The Maine High Peaks are full of unique natural areas. The local waterfalls can make a great destination for a picnic, a quick hike or just enjoying the beauty of the area. In this short video we take you along to just a few of the hidden gems that can be found right here in the greater Sugarloaf region. Driving directions: Reed Falls, Kingfield. The starting point for Reed falls begins on rt 27 between Kingfield and Carrabassett. Look for a small parking area on the Carrabassett river side of the road just before the Claybrook (Ira mtn) bridge. The hiking trail follows Reed brook to the falls. The trail starts behind the gaurdrail opposite of the parking area. Smalls Falls, Sandy River. Smalls Falls is a state rest area located off rt 4 in Sandy River. Head north on rt 4 from Phillips or south from the town of Rangeley. A large sign on the west side of the road leads you to the rest area, which includes restrooms, picnic tables, and area information. Angel Falls, Township D. From the intersection of rt 4 and 17 in Oquossoc Village in Rangeley, follow rt 17 south for about 18 miles and turn right onto Houghton Road (about 1.2 miles beyond a bridge crossing the Swift River). On Houghton Road cross a bridge over the Swift River, and at the T-intersection, turn right onto Bemis Road and drive 3.4 miles Park on the left side of Bemis Road just before the yellow sign marking the trailhead. Sarampus Falls, Chain of Ponds. From the village of Stratton (7 miles north of the Sugarloaf Access road) drive north on rt 27 towards the Canadian border for approx 13.5 miles. You’ll find the Sarampus Falls rest area on your right. West Mountain Falls, Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley). To reach West Mountain Falls turn onto the Sugarloaf Ski Resort access road off of rt 27 in Carrabassett Valley. Once on the access road turn right onto the West Mountain road. Just after passing underneath a chairlift turn to the Sugarloaf Golf club. As you drive down to the golf club parking area you’ll pass the sign and trail leading to West Mountain Falls. Houston Brook Falls, Carrabassett Valley. From the center of Carrabassett turn off rt 27 onto the Carriage road. In about .25 mi turn left onto the Houston Brook road (dirt road). Follow Huston Brook Rd for 2.0 miles (passing through a gate at mile 0.4) and you will find a parking pull off on the left with room for three or four cars. A short hiking trail leads from the road down to the falls. Poplar Stream Falls, Carrabassett Valley. These falls can be reached a variety of ways. Shortest: From rt 27 in Carrabassett Valley, turn onto the Carriage road. Continue 1.8 miles down Carriage Rd and take a right onto an unmarked road. Follow this dirt road for 0.2 miles to a parking area. Walk just beyond the green gate to start exploring the two falls. For a longer adventure .2 miles into the Carriage road from rt 27 turn right onto Gauge road and find the Maine Huts and Trails Gauge road trailhead. Once at this trailhead there are maps and information on how to get to the falls. It’s a pleasant 2.3 mile hike to the falls area.
