Black Stream Falls

Black Stream Falls is a lesser-known waterfall in Sangerville, Maine. It's right off the main road with a small drop over the rocks into dark waters below.

Waterfall Details

Type of waterfall: Cascades
Height: Four feet
Active season: May through October
Trail length: None
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Leash rules: Dogs under voice control or leash control

You won't find a lot of information online about Black Stream Falls, and the New England Waterfalls website is the only one that lists this location. This waterfall isn't marked on any map or atlas, but it is easily accessible at Knowlton Mills Road and Burrough Road.

The water rushes through and drops from black slate rocks, hence the "Black Stream" name. The water can give off a rust color as it drops and in the area where you'd be most likely to swim. That could be from the naturally occurring substance tannin, but you should check with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection before swimming.

Waterfall Safety

The walk to the waterfall is just a few feet, but watch your footing as you head down the embankment and use extra careful steps on the rocks. The mix of dark rocks, dark water, and slippery conditions is dangerous.

Since this is just one short drop, you'll find calmer waters near the base. You would climb on the waterfall's rocks at your own risk, and spring will have a much more ferocious roar than in late summer. There is a nice ledge up top, but the dark water might hide how deep that area is or the strength of the current.

Don't jump from this waterfall or the surrounding rocks, as the stream might not be deep enough.

Avoid the private property that's clearly marked on the stream.

You should bring your own drinking water and never drink right from the stream. Keep dogs from drinking it as well. Bacteria such as giardia could make you both sick several days or weeks later.

Biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks are abundant in this area. Use bug spray, even though that won't help with the biting flies.

HELPFUL TIP: If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in bug-prone areas, you can consider bug-resistant clothing. You can buy new clothes or send in your favorite hiking outfit to have it treated with Insect Shield. Clothing for pets is available too. Maine's favorite home state retailer L.L. Bean also has insect-repellant clothing.

Parking at Waterfall

This isn't in a park or preserved land. Parking would be off to the side of the road in a gravel pull-off space. You might be driving on logging roads or gravel roads, which can be brutal on compact cars.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: C