Katahdin Stream Falls

Follow the Appalachian Trail in the shadow of Katahdin to the rolling cascades of Katahdin Stream Falls.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
2.00 miles, Round Trip
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
T3 R10 WELS
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor
Pets
Not Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

This scenic hike brings you right to the base of Katahdin where the waters of Katahdin Stream thunder beneath the northernmost bridge on the Appalachian Trail. Refreshingly cool in the summer, and especially spectacular during the snowmelt on the high peaks, Katahdin Stream Falls is well worth the hike.

Other Information

Park Fees: See website for entrance and camping fees. [No entrance fee for Maine residents.]

Park Rules: See a more complete list here.

  • All persons entering the Park by road or trail must register their entrance at a gatehouse or self-registration station
  • The maximum size of hiking groups is 12 persons
  • All groups of five or more persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by at least one adult, responsible for the supervision of a maximum of five youths
  • For all trash: Carry-in; carry-out
  • Where toilets are not available, human waste must be buried at least 200' from water and trails or carried out
  • Pets or other domestic animals are not allowed in the Park, except for service dogs
  • Camping is permitted by reservation only
  • Fires or other cooking or heating devices are permitted only in designated campsites or picnic areas
  • Hunting and trapping are prohibited within the Park (with some exceptions)
  • Maine fishing laws apply within the Park
  • No person may feed, bait, or disturb any animal within the Park
  • Power equipment is prohibited (including generators)
  • All vehicles must display an entrance permit while in the Park

Trail Manager

This trail is within Baxter State Park. For more information and detailed trail maps, please visit Baxter State Park Authority's website.

Baxter State Park Authority

Baxter State Park Authority
64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: (207) 723-5140
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails and campsites. If there's no trail, try to walk on rock, gravel, or snow and spread out so that your group doesn't create a trail.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Katahdin Stream Falls is on the Hunt Trail, the final stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead is located on the north end of Katahdin Stream Campground.

From Millinocket: Travel 16 miles northwest on the paved Baxter Park Road to the Togue Pond Gatehouse, passing buildings and Golden Road Crossing after eight miles. After entering the park at Togue Pond Gate, bear left and continue onto the Park Tote Road for 7.8 miles. Katahdin Stream Campground will be on the left. Park in the day-use lots.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
directoroffantasies
June 27, 2019
Arrived early morning to make parking reservation, but didn't need to pay the $5 advance fee on a fall weekday as hardly anyone there. I do recommend reserving on weekends & during busy summer. Near parking lot are port-a-potties, camp sites (reservations required), a ranger cabin & picnic tables. Great strenuous hike due to tree roots & large granite stair steps & boulders. I did it at age 56 with a cane due to having bursitis in my left hip. Slow going. Fellow hikers all younger than us were kind. Right before reaching the falls, there was a large boulder taller than my height (5'2"). Fortunately a hiker coming down gave me a hand up. The falls are not huge but are lovely & a great photo op. Whole trail is great photo op. Stopped so many times to photograph fall leaves, a tree that had fallen over & grown into an arch, etc, I made it a 2.5 hour hike up & back. BTW, there is a latrine just across the bridge at the falls in case you need it. There is a sign stating it is the last one if hikers continue on up the trail to go up the mountain.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…