Moxie Falls

Moxie Falls is the tallest waterfall in Maine, plunging 90 feet over a ledge of slate and sandstone into a narrow, mist-filled canyon. The falls are fed by Moxie Stream, which is regulated by an upstream dam that keeps the flow remarkably consistent throughout the year — a rarity among New England waterfalls. The dark walls of the gorge below the falls are draped with moss and ferns, and the pool at the base churns with enough energy to throw spray 30 feet into the air during peak flow.

The trail to Moxie Falls is a wide, well-maintained path of just under a mile through a classic Maine spruce-fir forest. A wooden boardwalk and staircase at the end of the trail lead to a viewing platform perched on the edge of the gorge, providing a dramatic head-on view of the falls. The trail is flat and relatively easy for most of its length, with the main challenge being the stairs at the end. The trailhead parking area has space for about 20 cars.

The regulated water flow means the falls are impressive year-round, but spring and early summer offer the most volume. Fall foliage adds stunning color to the spruce and hardwood forest along the trail. The falls are located near The Forks, a hub for whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River, making it easy to combine a waterfall visit with a rafting trip. Mosquitoes and black flies can be fierce from May through July — bring repellent.