Maine Waterfall Hike: The Cataracts
Trail Name: The Cataracts
Location: Andover West Surplus Township
Distance: 0.8 miles (out and back)
Elevation gain: 170 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Allowed
About five miles west of Andover Maine, you’ll find a beautiful family-friendly day hike full of surprises. This trail is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. In the summer, it features waterfalls, swimming holes, and gorges. It is so darn picturesque that I daresay it is my favorite Maine waterfall hike.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before visiting The Cataracts—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, and my favorite nearby restaurants.
Preparation for hiking the Cataracts
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine hike
Directions and parking for the Cataracts
The trailhead for the cataracts is located about 5 miles down the East B Hill Road in Andover West Surplus Township. You’ll see a trailhead sign on the left of the road and parking is permitted on the side of the road.
Cataracts trail descriptions
The Cataracts Trail (0.4 miles, easy)
The short, shaded trail follows Frye Brook, providing several scenic views of falls along the way. There are some steep and slippery sections of trail—so proper footwear is a must. The “official” cataracts trail ends at a small day use area with a picnic table and privy toilet.
If you continue on the “unofficial” trail past the day use area, you’ll find several additional waterfalls, including a narrow seventy-foot falls that empties into a pothole and a wide, picturesque falls known locally as “the flume”.
Insider tips for visiting the cataracts
Best nearby eats: Mills Market (famous for their warmer pizza and homemade donuts) and Kate’s Kones
If you ride through Grafton Notch State Park on your way home—be sure to stop by Puzzle Mountain Bakery for delicious pies, cookies, Maine whoopie pies, etc.
The best time to visit: June-August, because you can explore the waterfalls and natural swimming pools after your hike
There is no cell phone service on East B Hill Road, so be sure to tell people your hiking plans or bring a satellite communication device with you so you can let people know when you have summited and when you have made it safely back to your car
Leave no trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
