Smalls Falls
Smalls Falls
4.7
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
149 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
33
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Russell W
Maine2,914 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
After a fun unique experience with The Ultimate Dogsledding Experience we got takeout lunch from the recommended Orange Cat Cafe and brought it to Smalls Falls for a warm winter day picnic before hiking to the top of the falls. There was no sign to indicate that the location was Smalls Falls, and maybe that's because it's the off-season (There was a sign in the parking lot that stated "Picnic Area Closed"), but GPS said we were at the right place. Despite the sign, human tracks indicated that people had been accessing the Falls. We followed and found some vacant picnic tables without snow on them and ate our lunch. There are many picnic tables, so I think this must be a popular attraction in the warmer months. There are two single toilet houses and they were locked. There are also informational plaques. After eating, we headed toward the sound of rushing water. We came to a nice view of the falls, and climbed down steep snow-covered steps to a wooden bridge across the river below the falls. The bridge also provides a scenic viewing spot. We crossed the bridge and traversed the trail, which is partially bordered by a metal fence that you can hold on to, to the top of the Falls. This hike is steep, and although parts of it have cements steps, other parts are not, have many roots in the way, and should probably only be used by those who are fit to climb, so please take note and consider the conditions before climbing. If you do make the climb to the top of the Falls, you'll be rewarded with scenic view that are postcard-worthy and jigsaw puzzle-worthy. Competing this activity in winter was unique, and the frozen ice made for blues and greens in the ice coloring, which was especially beautiful. Due to the ice, snow, roots we had to be even more careful when descending from the head of the Falls, but no one fell and we're glad we made the trip. Those with children, be sure they don't run off into the woods and get lost, ot get too near the Falls and fall in. Signs ask you to keep track of children. This is a free attraction. Handicap accessible from the parking lot to the picnic area, as well as to the top of the stairs that begin the trail to the hike to the top of the Falls. The number of picnic tables is greater than available spots in the parking area. Nature lovers and water fall enthusiasts will like this.
Written March 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WilliamWillieWilson
Nashville, TN1,671 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
There are a number of waterfalls across the state of Maine that various websites recommend, some you shouldn’t miss and others you might as well skip. It’s difficult to know by mere photographs which waterfalls are worth the effort and which are not. Having seen them all, Smalls Falls is unquestionably worthy of a long drive!
Its uniqueness lies in its multiple levels, with four different waterfalls cascading into large pools. The crystal clear waters of the Sandy River plunge 54 feet over a series of drops, forming lagoons perfect for swimming, and one deep enough for cliff diving.
Downriver, picnic tables line the banks along charming pathways amidst the forest. This is certainly one of the most picturesque places in the entire state of Maine.
Its uniqueness lies in its multiple levels, with four different waterfalls cascading into large pools. The crystal clear waters of the Sandy River plunge 54 feet over a series of drops, forming lagoons perfect for swimming, and one deep enough for cliff diving.
Downriver, picnic tables line the banks along charming pathways amidst the forest. This is certainly one of the most picturesque places in the entire state of Maine.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dulcediamond
Branford, CT84 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This was my first time visiting Small Falls & I wish I was more prepared. No worries, I know for next time! There are numerous parts of the fall you can enjoy, beginning from the bottom all the way to the top. I was unaware you can actually get in the water so I did not bring a swimsuit, but the temptation of the natural springs was too good to resist. So I went in with shorts & a tank. A few safety precautions, this area requires a lot walking in rough areas (it’s the woods), the rocks in the water are extremely slippery (wear proper footwear) and bugs are inevitable (bug spray). There are grills outside of the area so you can grill or pack food and eat right near the water. There are numerous locations within the falls, so you should have an area to yourself if it’s not busy. I saw numerous children jump off the rocks and into the water more towards the bottom of the fall. It was quite tempting myself:). As you hike further up, it’s pretty serene & picturesque. I highly recommend a visit if near the area! FYI, This area is clean & there are no garbage pails, therefore, bring something to dispose of your trash, it’s litter free:)
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valentine
Greensboro, NC835 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Enjoyed spending few hours by the falls. We found a nice flat rock to spread blankets and enjoyed picnic. It does get a big crowded and noisy at times. If you are get tired if water water, you can walk Thru the woods. There are many pathways, all running into each other and essentially leading to the same destination.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YotaPower
Guilford, ME1,007 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We stopped here to use the facilities and ended up walking around and hiking the falls. An awesome location with a ton of access to the rocks and water around the many falls. Lots of picnic places and a cool bridge at the bottom of the falls. A must stop if you go by!
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventurer1234
Forest Park, OH499 contributions
Sep 2021
You pull into a rest area that is on the right on route 4 as you leave Langeley where Smalls Falls is located. Drive as far back in the rest area as you can where you take the steps down to the bridge across Sandy River. Walk up the opposite side of the river to get a better view of the falls. There are four separate falls with a total drop of 54 feet. Smalls Falls is worth a stop. It is in a colorful and beautiful gorge in the area.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbra D
18 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Beautiful falls right off the road at a rest area. We spent over an hour there. The falls can be seen from a walking bridge just off the parking area. There is also a few hiking paths to get to the top of the falls. It is not a long walk but it is steep. The path beside the falls requires going over some boulders. There is s fence that I used to help myself get up. If you prefer there are many paths without rock (lots of tree roots) that you can use as an option. There were many people swimming despite the no swimming signs.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arnold P
Howe's Bayou, LA8 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Was There July 31, 2018, and one of the rest rooms was appalling, filthy, putrid, and INFESTED with flies.
Written August 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse S
Montgomery, MN281 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
The hike is really easy to see the waterfall. It is just down some steps from the parking lot. We decided to climb up the waterfall by the fence. This is more difficult. But we did make it to the top, got some really nice pictures and the kids thought this was one of the most fun days.
Written October 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy J
RochesterMN190 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Good picnic spot, can be somewhat challenging to find because its within a rest area off State Rd 4 south of Rangeley. The hike can be tough as its lots of tree roots and uneven ground.
Written October 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any falls that you can to? Or are any of the trails anything a wheelchair can go through? Thank you
Written August 6, 2019
Not sure but there’s no staff there policing the area. I don’t recall seeing any signs one way or the other and I’ve been several times. I’d keep the dog on leash on weekends or when it’s crowded as much for the dogs sake.
Written August 26, 2018
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