Angel Falls

Get ready to spread your wings in Maine's Rangeley Region to visit the beautiful Angel Falls.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Plunge
• Height: 90 feet
• Active season: Late May through early July
• Trail difficulty: Moderate
• Trail length: 1.1 miles roundtrip
• Leash rules: Under voice control or on a leash

The journey to Angel Falls is exhilarating as you follow the trail that weaves through the forest and streams. You'll definitely get your feet wet here, so plan ahead. The distance of 1.1 miles isn't what makes this hike moderate. It's the tripping hazards. Some people will consider this an easy hike.

Be sure to follow the red blazes on the trail, and the path will be a mix of dirt, pebbles, and large rocks. In the fall, leaves will also cover the ground. Most of the trail has large boulders and rocks jutting out from the ground. You really have to watch your step.

The trail is out and back, so once you reach the falls, you can enjoy the sound and the nearby stream. If you visit during high water, you'll see the arch of the falls that gives the appearance of angel wings, which is how this waterfall got its name.

Dogs are allowed as long as they respond to voice commands or can also be on a leash. You'll need to pick up all pet waste as you go and dispose of it when you find a trash can (which will be a while since there aren't any here).

Waterfall Safety

There's a delicate balance here to go when the waterfall will be at its peak without going when the water is too high or too dangerous to cross the stream. Some of the creek crossings will be perched a few feet above the next drop of the cascading water.

You just have to be careful with each step. Even rocks that look dry could be covered in lichens or algae that make them very slippery.

There isn't a great swimming hole here, and the water will be brown-tinged from the tannins. But many people will go up close to the waterfall, which is better than swimming anyway since you get to look straight up a 90-foot drop.

You shouldn't drink the water because there can be invisible toxins or bacteria that can make you sick. Dogs can be extra sensitive to the algae in the water, so bring fresh water for them as well.

Bugs will be thick from late spring through early fall, and ticks are a problem throughout the year. Bug spray will help with mosquitoes, but not the biting flies. Check yourself and your pet after the hike for ticks and bug bites.

Parking at Waterfall

Parking is free once you get to the designated area, but there's a bumpy ride on logging roads to get there. Remember that logging trucks always have the right of way, and you should never drive a logging road without a high-clearance vehicle.

Using the Height of Land as a reference point, drive 6.7 miles south on ME 17 (Swift River Road) and turn right onto Houghton Road (logging road) and then the next right on Bemis Road (another rough logging road). About 3.5 miles north, there's a parking area.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: A