Starting at the trailhead on the Mountain Brook Road, the trail slips into the forest and dips down towards the streamside. Expect a rocky trail surface with roots regularly protruding - especially early in the trail. Eventually, the trail runs roughly parallel with the stream and levels out. Here, the trail surface becomes more even, though it is still a natural surface. Depending on the time of year, look for wildflowers in the flat areas adjacent to the trail.
The trail culminates at an attractive waterfall with a pool at its base. As hikers approach the falls, the ravine deepens with steeper walls rising above. The ravine is home to the most mature forest stands in the Cold Stream Forest Public Land. After enjoying the falls, return to the trailhead by the same blue-blazed trail used to reach the falls.
Cold Stream Falls is only one of many outdoor recreation destinations at the 8,150-acre Cold Stream Forest Public Land. Conserved to protect important brook trout and landlocked salmon habitat as well as deer-wintering habitat, the property includes not only frontage on Cold Stream but also several high quality trout ponds and multiple remote campsite areas.
If hikers are looking to see more than one waterfall hike in a day or a weekend of adventure, they could consider combining the Cold Stream Falls Trail with the Moxie Falls Trail west of the Kennebec River Gorge in Moxie Gore TWP. These two hikes showcase the power of water and time as well as the natural beauty found in the upper Kennebec Region.
For more information, visit the Bureau of Parks and Lands online or contact:
To reach the trailhead, travel on US-201 (Old Canada Road Scenic Byway) either north from The Forks or south From Jackman. Turn east onto the Capital Road, a major gravel logging road just north of the West Forks PLT line. Within a mile, cross the bridge over Cold Stream. Turn left (north) onto Mountain Brook Road. Drive roughly a mile north until reaching a small clearing on the west side of the road. Park in the small parking area provided by the clearing.
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