13 Jun Smalls Falls in Rangeley, Maine: Everything To Know

Smalls Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Rangeley Lake State Park in Maine. You are rewarded with not just one but four waterfalls when you visit. Each waterfall flows shortly after the other, so you can thus view them all within a short walk. Moreover, there are small pools in which you can go swimming at the base of each waterfall. Keep reading below for all of the information you need concerning directions, parking, trail length, and more.

Contents: 

1) Location of Smalls Falls

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Smalls Falls Trail Information

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of Smalls Falls

Smalls Falls is a series of four waterfalls located in West Central Franklin, Maine. For reference, it is just outside of the town of Rangeley, which is home to Rangeley Lake State Park. Moreover, it is only an hour and 15 minutes from the Canadian border or two hours and 15 minutes from Portland. If you decide to head into the city, then definitely check out one of their famous food walking tours (hint – Portland is known for some delicious lobster rolls).

There is a short hike to reach the waterfalls (detailed trail information is in section six), which are along the Sandy River.

Driving Directions

The Smalls Falls Rest Area and Trailhead is located on Main St (ME-4 S). No matter from which direction you are headed, you will end up driving along Main St to reach the trailhead. If you are coming from the south, then the trailhead will be on your right. On the other hand, the trailhead will be on your left if you are coming from the north.

Parking for Smalls Falls

There is a parking area by the Smalls Falls Rest Area and Trailhead mentioned above. There is plenty of parking available, so you should not have an issue finding a spot. Please note that you will then have to hike a short distance to the waterfalls.

Nearby Airports

While there are a few regional and municipal airports in northwestern Maine, your best bet is to fly in and out of Portland or Boston. First, the Portland International Jetport is approximately two hours and 15 minutes south from Smalls Falls. Second, the Boston Logan International Airport is three hours and 45 minutes southwest of Smalls Falls. For reference, the Boston airport is a lot larger than the Portland airport. Flights might thus be a bit cheaper in and out of Boston.

There are no good public transportation options from either airport to the waterfall. Your best bet, therefore, is to rent a car from the airport.

Lodging Near Smalls Falls

There are some good lodging options in the town of Rangeley, Maine, which is just a couple of minutes down the road from Smalls Falls. For example, you can book a tent within Rangeley Lake State Park if you want to feel close to the outdoors or a room at Rangeley Lake Resort by Wyndham for a more luxurious experience.

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Ready for some good news? The waterfall is open to visitors 24/7 and there is no entrance fee.

My recommendation is that you plan a date with your partner (or just a friend) at Smalls Falls. Pack a picnic lunch, hike the short trail to the waterfall, and then enjoy lunch as you listen to the rushing sound of the falls. Moreover, you can even swim in the pools at the base of the falls if you are feeling adventurous.

3) Best Time to Visit

Are you curious about the best months to visit Small Falls in Rangeley, Maine? I would recommend from May to October. However, you will probably want to visit during July or August if you also want to swim in the pools by the falls. The water will likely still be a bit chilly during those months, but it will be a lot warmer compared to, for example, the month of May. I visited in June and did not go swimming, for the water was feeling coooollldd.

Nevertheless, you can visit the waterfalls at any point during the year. If you visit during the winter, be prepared for some snow and/or ice along the trail. Moreover, do not hike to the falls in hazardous conditions – safety first!

Estimated Visit Time for Smalls Falls

I would recommend you set aside 30 minutes to one hour to visit Smalls Falls. First, you will need around 10 minutes to hike to and from the waterfalls from the parking area. Second, you should spend at least 15 minutes or more exploring the area around the falls. Take some pictures and even jump in the water if you want to cool down.

However, you can really spend as much time here as you wish.

4) Quick Facts

1. Small Falls is a series of four waterfalls located in the town of West Central Franklin, Maine. It is near Rangeley Lake State Park.

2. There is a parking area just off Main St with access to the trailhead.

3. The trail to the waterfalls is 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) out and back.

4. Smalls Falls is a total of 54 feet (~16 meters) tall.

5. Smalls Falls is actually the name of four waterfalls, which occur right after one another.

5) Background

Smalls Falls is a series of four waterfalls located along the Sandy River near Rangeley, Maine. The first question on your mind is probably “how tall is Smalls Falls?”.

The combined height of the four falls is approximately 54 feet (~16 meters). The first waterfall, which is closest to the start of the trail, is 3 feet (~one meter) tall. The second waterfall is 14 feet (~4.3 meters) tall, and the third waterfall is the tallest at 25 feet (~7.6 meters). Last but not least, the fourth and final waterfall stands at a height of 12 feet (~3.7 meters).

Some sources state that Smalls Falls received its name from a miller, Jesse Small, who was alive during the time of the Civil War.

Additional Amenities

Just downriver from the falls, there is a small picnic area. There are a few picnic tables, grills, and outhouses. It is the perfect place to have a romantic date or a family get-together. You will find the picnic tables right by the parking area – you cannot miss them! Moreover, this area is considered an official state rest stop, which means the Maine Department of Transportation is in charge of its upkeep.

Please keep in mind that there are no trash bins in the area. Remember to leave no trace and pick up after yourself.

6) Smalls Falls Trail Information

The trail to Smalls Falls begins from the rest area and trailhead just off of Main St (mentioned in detail above in section one). It is a 0.5 mile (~0.8 kilometer) out and back trail with approximately 30 feet (~nine meters) in elevation gain. Therefore, it is considered to be an easy trail.

Additionally, there are a few steep sections of the trail in addition to overgrown roots. Always be careful of your footing. Moreover, there is a set of stairs that leads to the bottom of the falls as well as a bridge that leads to the top of the falls.

Since Smalls Falls is not just one waterfall but four, you will thus see waterfalls one through three along the trail. Waterfall four will then mark the end of the trail. When you start on the trailhead from the parking lot, you will just about immediately see waterfalls one and two in the distance. Follow along the trail to get a bit closer to them. Then continue hiking along until you stumble upon waterfalls three and four.

Waterfalls Along the Trail

The main distinction between Smalls Falls and random waterfalls along the river is their size. While the first waterfall of Smalls Falls is only 3 feet (~one meter) tall, the other three are each 12+ feet (~3.7+ meters) tall. Other waterfalls you might see along the river (either before or after Smalls Falls) will be smaller. Moreover, the four waterfalls are all right in a row. You can thus simply count the waterfalls from one through four to make sure you see them all.

If you continue exploring alongside the river past the end of the trail, you will see a few smaller waterfalls along the way.

Other nearby waterfall trails that you can add to your list include The Cataracts as well as Frenchman’s Hole. For a fun fact, The Cataracts were my favorite waterfalls I visited in all of Maine.

Can You Swim at Smalls Falls?

Yes, you can swim at Smalls Falls! If you want to go for a swim, then there are plenty of opportunities here for you to do so. There are pool areas in which you can swim located at the base of each of the four falls.

However, I do want to note the importance of practicing caution when swimming before I continue. Waterfalls carry strong and powerful currents, and it is all too easy to get swept up in them. Please use caution as you swim in the pools at the bases of the falls, for there is no lifeguard on duty. The most dangerous pool is the one beneath the base of the third waterfall, which is also the tallest. The pool is somewhat small, and then it quickly leads into the next set of falls. Some people will cliff jump into this pool. Nevertheless, ask yourself if you are a strong swimmer and can swim to the side of the river before the pool ends and the next waterfall begins. Unfortunately, deaths have occurred here by individuals getting swept into the waterfalls.

Each of the other waterfalls has a calmer pool at its base. The most popular pool is the one at the base of the first waterfall, for it is the most convenient to access and arguably the least dangerous.

7) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: I always recommend you bring water with you while hiking, even if it is a short trail. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet. While in Iceland, I visited the Hverir Geothermal Area and essentially ran along the path because there were so many little black flies.

Hiking Apparel

4. Hiking shoes: As mentioned previously, there are some overgrown roots along the trail. Moreover, you might want to explore by climbing around on some rocks by the falls. Hiking shoes will help you in both of those situations. I did not own a pair of hiking shoes for a long time. However, I finally splurged and bought myself a pair before my Iceland road trip. Hiking shoes are generally not cheap, though I will say they are well worth the investment. They provide grip and traction to help you out while hiking as well as to keep you safe.

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity for this trail, but bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow and/or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

8) Nearby Attractions

There are a variety of attractions, including other waterfalls, in the nearby vicinity of Smalls Falls.

First, check out Rangeley Lake State Park for some scenic viewpoints and the Bald Mountain Trail. It is just 20 minutes down the road from Smalls Falls.

Second, visit Angel Falls by hiking along a trail for just one mile (~1.6 kilometers). It is located 45 minutes from Small Falls.

Third, stop by the roadside attraction of Coos Canyon. There is a small waterfall as well as a swimming area. It is only 30 minutes from Smalls Falls.

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Check out my favorite waterfalls in Maine: The Cataracts: Set of Three Waterfalls.

Get in your exercise during a walking tour of Portland: Best Walking Tours in Portland, Maine.