Smalls Falls Gorge
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Entry fee: Free. Smalls Falls Gorge is a creek pool on the Sandy River in Franklin County, Maine. See every spot on the Sandy River.
Closures and warnings
Smooth bedrock and strong current after rain. Jumping from ledges is hazardous; supervise children closely. As of September 30, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Creek pool |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | Mild |
| Water clarity | Carved pools and cascades on the Sandy River at the ME-4 picnic site; depth varies by ledge and season. |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Roadside picnic area on ME-4 between Rangeley and Madrid / Phillips; short paths to pools and cascades in the gorge. |
| Parking | Highway picnic-area lot on ME-4 at Smalls Falls. |
| Fee | Free |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | Maine Department of Transportation / Town of Township E (ME-4 roadside picnic area) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Highway picnic tables and pit facilities; popular swim and wade stop in summer. |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Smalls Falls Gorge open?
Smooth bedrock and strong current after rain. Jumping from ledges is hazardous; supervise children closely. As of September 30, 2026.
Can you swim at Smalls Falls Gorge?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Smalls Falls Gorge. A mild current is reported here.
How do you get to Smalls Falls Gorge?
The road in is paved. Roadside picnic area on ME-4 between Rangeley and Madrid / Phillips; short paths to pools and cascades in the gorge. Parking: Highway picnic-area lot on ME-4 at Smalls Falls.
Do you need a reservation for Smalls Falls Gorge?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Smalls Falls Gorge?
Yes. Free.
What facilities are at Smalls Falls Gorge?
Restrooms and picnic sites. Highway picnic tables and pit facilities; popular swim and wade stop in summer.
Nearby
Sources
1
- https://www.maine.gov/mdot/ (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager / access.roadNote / access.fee / access.amenities / waterbodyName, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / waterType / current / waterClarityNote / entryType, access.parking / access.permitRequired, hazardNote)
More: Maine swimming holes