The Lush Forest Trails Through Cascade Falls In Maine Will Give You Respite From Stress
By Michelle|Published May 20, 2020
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Despite living in Maine, life can get pretty hectic sometimes. When it does, it’s best to do something that relaxes the mind while also providing a reminder that it’s okay for things to slow down. We think that hiking the many trails throughout the state is a great way to do this. This particular route leads through a beautiful forest and ends up at a stunning natural waterfall!
While there are quite a few beautiful waterfall trails in Maine, one of our favorites doesn’t require a lengthy hike and the route is fairly easy to access. Head to Saco to find the .5-mile Cascade Falls trail.
Fun fact! This area was once used as a stand-in for the Alaskan Yukon in a silent film in the 1930s.
Your trip begins at a well-marked trailhead and leads through a lush hardwood and pine forest. It’s mostly shaded, so this is a great thing to do on a hot day when direct sun is just too much.
While we know that folks with limited mobility and those with strollers have accessed the trail, it’s best to check out the conditions before heading off.
As you approach the end of the trail, you’ll stop following the Cascade Brook and instead head into an open area. This is where you’ll see the falls. Once you’ve taken it in, simply head back to the trail and head towards the parking lot the same way you came.
One strange thing you’ll notice on this hike is a cage! While small children are sometimes told that this cage once housed a gorilla who escaped into the woods, the reality is that it was used for bears as a tourist attraction in the 1950s. Thankfully, those days are over!
