Maine might not be known for the towering mountains you’ll find out west, but we do have some breathtaking natural wonders all our own. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” this Maine canyon hike will take you to the most beautiful places in the state.

Gulf Hagas is located in Maine's Katahdin Iron Works State Park.
thepiper351 / Flickr
Gulf Hagas is a beautiful slate gorge with vertical rock walls, which creates the many waterfalls along this hike.
Thomas Cook / Flickr
Nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of Maine” -- and even “the Grand Canyon of the East” -- Gulf Hagas is features a network of trails, incredible rock formations, and a series of beautiful waterfalls.
Andy / Flickr
Gulf Hagas is a roughly three-mile-long stretch of rock walls that tower over the river rushing nearly 500 feet below.
Lee Coursey / Flickr
The river was once used by logging companies to move logs, which were needed for fuel, towards Katahdin Iron Works.
thepiper351 / Flickr
The areas where logs became jammed were referred to as "jaws" and were eventually widened using dynamite.
mgpenguin86 / Flickr

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But, that's enough history -- the best way to understand the area is by exploring it on foot!
Lee Coursey / Flickr
The 8.6-mile Gulf Rim Trail is a beautiful, challenging hike which allows for views down into the gorge. A portion of the trail follows Maine's portion of the Appalachian Trail, located within the 100-mile wilderness.
The full hike is an eight hour endeavor (!), but there are many other (read: shorter) options for exploring Gulf Hagas that are equally stunning.
thepiper351 / Flickr
You can explore the area year-round, including on snowy days, but be sure to be extra careful.
Adam Knowles / Flickr
A group of private landowners actually own the area that abuts gulf Hagas. The Ki-Jo Mary Forest is a privately-owned area that includes the road to access Gulf Hagas. This group collects a fee from May to October to maintain the area.
You'll find signage with instructions and directions once you've arrived at the trailhead.
Katahdin Iron Works State Park / Facebook
("Dabbing" over the canyon is not required, but encouraged!)
You'll pay a small gate fee to gain entry into Gulf Hagas.
Andy / Flickr
During the off-season ,no fees are collected and you should find the gate open. If you'd like to camp, you're welcome to do so, but must pay a small fee. You can find more information about Gulf Hagas fees and season dates on the Maine Trail Finder website.
Happy trails!
Thomas Cook / Flickr
Visit the Gulf Hagas website for more information.

If this Maine canyon hike has you craving more, you’ll definitely want to check out these 12 incredible hiking trails in the Pine Tree State. Happy hiking!

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Maine Canyon Hike

Sarah | February 03, 2021

What are the most scenic hikes I can take in Maine?

While the Maine canyon hike to Gulf Hagas is certainly one of the most scenic treks in The Pine Tree State, it certainly isn't the only one. Maine is full of scenic hikes, and you don't have to be an advanced hiker to enjoy them! This roundup of 10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles is accessible for anyone, and has some of our very favorite scenic hikes in the state. Clocking in at just 2 miles, the South Bubble hike of the Bubble Mountains is one of the more accessible endeavors in Acadia National Park. Once you've reached the top you'll see the famous perched rock, left by glacial activity centuries ago, and marvel at the beauty surrounding you.

Are there many waterfalls in Maine?

Maine has some spectacular waterfalls that will truly take your breath away. One of our favorites is Screw Auger Falls, located in Oxford County. Sourced by the Bear River, these falls are comprised of two hearty drops. The first is a 30-foot drop over a granite ledge into the gorge below. The second is just below the first and features another 30-foot drop. When you picture a rushing, powerful waterfall -- this is probably what you're picturing. If you're looking for a road trip, this one will take you to some of the most scenic falls in the state, including Screw Auger Falls.

Does Maine have any other natural wonders?

In addition to stunning waterfalls and its very own Grand Canyon, Maine is home to lots of natural wonders -- many of them hiding in plain sight! Acadia National Park is, of course, our state's crown jewel. Seeing the sunset over the summit of Cadillac Mountain will make you feel simultaneously big and small, and marvel at the immense beauty of The Pine Tree State. For a more bizarre natural wonder, check our the "reversing falls" in West Pembroke, where the changing tide creates a tidal flow that alternately fills and drains both Whiting Bay and Dennys Bay, causing the appearance of "falls." It's one of the more puzzling natural wonders in Maine, to be sure.

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Gulf Hagas Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414, USA