Kees Falls

Kees Falls is a dog-friendly waterfall near Gilead, Maine, under the supervision of the Forest Service. It's part of White Mountain National Forest.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Plunge
• Height: 30 feet
• Active season: Mid-May through October
• Trail difficulty: Moderate
• Trail length: 3.8 miles roundtrip
• Leash rules: On a leash in developed areas, off leash and under voice control otherwise

This trail takes you along Morrison Brook, with several water features along the way. You will cross the stream several times on your way to the waterfall.

Plan for a walk through a thick, wooded area with the potential for a muddy walk after rain or during melting snow season. The elevation gain is less the 700 feet.

Please pick up after your pet as you go and carry the waste with you to dispose of properly.

Dogs are welcome in the White Mountain National Forest; however, they must be leashed when in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, trailhead parking lots, and on developed trails (Diana’s Baths, for instance). Once outside developed recreation areas on the trails, dogs may be off leash if they are under strict voice command.

The falls are too steep to climb and covered with slick moss anyway. You will have to scramble to the base, so use your best judgment. The swimming hole isn't big here, but you might have it to yourself.

Always watch out for the slippery rocks near waterfalls, as they never look quite as slick as they really are. Don't wear tennis shoes while doing this hike. You'll need the grip of hiking boots.

The trail goes on to the summit of Caribou Mountain in a designated wilderness area if you want a longer hike. Here's a map of the routes you can take.

Waterfall Safety

This wooded region will have its fair share of bugs in the warmer months, with the worst of it bringing a mix of dragonflies, biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Always wear bug spray and keep your pet protected with a dog-friendly bug repellant.

You'll need to carry enough drinking water for you and your pet. Don't drink the water from the stream, as it can have bacteria and toxins in it.

The trail can have tree roots and boulders along the way, so watch your step.

Parking at Waterfall

You'll need a pass from the Forest Service using Recreation.gov to park at the trailhead. To get there, take ME 113, almost five miles south of US 2 in Gilead. You'll find a road tucked between the trees that take you to the trailhead just after a brown sign marking a trailhead.

It's important to note that ME 113 isn't open until the snow is cleared for the year and will close down in late fall. You can check the open/close status here.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: A