Scenic Attractions – Maine Lakes and Mountains Region – Franklin County
Angel Falls
Off Bemis Road – off Rte 17 north of Byron,ME
Angel Falls is a 90-foot (27 m) waterfall on Mountain Brook in Township D – northwest of Houghton – in the White Mountains of Franklin County, Maine. The “remarkably scenic” Angel Falls is a set of plunging tiers totaling 90 feet (27 m) in height, and with surrounding cliffs of 115 feet (35 m) in height. Flowing out of a 25-foot-wide gap (7.6 m) in the cliff, it is thought by many to be the tallest waterfall in Maine, tied for height with Moxie Falls, though this is not the case; as Katahdin Falls, also in Maine, is some 710 feet (220 m) taller. Angel Falls is so named as, when the water flow is right, the falls appear as an angel. Directions: North of Byron, off Hwy 17 on a trail northwest of Houghton. Left on Houghton RD, drive a quarter-mile, right on the Bemis Track (old railroad grade). Drive about 3.5-3.8 miles and bear left through some small gravel pits…yada yada…
Coos Canyon
Route 17 in Byron, Maine
Coos Canyon is located in the town of Byron, Maine, on Route 17. It will come up on your left as you’re headed south from Rangeley on Route 17 West. Coos Canyon is a scenic, rocky gorge carved through bedrock by the Swift River. The Swift River is o ne of more than a half dozen streams and rivers in Maine known to harbor deposits of gold. I know that people really find gold in Coos Canyon, located along Route 17 in Byron, Maine. Admission: There is free parking available at the Coos Canyon site, and there is no charge to visit the scenic spot or to wade into the water to try your luck panning for gold. Pan for Gold: Bring your own panning equipment, or rent gear and take a quick lesson in panning at the Coos Canyon Rock & Gift Shop, located at 472 Swift River Road, across Route 17 from Coos Canyon.
Wire Bridge New Portland, Maine
The Wire Suspension Bridge spanning the Carrabassett River in New Portland is a unique structure, the only survivor of four such bridges built in Maine in the 1800’s and probably the only such bridge still standing in the US. The actual facts of its origin have frequently been misquoted. However, available records indicate the building of the bridge began in 1864 and was completed in 1866. Two men, David Elder and Captain Charles B. Clark, were responsible for the bridge design and construction.
Step Falls
Rte 26 (Bear River Rd. near Grafton Notch State Park)
Step Falls is a spectacular long chain of descending horsetails and cascades that lies a few miles outside of the eastern border of Grafton Notch State Park. The trail meanders through a mature forest and is marked with yellow blazes. After about 0.3 miles the trail brings you along the bank of Wight Brook. The trail then climbs gradually until it ends near the top of the Falls, where the views are excellent. The brook runs over boulders and ledges that form many small pools and scenic waterfalls. It is a popular attraction for waterfall fanatics and swimming hole lovers for decades. With a total drop of over 250 feet, this is one of the highest falls in Maine.
Smalls Falls Rte 4 north of Madrid, Maine
Look for sign “Rest Area – Smalls Falls. It is an exceptional series of falls and plunge pools on the Sandy River located on Route 4 just a few miles north of Madrid. Features that make this waterfall so popular are the pools to swim in and the numerous places to picnic. At the base of each plunge, cascade, and horsetail is a pool to either wade or swim in. At the base of the lowest fall is a rocky beach, leading to the pool. There are also bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits—altogether, a place as accommodating as any picnic spot you can find.
Height of the Land Rte. 17 near Rangely
Height of Land is one of the most picturesque places in Maine and perhaps all of New England. Located in the western part of the state, this scenic overlook on Route 17 near Rangeley, Maine, will take your breath away. Height of Land is stunning in all four seasons: summer, fall, winter and spring. Enjoy the calm, pristine Mooselookmeguntic Lake framed by blue sky and New Hampshire’s White Mountains.