. Continue on Route 26 past Newry village. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.
From Bangor, take I-95 south to Augusta, then Route 27 north to Route 2 west through Rumford and Bethel, then Route 26 north. About 3 hours total.
GPS coordinates for the parking area: 44.5711, -70.8704
Step Falls is about one mile south of Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch State Park. You can easily visit both in a single trip.
FAQ
How tall is Step Falls?
Step Falls is a cascading series of waterfalls on Wight Brook with a total vertical drop of approximately 250 feet. It is not a single drop but a long staircase of cascades, slides, and pools spread along the brook.
Can you swim at Step Falls?
Yes. The natural pools between the cascades are popular for swimming and wading in summer. The smooth granite ledges between pools act as natural water slides. The water is cold (upper 50s to low 60s) but refreshing on hot days. Wear water shoes with grip.
Is the hike to Step Falls hard?
No. The trail is about 0.55 miles one way (1.1 miles round trip) with 229 feet of elevation gain. The lower section is gentle and the upper section is moderately steep. Families with young children handle it easily, though the rocky footing requires attention.
Is there a fee to visit Step Falls?
No. Step Falls Preserve is free and open to the public. It is managed by the Mahoosuc Land Trust. There are no permits required.
Are dogs allowed at Step Falls?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash at all times. The Mahoosuc Land Trust requires leashed dogs throughout the preserve.
When is the best time to visit Step Falls for swimming?
July and August offer the warmest air temperatures and the calmest water levels for safe swimming. The parking lot fills fast on summer weekends, so arrive early or visit midweek.
