Moxie Falls

Moxie Falls gives you falls swimming access near Waterville in Maine. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach.

Standing at the edge of the viewing area, you hear Moxie Falls before you see it. A deep, resonant roar that rises through the trees like a distant thunderstorm growing closer with every step.

When the forest finally opens up, the sight stops you cold: nearly 90 feet of white water crashing in powerful, multi-tiered cascades down a dramatic rock face into a deep, clear basin far below. Moxie Stream carries snowmelt and rain through the dense forests of western Maine before launching itself off this magnificent ledge near The Forks. The surrounding forest is lush and enveloping. A mix of conifers and hardwoods that drape the gorge walls in vivid green through summer and ignite in deep amber, crimson, and gold come autumn. An ethereal mist drifts up from where the water strikes the pool below, cooling the air even on warm July afternoons and giving the whole scene a slightly otherworldly quality. Ferns cling to mossy boulders along the stream banks, and if you sit quietly for a few minutes, you may spot birds and other wildlife moving through the trees nearby. Fed by the constantly churning cascade, the water is cold, clear, and bracingly fresh. The kind of . The pool's depth offers ample room for swimmers to move around safely away from the base of the falls itself, and the clarity of the water lets you see well beneath the surface. This is an unofficial, natural site with no lifeguards or supervised facilities, so swimmers should exercise their own good judgment, particularly with children or less confident swimmers.

Swim at your own risk at Moxie Falls. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.

Moxie Falls works well as a day trip from Waterville or Skowhegan. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Smalls Falls or browse more Maine waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in Maine, see our state directory.

This is an unofficial natural area. Parking is available but amenities like restrooms, trash receptacles, and a formal fee structure are not confirmed. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles.

The name 'Moxie' is believed to derive from a Native American word meaning 'dark water,' reflecting the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife to protect the delicate ecosystem.