Kezar Falls

Kezar Falls in Waterford, Maine, is more of a local's secret swimming hole with a tall waterfall. The area is dog-friendly.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Cascades
• Height: 25 feet
• Active season: May through October
• Trail difficulty: Moderate
• Trail length: Less than 0.1 miles
• Leash rules: Under voice control or on a leash

This might seem like a waterfall that is a great place of solitude and respite, but even the "secret" nature of it is out, and people love to visit here when the weather is warm.

Kezar Falls is within Kezar Gorge, which means you'll have steep walls in some parts that make it more dangerous than others.

To access the falls, you'll have to take a steep trail down. Without going down this hillside, you won't get the best view of the falls. Once you're there, a rewarding swimming hole is available. There's a trail up the road that gives access to the top of the gorge.

What's particularly wonderful about this waterfall is that you won't be able to climb it, thus reducing any safety risk. It's a great backdrop (and ASMR) for the secluded swimming hole below. You have gorge walls rising above you with the echo of falling water immersing you in the experience.

Dogs are allowed on a leash or voice control.

Waterfall Safety

There are parts of the gorge that aren't blocked by fencing, making it a possible fall hazard. You really have to watch your footing.

As you descend the hill to the water, you'll have a rooted, rocky, muddy path that can be a trip hazard. Take your time. It would be best to keep a dog on a leash until you reach the water because of the steep cliffs.

Once in the water, don't drink it. Even if it looks safe, it could have bacteria and toxins dangerous for you and your pet.

Rocks will always be slippery, even if they look dry. Algae and moss can turn a gripped rock into a slick stepping point.

You'll also encounter a lot of bugs on this path, and ticks are just watching to attach from the trees. Wear bug spray and put some pet-friendly repellant on your pet. Check for ticks and bug bites afterward.

Use your best judgment for the current, as it can be raging or a trickle, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.

Parking at Waterfall

The first thing to know is that your mapping system might take you to the village of Kezar Falls in Porter, which is 43 miles from this waterfall. Make sure you are looking for the Kezar Falls off Kezar Falls of 5 Kezar Road/Old Waterford Road and not the village on Federal Road along the Ossipee River.

The road to get there is dirt and rock, which can be messy during muddy times.

• From the junction of ME 35 and ME 118 in Waterford, take ME 35 south for 0.2 miles
• Turn right onto 5 Kezar Rd
• Take the right fork to stay on 5 Kezar Rd.
• Another fork is three miles in. Go left.
• About 0.2 miles down that road, you'll find the parking area.

The parking area can be hard to spot, so look for other cars or go very slow. There should be three roads that enter the parking area.

While the gorge is just outside of the Greater Lovell Land Trust property, you can see from this map where the other trails are located within that preserved land if you want more of an adventure.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: A