Parlin Falls

Parlin Falls in Jackman, Maine, is a series of waterfalls that are stunning but secluded and tough to access. Dogs are welcome, but you should both be in excellent shape to attempt this trek.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Cascades and a larger horsetail
• Height: 20 feet of cascades, 40-foot horsetail
• Active season: Late May through October
• Trail difficulty: Strenuous
• Trail length: 1.4 miles roundtrip
• Leash rules: On leash or under voice control

This isn't a good waterfall for kids or those with mobility issues, but the adventurers will love the bushwhacking and scrambling adventure to get to the different sections of the falls.

A rugged trail follows the stream to the different sections of the falls. You will come to spots where the falls are within a gorge, and you would be risking your life to access this point.

You'll need to use your own judgment about where you would feel safe swimming since this is a long stretch of three waterfalls, including the inaccessible section. The water is dark, which could make you more hesitant to swim. The currents can also be too swift for swimmers.

Bring water shoes to change out of your hiking boots, but with the slick rocks and distance to walk, you might want just to get your hiking boots wet to get a better grip when walking through the water.

Dogs should be under voice control or on a leash. Bring the leash with you even if you let them run free in case they get too close to one of the gorge edges.

Waterfall Safety

The trail to get here isn't long, but it's steep, slippery, and filled with tripping hazards. Mud would make a bad situation worse. You should be experienced with scrambling and bushwhacking to enjoy this trail. Even calling it a "trail" is generous.

Bugs will be thick in summer, with biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks all present.

The granite is dark here, which can easily hide its slippery surface. Moss or algae on the rocks can make it even more risky with each step.

This is a very dangerous trek to the waterfall and should not be taken lightly or rushed. If you aren't in prime physical shape, find another waterfall that is easier to access.

Parking at Waterfall

Parking is free and near the intersection of Parlin Falls Road and Smith Pond Road. Those roads aren't labeled on Google Maps, so to help you out, here are the coordinates: 45°32'45.1"N 70°04'37.3"W.

You'll turn north at this intersection, where the road ends in a gravel and dirt parking area.

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: A