There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Maine, but one of our forever favorites is getting outside to hit the trails. While simply meandering through the woods is a nice way to enjoy the day, we love when a beautiful trail leads to an even more beautiful waterfall. Bonus points when the waterfall is one that none of our friends have visited! Today’s focus is on a hike that ticks all the boxes. Check it out and let us know if you’ve done it.
Mariaville Falls Preserve is located near Ellsworth and offers a wonderful place to get outside with the promise of simple trails and a waterfall destination.
Brian Eggert / alltrails.com
The trails are maintained by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy who purchased two pieces of land totaling about 123 acres.
Sean Veilleux / alltrails.com
There are two main routes, both offering fairly flat terrain to get to the falls. We recommend the loop, which is just under 1.5 miles roundtrip.
Ashley Irons / alltrails.com
The trail begins at the parking area and heads through the woods before joining with the Fisherman’s Trail leading to the waterfall. At this point you’ll be south of the actual falls, so you’ll want to make a right towards the Fisherman’s Trail before hiking just a few more minutes to reach the falls.
Brian Eggert / alltrails.com
And as you make your way to the falls, there are lots of points to stop and view this beautiful river.
Ali Worster / alltrails.com
You’ll probably hear the waterfall before you see it, which is the mark of any good Maine waterfall!
Jon McLain / alltrails.com
Depending on the time of year the water might be rushing through the river.
Dawn Campbell / Google
This is a great way for kids to start understanding the different types of waterfalls that exist and it’s an easy way to safely have them start hiking.
Dawn Campbell / Google While we love the Mariaville Falls Preserve for its access to one of our favorite undiscovered waterfalls, we also appreciate the history here.
William Bingham of Philadelphia established a settlement here in the early 1800s. Eventually it included a dam, two wood mills, a tannery, a boarding house and different homes for about 50 families! Today you won’t see any remnants of that village, but it’s fun to imagine them there!
Mariaville Falls Preservce is managed by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy. To find it, follow this address: Unnamed Road, Mariaville, ME 04605.
Brian Eggert / alltrails.com
Sean Veilleux / alltrails.com
Ashley Irons / alltrails.com
Ali Worster / alltrails.com
Jon McLain / alltrails.com
Dawn Campbell / Google
While we love the Mariaville Falls Preserve for its access to one of our favorite undiscovered waterfalls, we also appreciate the history here.
William Bingham of Philadelphia established a settlement here in the early 1800s. Eventually it included a dam, two wood mills, a tannery, a boarding house and different homes for about 50 families! Today you won’t see any remnants of that village, but it’s fun to imagine them there!
Check out this other waterfall that we think is actually a pretty great state secret. Have you seen it before?
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