Dunn Falls

Dunn Falls is located just below the Appalachian Trail near Dunn Notch in Andover North Surplus. The most direct way to reach the falls is to take Route 26 north from Grafton Notch State Park to Andover Road, about 6 miles north of the northern park boundary, or two-thirds of a mile south from Upton. Follow Andover Road for 6 miles to the parking area for the Appalachian Trail where it crosses the road.
From the parking area, follow the Appalachian Trail south for 150 feet to a junction. At this point you have a choice – both directions will get you to Dunn Falls, and the hike is best enjoyed as a loop. We’ll assume on proceeding counter-clockwise. Head left at the junction and follow the blue-blazed Cascade Trail for half of a mile, passing Dunn Notch Cascades in the process, to a ford of the West Branch. During periods of higher flow, the water can be ankle to shin deep.
Cross the river and continue on the trail, coming to a junction in another 200-300 feet. Head right at the junction and continue along a rougher spur that follows the river for another quarter of a mile to the base of Dunn Falls. Some scrambling over boulders may be necessary near the falls to achieve a clear view. To complete the loop hike, return to the junction and continue on the left fork, which climbs back up to the Appalachian Trail, then head right on the AT – it’s about three-quarters of a mile back to the trailhead from this point.Dunn Falls is one of Maine’s most noteworthy waterfalls both in terms of height and its impressive geology. At the falls the fledgling West Branch of the Ellis River is squeezed into a narrow notch which opens into an impressive canyon, its cliffs flanking either side of the river for 150 vertical feet. The falls plunge in three quick leaps for a total of about 80 feet, terminating in a narrow pool set within the flume-like gorge below the falls.
Many citations of Dunn Falls and its associated hike often group this fall and Upper Dunn Falls together in reference. While both falls are accessible from the same loop hike, they are separated by about one-eighth of a mile and should not be considered two parts of the same waterfall. A smaller middle falls can be seen between the two as well, but we have yet to determine whether it deserves an entry on its own as well.
The West Branch Ellis River is a rather small stream at this point in its life, draining from an area covering about 3-1/2 square miles. There are a few areas of marshes or bogs upstream from the falls, but for the most part the river relies on precipitation to sustain its flow here. The result is that often the falls will appear quite lacy and delicate for at least half of the year. When we surveyed the falls in October of 2005 we were fortunate to visit after a period of fairly heavy rain, and the stream was quite swollen and the falls quite impressive – visits timed with heavy rainfall or snow melt will result in a similar experience.