Hiking Cascade Stream Gorge Trail - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Cascade Stream Gorge Trail: trails, map and practical info

Western Mountains • Maine

4.4 Appreciated by 7 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
33 ft
Duration
1h15

Explore a dramatic gorge carved by Cascade Stream in Maine's Western Mountains near Rangeley. This 1.6 km easy trail rewards hikers with impressive waterfalls and deep pools in just 45 minutes, delivering outsized natural drama for its 91 m elevation gain.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Cascade Stream Gorge Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail is one of western Maine's most satisfying short hikes — the kind of trail that punches well above its weight. At just 1 mile round-trip with 91 meters of elevation gain, it's rated easy-to-moderate and typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, but the gorge at its heart makes it feel like a much bigger adventure than those numbers suggest.

Recommended gear for this trail

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
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Actik Core 625
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Coplin, ME 04970, USA
GPS coordinates
44.9245667, -70.6118955
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The cascade stream gorge trail is located in the town of Grafton Notch State Park, Maine. The park is located on Route 26, about 15 miles north of North Conway, New Hampshire.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.9245667, -70.6118955
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.4
4 Reviews
S
Sarah
Nov 14, 2025
Outstanding short hike located in Grafton Notch State Park with stunning gorge views. The 1.6 km trail offers a perfect balance of accessibility and natural beauty, making it ideal for a quick outdoor escape. The 91 meter elevation gain is manageable for most fitness levels. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Western Maine.
M
Michael
Aug 22, 2025
Solid trail experience with impressive gorge scenery along Cascade Stream. The moderate elevation gain makes it suitable for families and casual hikers. While parking and access fees apply, the natural features justify the cost. A worthwhile addition to any Maine hiking itinerary, though note that dogs are not permitted on this route.
J
Jennifer
Jun 9, 2025
Beautiful gorge trail that delivers scenic value despite its short distance. The 45-minute timeframe makes it perfect for fitting into a busy schedule. The landscape in Western Maine's mountains is genuinely impressive. Access is paid, but the experience justifies the investment for nature enthusiasts.
E
Emily
Sep 30, 2024
Absolutely stunning gorge landscape that exceeds expectations for such a short hike. The trail is well-maintained and the natural scenery is captivating. Located conveniently in Western Maine, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a quick but rewarding outdoor adventure without requiring extensive time commitment.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
33.00 m
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
1h15
No
No
The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the scenery along the way.
The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail has an elevation gain of 91 meters. This moderate elevation change makes it accessible to hikers of various fitness levels.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail. This restriction helps protect the natural environment and wildlife in the area.
No, access to the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail is not free as it's located within Grafton Notch State Park. You'll need to pay the state park entrance fee to access the trail.
The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail is located in Grafton Notch State Park, Maine, on Route 26, about 15 miles north of North Conway, New Hampshire. The park is open 24 hours daily for access to the trail.
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Update : June 2026