Green Falls

You're in for a long hike if you want to visit Green Falls in Baxter State Park, as this is the most remote waterfall in New England. Dogs aren't allowed as it's part of Baxter State Park, which bans dogs year-round.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Horsetail
• Height: 40 feet
• Active season: May through October
• Trail difficulty: Strenuous
• Length of trail: 26+ roundtrip
• Leash rules: No dogs allowed

Getting here is the bulk of the challenge and will likely require overnight stays. You'll also need a backcountry permit from Baxter State Park to make the trek.

You can approach from the west, starting at Nesowadehunk campground and using the Wassataquoik Lake Trail or take an east approach starting at Roaring Brooke using the Russel Pond Trail until it connects with the Wassataquoik Lake Trail.

Once here, you're rewarded with a stunning mix of bright green moss with cascading water or frozen falls (depending on the month).

Waterfall Safety

The green moss around the rocks and on the trail will be slippery as walking on cooking oil. Watch your step and wear boots with good traction. Rocks can also be loose beneath your feet.

Plan for an abundance of bugs in the summer, from mosquitoes to biting flies to horse flies. If you're reading this to consider a 26-mile hike, you likely have no issue with bugs. If you're new to this, you should know that the bugs in the air and ticks in the brush are intense at times, especially in late summer.

Since you're walking a backcountry trail, be prepared for scrambling, bushwhacking, mud, and water crossings. You should have a way to clean water to make it drinkable. Don't drink right out of a stream or spring.

While there's not a designated swimming hole here, you must use extreme caution getting anywhere near the falls. This one also has an underbelly beneath the waterfall that could be risky as well.

You should know the basics of moose and bear interaction and have bear spray on hand. Don't leave it in your backpack. When staying overnight, hang your foot from a high wire to keep it out of reach of bears.

MORE: Here's a checklist from Baxter State Park to safely prepare for this trek.

You can also use this trail to explore the backcountry Ledge Falls (not the popular swinging hole) and Grand Falls.

Parking at Waterfall

Out-of-state residents will pay a $16 (subject to change) fee to get into the park. Campers and backcountry hikers need a permit, so your access isn't guaranteed until you have that permit in hand. You'll also have to check in with the park rangers. Let them know your plans and when you hope to return.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: F