Moxie Falls
Adventure Destination

Moxie Falls

Explore Moxie Falls, a 1.2-mile easy trail in West Forks, Maine, featuring a stunning 90-foot waterfall. Popular for hiking, photography, and wildlife watching, it's a great family-friendly outing, especially in spring and fall.

Hiking8.5/10Easy
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Easy

About This Adventure Destination

Moxie Falls is a stunning natural destination located near West Forks in the rugged forests of Maine. Known for its dramatic 90-foot drop, this waterfall ranks among the tallest in New England and stands out for being easily reached by a well-maintained trail. The pristine waters of Moxie Stream cascade powerfully over rocky ledges into a clear pool below, creating an unforgettable scene amid dense woods. The setting offers visitors a blend of impressive geology and quiet wilderness—attributes that make it a standout location for anyone visiting the region.

The hike to the falls is a round-trip journey of about 1.2 miles, with mostly gentle terrain and some wooden steps descending near the fall’s base. Along the trail, travelers often catch glimpses of local wildlife, such as songbirds and small mammals, enriching the natural atmosphere. This accessible path welcomes hikers of all ages and skill levels, making the area an ideal spot for families or anyone looking to enjoy an invigorating yet manageable outdoor adventure.

Moxie Falls also has cultural ties to the surrounding region, with local stories recounting the stream’s historic importance for logging and early mill operations. Its presence marks a quiet but profound example of Maine’s rich outdoor heritage. Whether admired during spring melt or amid the fiery colors of autumn foliage, Moxie Falls provides a refreshing and memorable experience for nature lovers eager to appreciate a classic New England waterfall.


Editorial Assessment

**LaunchPad Value:** Moxie Falls is a remarkable natural destination, ranking highly for its accessibility and striking beauty. The waterfall's grandeur combined with the surrounding natural trails offers an enriching experience that captures the essence of Maine’s wilderness.### Tags#waterfalls #hiking #maine #nature #outdooradventure #familyfriendly #photography #wildlife #swimming

Moxie Falls

Adventure Guide to Moxie Falls

1

1. Hiking to Moxie Falls

  • Highlights: A moderate 1.2-mile round-trip trail leads visitors directly to the impressive 90-foot waterfall.
  • Trail Features: Wide, well-maintained path with wooden steps descending close to the falls; suitable for families and casual hikers.
  • Local Tip: Visit in late spring through early fall for the best water flow and clear trails.
  • What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, insect repellent, water, and a camera.
2

2. Swimming and Picnic Areas

  • Location: Pools below the falls provide refreshing spots to cool off during summer.
  • Safety Note: Swimming near the waterfall requires caution due to currents; designated picnic areas nearby offer pleasant rest stops.
  • Suggested Gear: Swimsuit, towel, snacks, and sunscreen.
3

3. Photography and Wildlife Observation

  • Best Spots: Along the trail and at the viewing platforms framing the falls.
  • Peak Viewing Times: Early morning or late afternoon for soft natural lighting and chances to spot birds and small animals.
  • Helpful Equipment: Binoculars for bird watching and zoom lenses for detailed shots. ---
4

Visitor Tips & Directions

  • Best Visiting Time: Late May to October, avoiding heavy rains for less muddy trails.
  • Parking: Ample parking available at the trailhead.
  • Getting There: From Augusta, drive roughly 1.5 hours north via I-95 N to ME-27 N, then follow US-201 N and signs to Moxie Falls. Avoid unofficial ATV routes to prevent confusion.
  • Safety: Bring water and wear shoes with good traction; be prepared for some elevation change and possible muddy spots after rain. Moxie Falls offers a tranquil natural escape and an impressive waterfall experience welcoming all nature enthusiasts.

Reviews

K
K McCabein the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

L
Leila Lildar2 weeks ago

Free admission, its a bit of hike though if your knees are not good. Beautiful falls though.

S
Shelly Monet3 weeks ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

M
M M3 weeks ago

Beautiful and serene place if you love being outdoors, relatively easy walk, there are roots and rocks to be aware of, and steep going down to the river.

M
MASTa month ago

Beautiful waterfall

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Aboard the 1914 Steamboat Katahdin: An Eight‑Hour Sweep to the Head of Moosehead Lake38.6 mi
Greenville, Maine

Aboard the 1914 Steamboat Katahdin: An Eight‑Hour Sweep to the Head of Moosehead Lake

A full‑day sightseeing cruise on historic steamboat Katahdin that includes narration, a continental breakfast, a turkey dinner and admission to the Moosehead Marine Museum — this guide explains what to expect on the Head of the Lake Cruise.

38.6 miView Trips & Details →
Aboard the Katahdin: Thoreau, Penobscot Stories and the Birch-Bark Canoe on Moosehead’s Waters18.0 mi
Greenville, Maine

Aboard the Katahdin: Thoreau, Penobscot Stories and the Birch-Bark Canoe on Moosehead’s Waters

A three-hour cultural cruise from Greenville that pairs Penobscot storytelling and a hands-on birch-bark canoe presentation with the kickoff of the Thoreau‑Wabanaki Trail Festival.

18.0 miView Trips & Details →
Riverfront Basecamp: Weekly Kennebec Cabin Rentals on the Kennebec River22.5 mi
Bingham, Maine

Riverfront Basecamp: Weekly Kennebec Cabin Rentals on the Kennebec River

Spacious two‑story cabins in Bingham that sleep 6–16 and provide direct river access plus easy connections to ATV and snowmobile rentals—this guide clarifies occupancy rules, booking minimums, and logistical essentials.

22.5 miView Trips & Details →
Flagstaff Cabins — Massive, Two‑Story Basecamp in Bingham for Groups of 8–3622.5 mi
Bingham, Maine

Flagstaff Cabins — Massive, Two‑Story Basecamp in Bingham for Groups of 8–36

Monthly (1–7 months) rentals of North Country Rivers’ 2,300‑sq‑ft Flagstaff cabins in Bingham, Maine — fully equipped, ADA compliant, and sized for groups up to 36.

22.5 miView Trips & Details →
Premium Bunkhouses on the Kennebec: Knotty‑pine cabins for groups of 6–8 in Bingham, Maine22.5 mi
Bingham, Maine

Premium Bunkhouses on the Kennebec: Knotty‑pine cabins for groups of 6–8 in Bingham, Maine

A concise guide to North Country Rivers’ Premium Bunkhouse cabins in Bingham — cozy knotty‑pine interiors, outdoor amenities on the Kennebec River, and lodging details for groups and planners.

22.5 miView Trips & Details →
Paddle the Rangeley Chain: Independent Canoe Rentals from River’s Edge Sports49.0 mi
Rangeley, Maine

Paddle the Rangeley Chain: Independent Canoe Rentals from River’s Edge Sports

Rent canoes to explore Rangeley Lake and the surrounding rivers and ponds—this guide explains rental options, launch logistics, and what’s included.

49.0 miView Trips & Details →