Step Falls Preserve Mahoosuc Land Trust — Attraction in Newry

This is one of Maine’s little hidden gems! You would not believe that this exists just off the road and among the fields and homes here. You walk into the preserve, and soon you will hear the distant sounds of water babbling over the rocks. The hike is easy in spots and could approach medium difficulty when climbing up towards the top of the falls. There are some awesome natural rock steps that were installed at the more steep ascents. I would say challenging, but not impossible and I am a 64 yr old doing it. It is well worth the hike! The clear brook is actually breath taking with a gradual and stepped fall down the rocks leaving some swimmable pools that are nice. I have seen quite a few people in the pools even on this cool day in May! The other thing is the kids slide down some of the spots with smooth rock and the flowing water. It’s a natural water park here in Maine. As you hike up to the top of the falls the rushing water sounds get louder and very calming. This is all hidden from view as you drive RT 26 and would never know it’s here except for the cars in the gravel parking lot. There is ample parking, however this Memorial Day it was very full with some cars parked along the small entrance road. As a Mainer we found this place over 30 years ago when you could barely tell it’s an attraction with very little cars in the edge of this field near the tree line. There were no signs and it looked like maybe the owner parked on a lightly traveled road where he parked to walk into his house! We drove in and in under the trees was a tiny grassy parking area. Then we saw a trash can and a small sign saying Step Falls preserve! We walked in and were amazed at the natural waterfall in the middle of houses and fields! Today it is a well traveled trail that is adequately marked with yellow paint marks on the trees along the trail. Note there are signs posted that you have neared the the preserve boundary line to a privately owned adjacent land tract all along the hike up. Also Note there are no trash cans anywhere in the preserve! This protected land trust has a “Carry-In and Carry-Out policy like many parks and preserves here in Maine. Please carry trash bags to carry out your Trash! Leave No Trace is the moto in Maine ever since I have lived in Maine. Years ago park rangers would collect the trash at these areas, but that no...

Trails were well maintained, LOADS of people showed up, best to go early morning we arrived at 1130 with one other car, by the time we hit the top and got our lunch out a lot of people showed up. Lots of people with dogs. Good places to stop and swim, lots of natural slides and great views. Hike is moderately difficult if you dont hike often or are impaired. Lots of dangerous spots if you're not careful. Rocks are slippery regardless of if wet or not so please make sure you wear appropriate shoes with good grip. Fence with permission by access only is there to help re-naturalize the falls- do wish they'd put it up on the rocks above one of the only deep pools but it is what it is. Nice little bench halfway up to take a rest at. Porta-potty at beginning of the trail and decent amount of parking - they have handicap...

Absolutely beautiful and a great experience. There is a parking lot with a decent amount of parking spots. No trash cans. No picnic areas, although, there were some rocks that were turned into benches along the walk up. There was a port o potty available in the parking lot (use at your own risk). I imagine this place is VERY popular on a hot day. No playground area. It was pretty crowded when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The trail is very well kept and clean. Roots from the trees and rocks create the path to the short 15 minute walk/hike to the cascading falls and pools in the rocks above. Can lead to some great discussions with the kids about erosion and how the rock slides were made with the constant water flow over the years. Overall a...