This Strange Phenomenon In Maine Is Too Weird For Words

While many outsiders think people from Maine are strange, we’d like to tell you once and for all that we’re not as strange as it might seem. We know this because a while back, we decided that we’d like to write an article for you that highlighted a strange “thing” in our state, either natural or man-made. It was surprisingly hard to find something we felt that you, the readers, would find compelling!

We looked into gravity hills, where an optical illusion seemingly makes objects roll backward (apparently, we don’t have one), and abandoned towns in Maine where residents simply disappeared (nope.) I realized that, perhaps, Vacationland is not as wacky as we thought. We considered Bubble Rock, defying physics with its teetering position near Jordan Pond and the Ice Caves, full of icy rock in the dead of summer. But, in the end, we continued to come back to the strange phenomenon of Reversing Falls Park in Maine.

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It's magic! Well, actually, it's just science. Maine has one of the most dramatic tidal changes in the country, and Reversing Falls in Pembroke, Maine, might be the best place to see this in action.

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Rising an average of 20 feet every 6.5 hours, the tide here sends water rushing in and out of Dennys Bay and Whiting Bay. This rush of water travels through the narrow area between Mahar Point and Falls Island to create what appears to be a waterfall that runs opposite the current.

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The Reversing Falls (also called "Cobscook Falls") are formed as a result of a large rock ledge that makes it impossible for the water to move smoothly. During the incoming tide, this underwater activity creates a crazy waterfall, along with whirlpools and surprisingly high swells. But, the real phenomenon is during the outgoing tide.

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When the tide heads in the opposite direction, the movement of the water goes over the treacherous area in the reverse direction, creating what appears to be a waterfall that moves opposite of the current. Perhaps as interesting as the falls themselves, is how calm the area looks when the tide is not moving. It's as if the water holds a secret, only available to those watching in the right place at the right time.

Thank you to Maine Trail Finder for the following directions to Reversing Falls Park:

To visit Reversing Falls in Pembroke, head to Reversing Falls Park via U.S. 1. Once in Pembroke, head east onto the extension of Route 214, immediately beside the Irving gas station. From here, turn right at the stop sign and then take an immediate left up a small hill onto Leighton Point Road. Continue 3.3 miles, then turn right onto Clarkside Road where you’ll see a wooden sign for Reversing Falls. Continue on this road for 1.2 miles. At the end of Clarkside Road, turn left onto a dirt road and travel 1.5 miles to the town of Pembroke Land and Parking area. Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s trail begins at the eastern parking lot.

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Please note that swimming is not allowed in or near the falls at any time. The swirling action of the water can create treacherous conditions, and even boat travel should only be undertaken with a local, knowledgeable guide.

If you’re intrigued by Reversing Falls in Maine, you’ll be equally fascinated by the 10 weirdest places you can go in Maine.

Have you been to the falls in Pembroke? Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below. When you go make sure to have your trusty “Bean Boots” with you because the rocks can be slippery. Have an idea for something else you’d like to see us feature? Fill out a nomination form to let us know!