Cascade Stream Falls, the first drop on the trail
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Cascade Stream Gorge

4.6
Β·59 reviewsΒ·, United States

A stunning gorge with a unique, rocky trail resembling natural stairs, offering rewarding views and a less crowded experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rainfall

More water, more dramatic views

CrowdLow
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Cascade Stream Falls, the first drop on the trail

Cascade Stream Gorge

Best Time

After rainfall

More water, more dramatic views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning gorge with a unique, rocky trail resembling natural stairs, offering rewarding views and a less crowded experience.

4.6
(59 reviews)

"The trail is tough in places, but it is well worth the trek for the beautiful gorge views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Proper Shoes

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rocky, stair-like terrain. Avoid flip-flops!

πŸš— Steep Driveway

The access road to the parking area is steep and can have holes. Drive carefully.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 Β· 59 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gorge Views

The Gorge Views

Experience breathtaking views of the gorge, with plenty of scenic spots to admire the cascading water. Totally worth the trek!

Reddit
Rocky Staircase Trail

Rocky Staircase Trail

A unique and challenging trail that feels like climbing natural stairs, offering a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

Reddit
Waterfalls After Rain

Waterfalls After Rain

Witness the stream at its most powerful and beautiful after rainfall, creating a more dramatic and impressive cascade.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Footwear is Key

The trail at Cascade Stream Gorge is described as 'like climbing stairs' and can be rocky. While some have managed in flip-flops, proper hiking shoes are highly recommended for safety and comfort, especially if you plan to go further up. Reddit

Timing and Crowds

This gorge is less crowded than nearby attractions like Smalls Falls, offering a more peaceful experience. Visiting after a storm can mean more water flow, enhancing the visual appeal. Reddit

Best Times

When
After rainfall
Why
More water, more dramatic views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer people, peaceful hike
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Rangeley for a week: need ideas on things to do and where to eat

My wife and I are about to take a weeklong vacation to Rangeley Maine. Looking for some ideas of things to do and best places to hike. We're trying to keep the hiking on the easier side, while still seeing some wonderful sights. We're not beyond hiking a couple of miles, just…

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Proper Shoes

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rocky, stair-like terrain. Avoid flip-flops! Reddit

πŸš— Steep Driveway

The access road to the parking area is steep and can have holes. Drive carefully. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Download Maps

Cell service is spotty. Download trail maps beforehand as they can be illegible. Reddit

πŸ’§ Check Water Levels

Visit after rain for the most impressive water flow and gorge scenery. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Proper Shoes

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rocky, stair-like terrain. Avoid flip-flops! Reddit

πŸš— Steep Driveway

The access road to the parking area is steep and can have holes. Drive carefully. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Download Maps

Cell service is spotty. Download trail maps beforehand as they can be illegible. Reddit

πŸ’§ Check Water Levels

Visit after rain for the most impressive water flow and gorge scenery. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(59 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning gorge views and the unique, challenging 'staircase' trail, calling it 'totally worth the trek.' While the hike is short, its rocky nature requires good footwear. Some note the tiny, steep parking lot and potential navigation issues due to spotty cell service, but overall, it's a rewarding natural escape.

"Oooh! Im so glad we went on this hike. It's such a beautiful gorge. The trail is kinda like climbing stairs and can be tough in places , but it is well worth the trek!"

Jill Barbera

"Short, rocky trail. I did the first 3/4 in flip flops with my dog but didn't go all the way to the top. Wouldn't have been a problem if I had been wearing actual shoes. Short trail. Driveway to get to parking area is steep and has some holes in it. I was the only one there, so not as busy as other trails to waterfalls."

Shayna Piedimonte

"Trail map was illegible and I had no service to download a map. Trail was overgrown and I didn't hear water so I am guessing it's a longer walk. Parking lot is tiny and steep. Locals don't seem impressed by it with Smalls Falls down the road. I'm not dissing the place but you must be a pretty good hiker to go here"

Jennifer Reynolds

What People Like

Beautiful gorge views
Unique rocky trail
Less crowded than other falls

What People Dislike

Rocky and steep trail
Tiny parking lot
Poor cell service

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Cascade Stream Gorge is located near Rangeley, Maine. The access road to the parking area is steep and may have holes, so drive with caution. Reddit It's often mentioned in discussions about hiking in the Rangeley Lakes region. Reddit

The parking lot is described as tiny, so arriving early or on a weekday is advisable to secure a spot. Reddit

Due to potential lack of cell service and illegible trail maps, it's best to download a map of the Cascade Stream Gorge trail beforehand. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of tickets or entry fees for Cascade Stream Gorge in traveler reviews, suggesting it's likely a free-access natural area. Reddit

As a natural gorge, Cascade Stream Gorge is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during safe daylight conditions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The trail is described as short but can be tough, with sections resembling climbing stairs and being rocky. Proper footwear is essential. Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail at Cascade Stream Gorge, as mentioned by a reviewer who hiked with their dog. Reddit

While the hike is short, the rocky and stair-like terrain might be challenging for those seeking very easy hikes. It's more of a moderate, short trek. Reddit

Reviews suggest it's a short hike to reach the gorge, though some mention it could be longer if you're not sure of the path. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The gorge itself offers numerous great views. Visiting after rain can enhance the water flow for dramatic waterfall shots. Reddit

Absolutely! The unique rock formations and cascading water make it a prime spot for landscape photographers looking for dramatic scenery. Reddit

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