Cascade Stream Gorge Trail

This short trail offers excellent scenery, wildlife viewing, and picnicking opportunities as it follows the gorge of Cascade Stream to a series of beautiful waterfalls.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking
Length
1.00 mile, Loop
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Sandy River Plt
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This short trail leads into the 90-foot deep gorge of Cascade Stream providing access to a series of waterfalls and chutes. The trail leaves from the south side of the parking area and is marked by white blazes. Shortly after leaving the parking lot the trail passes under a power line and continues into the woods and along the stream.  There are several good viewpoints of the stream and falls along the trail which at several points follows the bedrock on the side of the gorge. A higher trail away from the stream offers a loop opportunity. Picnic tables can be found at the parking are and at the power line. The stream itself is often used in the summer month to cool off and escape the summer heat.

The 50-acre Cascade Stream Gorge Conservation Area is on Maine Registry of Critical Areas for its unique natural and geologic features and wilderness qualities. There are many wildflowers and interesting plants within the gorge; be sure to bring a wildflower guide if you have one!

Other Information

Sturdy, non-slip footwear and special attention to small children are a must for this hike. Additional information and a map of the property may be found on RLHT's website.

Trail Manager

Visit the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust online or contact 

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
2424 Main Street
Rangeley, ME 04970
Phone: (207) 864-7311
srousseau@rlht.org
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Leave the trail work to the pros: they will add or remove blazes, cairns (stone trail markers), structures, and trail improvements as deemed necessary.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From North: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 16 in downtown Rangeley, travel south on ME Route 4 towards Sandy River Plantation. At 3.5 miles there is the intersection of South Shore Drive and Cascade Road with ME Route 4. Take a left onto Cascade Road. After about 100 yards the road ends at a T-intersection with Town Hall Road (the town hall is straight ahead). From here, take a left and then and almost immediate right (look for a Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust marker in trees). Go up the steep driveway, bearing right, to the parking area and trailhead.

From South: Head from Phillips towards Rangeley on ME Route 4 North. At the intersection of South Shore Drive and Cascade Road with ME Route 4 in Sandy River Plantation. Take a right onto Cascade Road. After about 100 yards the road ends at a T-intersection with Town Hall Road (the town hall is straight ahead). From here, take a left and then and almost immediate right (look for a Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust marker in trees). Go up the steep driveway, bearing right, to the parking area and trailhead.

If your car cannot make it up the slope to trailhead parking, please park along Townhall Road. Do not park in the Town Office parking lot.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
mainetrailfinder
August 12, 2020
Parking at the town office is currently allowed only for people waiting to access the town office. If you are hiking to the falls, please do not park at the town office. If you cannot make it up the driveway to the trailhead parking, you can park along Townhall Road.
traildogs2
July 16, 2020
Short trail but very very rocky and narrow. Folks with balance issues or those who don't normally hike/walk in the woods might find this trail uncomfortable. Falls/Gorge are beautiful.
bucs fan
May 16, 2020
Great falls! Drive in was very rutted and steep. Wouldn't try with a car.
iceflame
July 25, 2017
Hiked this 7/22 with my girlfriend and her puppy. Saw a fox at the top of the steep "driveway" up to the parking lot, but no other wildlife. Easy hike, well enough marked, and you're at/following the water fairly soon. Saw a fly fisher near the beginning of the trail, unsure if they caught anything/if there are fish. Great spot to spend 1-2 hours at.
navyswomom
July 16, 2016
An easy hike, well marked and good for kids that follow directions (rocks are slippery but passable, even in the gorge). Beautiful and secluded...driveway to trailhead is steep so little cars may need to park elsewhere
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