14 Jun The Cataracts: Set of Three Waterfalls in Maine

The Cataracts are a set of three distinct waterfalls in northern Maine. They turned out to be my favorite waterfalls I visited while in Maine. More specifically, the third waterfall known as The Flume was my favorite out of the three. It felt as though I had entered an enchanted gorge as I was standing at the base, watching the water cascade down into the stream below. To find the answers to your questions “how long is the hike to The Cataracts?” or “where are The Cataracts located”?, keep reading below! I will provide you with all of the information you need to arrive at, hike to, and fully enjoy the waterfalls. Who knows, they might just become your favorite as well.

Contents: 

1) Location of The Cataracts in Maine

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Trail Information

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of The Cataracts in Maine

The Cataracts are a set of three waterfalls located in North Oxford, Maine. For reference, they are approximately an hour southwest of Rangeley Lake State Park or two hours northwest from the city of Portland.

Please keep in mind that cell service might not be the best in this region. I recommend you download an offline version of google maps for the surrounding area before you visit.

Driving Directions

The parking area for The Cataracts is on the side of E B Hill Road, which is also known as Andover Road. If you are coming from the east, then the parking area will be on the right side of the road. On the other hand, parking will be on the left side if you are coming from the west.

Another good directional marker is that the parking area is just slightly east of the intersection of E B Hill Road and Burroughs Brook Road.

Parking for The Cataracts in Maine

First, please note that the location of The Cataracts on google maps is the location of the waterfalls themselves. There is currently no location to denote the parking area. Moreover, there is only a small physical parking sign. You will thus need to keep an eye out so that you do not pass by it.

The parking area is a small gravel area right off the side of the road. If you are coming from the west, you will cross a small bridge along the road and then immediately see the parking area on the left hand side. If you are coming from the east, you will see the parking area on the right hand side before you cross the bridge.

The parking area is not too large, but you are likely to find a spot. The Cataracts do not get too crowded simply due to the fact they are in a bit of a remote area.

Once you park, you simply have to walk across the street and towards the bridge for just half a minute to reach the trailhead. Furthermore, the trailhead follows along Frye Brook.

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 one hour and 50 minutes south from The Cataracts. Second, the Boston Logan International Airport is three hours and 45 minutes southwest of The Cataracts. 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 waterfalls. Your best bet, therefore, is to rent a car from the airport.

Lodging near The Cataracts in Maine

There are some good lodging options in the town of Rangeley, Maine, which is just an hour down the road from The Cataracts. 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

First, when can you visit The Cataracts? There is a sign at the trailhead that states “Day Use Only”. Therefore, you can only hike to and swim (if you want) at the waterfalls during the daytime. No overnight visits or camping are permitted.

Second, is there an entrance fee for The Cataracts in Maine? I am happy to provide you with some good news – there is no entrance fee. You can thus visit at no cost (well, other than the cost of gas to get there).

I recommend you plan a date with a friend or a partner to hike The Cataracts and bring along a picnic lunch. It will be a cheap date, and the scenery will be quite magical.

3) Best Time to Visit

When is the best time to visit The Cataracts in Maine? I recommend visiting between the months of May to October. You will find the trail to be in the best conditions during these months, which essentially means lacking snow and/or ice.

However, I recommend you plan to visit during July or August if you also want to go for a swim in Frye Brook at the base of the upper falls. The water might still be chilly at this time of year, but it will be a lot warmer compared to the water in May. Moreover, you will work up a bit of a sweat as you hike to the third waterfall. The temptation to jump in the water might still be strong enough even if the water is downright cold.

Estimated Visit Time for The Cataracts in Maine

I would recommend you plan between 45 minutes and one hour to hike to and explore The Cataracts in Maine. First, you will need approximately 25 to 30 minutes to hike the 0.9 mile (~1.4 kilometer) trail. You can find more detailed information on the trail in section six. Second, you will want to spend extra time exploring the falls and possibly in the evening going for a dip in the water.

However, you can even make this a longer trip and spend the whole day here. Bring along some friends, family, food, and music to create memories you will not soon forget.

4) Quick Facts

1. The Cataracts is a set of three different waterfalls located in North Oxford, Maine.

2. Parking can be found on the side of E B Hill Road, and the trailhead is located across the street along Frye Brook.

3. The trail to the waterfalls is 0.9 miles (~1.4 kilometers) out and back with 170 feet (~52 meters) in elevation gain.

4. The three waterfalls are a combination of plunge, horsetail, and cascade falls.

5. There are swimming areas along Frye Brook, specifically at the base of the upper falls (aka The Flume).

5) Background

The Cataracts are along Frye Brook in North Oxford, Maine. This land is considered to be Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land.

If you are looking for other waterfalls to visit in northern Maine, check out Smalls Falls near Rangeley Lake State Park.

Background of The Cataracts in Maine

The first waterfall is known as The Churn. It is a 12 foot (~3.7 meter) tall waterfall. The second waterfall is known as The Cataract, and now you can see where The Cataracts trail earned its name. It is a 70 foot (~21.3 meter) tall waterfall. The third waterfall is known as The Flume. It is a 20 foot (~six meter) waterfall.

Additional Amenities

There is a small picnic area along the trail. When I say picnic area, I essentially mean a small open area with one picnic table. While it is not much, it is a nice spot to sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch or a game of cards.

6) Trail Information

The trail leading to the three waterfalls known as The Cataracts in Maine is 0.9 miles (~1.4 kilometers) out and back with 170 feet (~52 meters) in elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in about 25 minutes. Moreover, it is considered to be a moderately easy trail.

Follow the blue blazes to stay on the trail. If you think you might be getting lost, just keep walking alongside the water. You are then bound to stumble back onto the trail or see a waterfall approaching in the distance.

The first waterfall is at approximately the 0.2 mile (~0.3 kilometer) mark, the second waterfall at the 0.3 (~0.5 kilometer) mile mark, and the third waterfall at the 0.45 mile (~0.7 kilometer) mark.

On the other hand, you can head out on a more relaxing walk by booking one of the best walking tours in Portland.

Three Waterfalls 

As mentioned above, the trail leads to three different waterfalls. The first waterfall known as The Churn is easily accessible, and you can climb on the rocks all around it.

The second waterfall known as The Cataract is not as accessible. It might be somewhat or completely obstructed from view by trees. Moreover, there is no safe way to access the pool of water at the base of the falls or to walk along the rocks by the falls.

The third waterfall known as the Flume is accessible, for you can walk right up to the base or swim in the pools along the Frye Brook after the falls. These falls are somewhat within a small gorge, so you might have to maneuver around some rocks to get close.

However, please keep in mind that the accessibility of each waterfall can vary based on the time of year, water currents, water level, etc. You need to assess the current conditions when you arrive to determine if it is safe enough to explore and/or swim. Moreover, rocks are extremely slippery when wet. If you do decide to explore around the waterfalls, continue to use caution and watch where you step.

Swimming at The Cataracts in Maine

There are plenty of options for swimming along Frye Brook. You will find multiple small pool areas as you hike along the trail. Moreover, there is a nice swimming pool area after the base of the third waterfall, The Flume. However, you should always check the water depths and water currents before swimming or jumping in Frye Brook.

If you are looking for other nearby swimming locations in Maine, then check out Sebago Lake State Park as well as Frenchman’s Hole.

Words of Caution 

While the trail is quite short and not too steep, there are a fair amount of overgrown roots and rocks along the path. You need to watch your step at all times and wear appropriate footwear.

Additionally, there is a fence along the edge of part of the trail, specifically around the second waterfall known as The Cataract. The edge is essentially a drop off, and they thus installed the fences to keep people from wandering too close to the edge. It is possible you will not be able to get a good view of the second waterfall from the trail due to trees and other shrubbery in the way. However, it is not recommended to hop the fence for a better picture. If you do so, you are risking potential injury if the cliff were to partially give way or collapse.

During the winter, it is quite possible the trail will be covered in snow and/or ice. Be sure to pack appropriate gear, including snowshoes or crampons, as needed. Furthermore, do not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions. Always consider your safety first.

Lastly, watch out for the bugs! Definitely apply bug spray before heading out on the trail, as it meanders through the woods. Moreover, have someone check you for ticks once you finish.

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 and rocks along the trail. Moreover, you might want to explore by climbing around on 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 fair amount of beautiful attractions within only a 30 minute to one hour drive from The Cataracts in northern Maine.

First, drive 30 minutes east to Coos Canyon. There is a waterfall as well as a swimming area at the base of the falls. You can look longingly at the falls from the nearby bridge or hike down to the water and maneuver around the rocks.

Second, drive 30 minutes south to Step Falls. There is a one mile (~1.6 kilometer) out and back trail that leads to a waterfall and swimming area. An average hiker can complete the trail in about 30 minutes.

Third, drive 50 minutes southwest to Frenchman’s Hole. There is one waterfall and a swimming area at the base of the falls. This spot can become quite popular in the summertime.

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Do not miss out on this waterfall near Rangeley Lake State Park: Smalls Falls in Rangeley, Maine.

Head into the city to explore the food and drink scene: Best Walking Tours in Portland, Maine.