Smalls Falls

You'll never enjoy a rest area more than the Smalls Falls Rest Area just south of Rangeley, Maine. The dog-friendly waterfall offers scenic views and a fantastic swimming hole.

Waterfall Details

• Type of waterfall: Horsetails and cascades
• Height: 54 feet
• Active season: May through October
• Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail length: 0.5 miles roundtrip
• Leash rules: On leash or under voice control

There's nothing small about Smalls Falls, and the name is believed to have come from a landowner during the Civil War. The stair-step cascades of this waterfall are flanked by high rock walls, some that are shaped more like tables than rugged rock.

With four drop sections of the water, there are easy and moderate ways to explore, with some downright dangerous sections where people cliff dive. If you look closely at the rock face behind the waterfall, you might see what artist Joseph Fiore titled "The Guardian of the Falls." It was chilling when we first saw the abstract face staring back at us.

Dogs can be allowed off the leash here, but you want to make sure they are under voice control even when a loud series of waterfalls is raging by.

Please pick up all pet waste immediately and carry it with you until you can dispose of it properly. The rest area has restrooms (pit toilets), grills, and picnic tables if you want to hang out for a while. Keep taking the trail past Smalls Falls to find more waterfalls.

Waterfall Safety

These falls beg you to climb the rocks and explore the pools as each drop, which is dangerous in itself. Cliff jumping or riding the waterfalls should never be done, but nobody will stop others from doing so. Expect a strong current in some spots with slippery rocks that are wet and covered in moss or lichens.

The trail is steep but short. Fences are put up in some areas where a slip and fall could be deadly. In fact, a Maine woman died in 2022 after slipping from the upper falls at Smalls Falls and becoming caught in the undertow at the base of the falls. She drowned after falling 30 feet.

Large, flat bedrock surrounds the waterfall in some parts, making it a great place to sun yourself or have a picnic. The lowest part of the falls has the safest swimming hold for kids.

WATCH: Here's a look at how intense the falls can be at high water.

The water quality is always questionable, and clear water doesn't mean clean water. Bacteria and toxins can still be in the water, so avoid drinking this water and that goes for your pet too.

You'll need water shoes or hiking boots with a good grip, as there are plenty of rocks that will be slippery. The water is brown-tinged from tannins, and it won't always be easy to see potentially sharp rocks at the bottom.

Be on the lookout for whitewater riders coming down the falls, and get out of their way. It's a dangerous series of drops for them, and they need all the support they can get.

You need bug spray here, as mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies are common, especially in the hottest part of summer. Check for tick attachment at the end of your adventure.

Parking at Waterfall

Parking is free at the rest area and trailhead, just off ME 4, 12 miles south of Rangeley. Look for the brown and yellow sign that reads, "Rest Area Smalls Falls."

Waterfall Dog-Friendly Rating: A