Abol Falls

Abol Falls is a water feature near Baxter State Park and Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area and shouldn't be confused with Little Abol Falls. No rules prevent dogs from coming here, but you should know that Baxter State Park doesn't allow dogs if that's part of your Abol Falls itinerary.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Cascade/rapids
• Height: 3–5 feet
• Active season: May through October
• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Length of trail: 100 feet
• Leash rules: No rules in place for dogs, so Maine's "Under Control" law is in effect. Dogs can be off-leash with voice control or on a leash.

You're going to be more tempted to put a kayak in this water than stare at a waterfall, as Abol Falls is more like rapids than a traditional waterfall that drops down. If you could whitewater raft here, it would be up to Class III.

Since it's not part of a park or preserved land, you might actually have this slice of heaven to yourself. There is a patch of sandy beach right along the falls.

Abol Falls is at its peak in spring when water is released from the upstream dam. The dynamism trickles into the summer months, but the water is still too dangerous here to swim or wade in.

Waterfall Safety

Even though the water is too dangerous for swimming, no park ranger will stop you since this isn't formally on preserved land. That also means there's little chance someone will be able to come to rescue you. Don't try this waterfall solo.

Wear water shoes to get the best grip on slippery rocks. The road to Abol Falls is bumpy. Take your time and watch out for new boulders or splits in the road from flooding.

Ticks are a problem in the woods, and you should always do a body scan to check for those little suckers embedded into delicate areas. Even pets on flea prevention should be checked, as the prevention only helps kill the ticks after they attach. It doesn't repel them.

Biting flies, mosquitoes, and giant stinging deer flies are thick in the heat of summer. Neither you nor your dog will be able to stop the biting flies since bug spray doesn't work on them.

Don't drink straight out of the stream. You'll need to filter water to avoid dangerous bacteria and know the signs of blue-green algae. People can get very sick from the algae, but dogs can die within hours after exposure.

Parking at Waterfall

You won't have to pay for parking, but your car will pay the price if you don't go slow on the road to get to the parking area.

Don't park on private property near the house just south of the falls. Use the gravel pull-outs for parking just north of the falls' central feature.

NOTE: Abol is a name used a lot in this area, from trails to Little Abol Falls to forks of the stream to campgrounds. Always double check you're looking at the right information for your destination.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: A