Maine Waterfalls: Moxie Falls

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Taking a quick selfie from the top of a 90-foot waterfall, Moxie Falls.

Location:  Moxie Gore (a stone’s throw from The Forks)
DeLorme: Map 40, E3
GPS: 45.353651, -69.940755
Dogs: On Leash

 

Breathtaking Views

Moxie Falls is by far one of my most favorite waterfalls in the state of Maine for several reasons. First, the hike in is short and easy, making it great for families with younger children. Second, the views are incredible, from standing at the top of the falls to the viewing platform across the gorge.

Moxie Falls parking area.
Moxie Falls parking area.

Hiking to the Falls

The hike to Moxie Falls is easy for most of the way. The hike to the falls takes about 20 minutes and is only 0.6 miles long. The beginning of the hike is on a wide dirt trail. There is a 4-way intersection not far down the trail. To reach the falls continue straight.

Closer to the falls the terrain becomes varied with rocks, hills, and roots. You will encounter nice wooden stairs and bridges that help you stay dry and navigate the rougher terrain.  A wooden platform situated on the ledges across from the falls offers incredible views (and photo-ops!) of the falls.

For those who like to get up-close and personal with nature, another trail leads to the very top of Moxie Falls. The mouth of the falls is situated at the top of a 90-foot high shear ledge that plunges into a large pool below.

This is what a majority of the trail looks like on the way to Moxie Falls. Wide, flat, and well-maintained.
This is what a majority of the trail looks like on the way to Moxie Falls. Wide, flat, and well-maintained.
This is the 4-way intersection where you go straight to reach the falls.
This is the 4-way intersection where you go straight to reach the falls.
Moxie Falls in Maine.
Sign on the way to the falls.
There are several boardwalks and sets of wooden stairs on the way to Moxie Falls.
There are several boardwalks and sets of wooden stairs on the way to Moxie Falls.
A lot of time and effort was put into building these beautiful boardwalks.
A lot of time and effort was put into building these beautiful boardwalks.
Maine Moxie Falls.
The wooden stairs and boardwalks are designed to help navigate the terrain, keep people safe, and minimize the impact on the area from foot traffic.
Moxie Falls Maine.
This view is upstream from Moxie Falls.
Maine Moxie Falls.
The incredible 90-foot high Moxie Falls.
Moxie Falls in Maine.
View of the very top of Moxie Falls.
Moxie Falls pool.
The pool below Moxie Falls.
Moxie Falls Maine.
View of Moxie Falls from the platform across the way.
Moxie Falls Maine.
Taken from the viewing platform.
Moxie Falls Maine.
The terrain beyond the viewing platform towards the pool gets pretty gnarly.
Moxie Falls.
Looking at the viewing platform.
Moxie Falls Maine.
The trail that leads to the swimming hole.
Moxie Falls Maine.
The trail gets pretty rough in some areas past the falls.

Swimming Hole

A swimming hole is located 100 feet downstream from the falls. Follow the trail beyond the viewing area to reach the swimming hole. The terrain can be challenging to reach the swimming hole as it is steep.  There is also another swimming hole up above the falls.  A side trail can be seen before you reach the falls.  It leads to two smaller falls and a nice swimming hole.

Moxie Falls Maine.
Two smaller waterfalls are upstream from Moxie Falls.

Get More Outdoors!

This article was featured in UNTAMED Maine Outdoor Adventure & Recreation Magazine’s Spring 2018 issue.  Click here to download your copy of the magazine and enjoy even more Maine adventures!

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