From East B Hill Road, descend southwest along the white-blazed Appalachian trail to an intersection with the Cascade Trail on the banks of a stream 50 meters from the road. This intersection can be confusing; do not cross the stream. Take note of the MATC sign on the tree which points left towards another junction with the Appalachian Trail in 0.7 miles and Dunn Falls in 0.9 miles.
Turn left and follow the blue-blazed Cascade Trail south, towards Dunn Falls. This narrow trail winds its way over roots and rocks as it follows the stream through dense forest. In less than 0.5 miles, the trail crosses the stream and switchbacks up the steep opposite bank. After another 0.2 miles, the trail descends to the West Branch of the Ellis river and crosses it. Small pools, cascades, and sand banks abound on this stretch of water. The Cascade Trail continues due west along the south bank of the river, traveling upstream towards the falls. In just over 0.1 miles, the blue-blazed Cascade Trail forks. The right fork continues for a short ways along the banks of the West Branch of the Ellis River, providing access to the pools beneath Lower Dunn Falls. The trail's left fork provides access to all points further upstream and ascends rapidly to the top of Lower Dunn Falls. At the top of the Falls, the Cascade Trail intersects the white-blazed Appalachian Trail which continues southbound to the left and northbound across the river to the right. A small clearing at this intersection provides an excellent rest spot beside the river immediately before its plunge over Lower Dunn Falls.
To continue to Upper Dunn Falls, cross the West Branch of the Ellis River, turning north on the Appalachian Trail. Once across the river, the trail ascends a short, yet steep bank to another small clearing. Here, the blue-blazed Cascade Trail departs the Appalachian Trail and turns uphill and northwest towards Upper Dunn Falls. The Cascade Trail reaches the Upper Falls in less than 0.25 miles, but features several short ascents of steep banks and at times passes very near the drop-off to the river below. Along the way to Upper Dunn Falls, several smaller, but equally spectacular falls may be accessed from the trail. The Cascade Trail ends at the base of Upper Dunn Falls and overlooks a small gorge at the confluence of two streams below the long drop of Upper Dunn Falls.
Optional loop-hike: Hikers seeking to return along a different route may take the northbound Appalachian Trail from its junction with the Cascade Trail at the top of Lower Dunn Falls. The Appalachian Trail heads northeast along a ridge, descending rapidly after 0.6 miles to the stream bank opposite the Cascade Trail. The Appalachian Trail then continues northward along the stream for 0.1 miles until it crosses the stream and arrives at its first junction with the Cascade trail a short ways downhill from the trailhead. This section of trail is challenging and includes difficult uphills and steep descents.
For more information, please contact Maine Appalachian Trail Club.
Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)Access to the Cascades Trail to Dunn Falls is a short distance south along the Appalachian Trail from the intersection of East B Hill/Andover Road and the Appalachian Trail.
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