Katahdin Stream Falls is a tiered waterfall on Katahdin Stream in Baxter State Park, Piscataquis County, Maine, dropping about 50 feet in three steps beside the Hunt Trail, the Appalachian Trail's final climb to Katahdin. The falls are among the highlights of the Hunt Trail, about a mile up from the campground.
The falls
The World Waterfall Database describes the falls as tiered horsetails in three distinct steps of roughly 20, 15 and 10 feet. The often-repeated figure of just over 100 feet in four steps doesn't hold up against lidar data, which shows about 50 feet in total; older measurements gave 108 feet. Above the main cascades are more small falls, none taller than about 8 feet.
Getting there
The hike starts at Katahdin Stream Campground, about 8 miles beyond Togue Pond Gatehouse on the park road, where the speed limit is 20 mph. From there the white-blazed Hunt Trail climbs gradually through forest for about a mile to a bridge at the foot of the falls. The falls are at mile 1.17, about 2.3 miles round trip.
From June 1 to October 15, 2026, day hikers parking at Katahdin trailheads need a Katahdin Trailhead Pass, $10 per vehicle, even for non-summit hikes such as this one; entry without a reservation is possible only if space remains. Vehicles from outside Maine also pay a gate fee of $20 per visit or $50 for the season. The park is open for day use from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. More on Baxter State Park.
When to go
The trailhead pass season runs from June to mid-October. The park warns that parking fills quickly in July and August and on most weekends, so reserve early.
On site
The trail crosses Katahdin Stream on a wooden bridge just below the falls; the best view is from a rocky ledge reached by a short spur trail. On June 8, 2026, the park closed the bridge for replacement and sent Hunt Trail hikers onto a bypass marked with blue flagging from the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station; check current trail conditions before going. Pets, drones and firewood are not allowed in the park, and parties are limited to 12 people.
History and name
Katahdin Stream Campground was established in 1939 and has served since as a gateway to Katahdin by the Appalachian Trail. Beyond the falls, the Hunt Trail continues 5.2 miles one way, with 4,188 feet of gain, to Baxter Peak.
Nearby
Katahdin Falls, on a tributary of Katahdin Stream, is about 1.8 miles away. Little Abol Falls on Abol Stream is about 2.3 miles away, and Big Niagara Falls and Little Niagara Falls on Nesowadnehunk Stream are about 3.2 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.