With all its rolling hills and forested areas, it’s not uncommon to come across an awesome waterfall while hiking in Maine. In fact, waterfalls are just about our favorite natural attraction in the state and we’ve written about some of our favorites here. We didn’t think it was possible to get more excited about the waterfalls in Vacationland until we heard about this completely natural waterslide made possible by a waterfall in Western Maine!
Located in Newry, near the New Hampshire border, you’ll find Step Falls Preserve.
CharleyNottinghamUK / TripAdvisor The hike through the area will take visitors through forests of spruce, fir and hemlock. Eventually, the trail follows a brook that will ultimately lead you to the base of Step Falls.
And this is where things get fun!
bullman99 / TripAdvisor
The granite rocks of these falls have been naturally eroded making them smooth and the perfect surface for a ride!
Sondra D. / TripAdvisor
Once you’ve reached the falls there are a few opportunities to explore, but the top provides a stunning view.
UntamedMainer / Flickr
Once you’ve become hot and sweaty on this short hike, you’ll have even more incentive to get into the water!
Luke Bailey / YouTube
You’ll know you’ve found a good area when you hear yelps from others sliding down.
Luke Bailey / YouTube
While the ride isn’t long, the slopes of the rocks will have you sliding from one side to the other.
Luke Bailey / YouTube
Your ride ends in one of the many small pools located throughout Step Falls.
Luke Bailey / YouTube As with any outdoor activity, visitors should be extremely careful when playing in or near these rocks. Fatalities have occurred in areas such as this one, providing a reminder that nature is always the one in control. Have fun, but be careful!
To get to Step Falls Preserve, make your way to Newry via Route 26. You’ll find the preserve on the right before you reach Wight Brook. This is about eight miles from Route 2. The preserve is about a half mile southeast of Grafton Notch State Park. You’ll see parking in the field area near the brook.
For a good sense of what you’ll experience here, check out this fun video!
CharleyNottinghamUK / TripAdvisor
The hike through the area will take visitors through forests of spruce, fir and hemlock. Eventually, the trail follows a brook that will ultimately lead you to the base of Step Falls.
bullman99 / TripAdvisor
Sondra D. / TripAdvisor
UntamedMainer / Flickr
Luke Bailey / YouTube
As with any outdoor activity, visitors should be extremely careful when playing in or near these rocks. Fatalities have occurred in areas such as this one, providing a reminder that nature is always the one in control. Have fun, but be careful!
To get to Step Falls Preserve, make your way to Newry via Route 26. You’ll find the preserve on the right before you reach Wight Brook. This is about eight miles from Route 2. The preserve is about a half mile southeast of Grafton Notch State Park. You’ll see parking in the field area near the brook.
And, check out some of our favorite waterfall swimming holes by clicking here!
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