Buttermilk Falls
Piscataquis County, Maine
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Piscataquis County, Maine
- Access status
- Trail manager route and checkpoint fee documented; river ford
- The walk
- About 3.3 miles one way (about 6.6 miles return)
- Ground & access
- Rough footing. The river ford has no bridge and is often knee deep and 100 feet wide. In high water use the Head of the Gulf trailhead, which has a bridge. Poor cell service.
From the Gulf Hagas Parking Area, walk 0.2 mile to the Appalachian Trail and turn right. Ford the West Branch of the Pleasant River, then continue 1.3 miles to the blue-blazed Rim Trail on the left. Follow the Rim Trail past Screw Auger Falls to Buttermilk Falls, a 10-foot horsetail with a large pool. The Pleasant River Tote Road is a faster way back.
Plan your visit
Gulf Hagas Parking Area via the Appalachian Trail ford and the Rim Trail to Buttermilk Falls
New England Waterfalls gives about 3.3 miles from the trailhead to Buttermilk Falls. Return derived by doubling. Maine Trail Finder gives 8 miles for the full Rim Trail and Pleasant River Tote Road loop.
Rough footing. The river ford has no bridge and is often knee deep and 100 feet wide. In high water use the Head of the Gulf trailhead, which has a bridge. Poor cell service.
Where to start
Gulf Hagas Parking Area, reached on private logging roads through the KI Jo-Mary checkpoint. If the lot is full, Maine Trail Finder asks visitors to choose another trail.
Timing & water
June to October per New England Waterfalls. Busy on weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Before you go
North Maine Woods day use fee for vehicle access; Maine Trail Finder listed $11 Maine residents and $16 non-residents as of 2021, cash or check. Current rate unverified. No camping or fires in Gulf Hagas.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
Billings FallsTrail network, trailhead and access fee documentedPiscataquis County, ME0.7 miNW
Stair FallsTrail network, trailhead and access fee documentedPiscataquis County, ME0.7 miNW- Screw Auger FallsPublished trail route and access fee; river fordPiscataquis County, ME1.2 miE
- Hays Brook FallsPiscataquis County, ME2.5 miE
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- Slugundy Upper FallsPiscataquis County, ME6.7 miSW
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- Indian Stream FallsRecent visitor route; land owner and trail status not confirmedPiscataquis County, ME8.7 miSW
- Thompson Brook Lower FallsPiscataquis County, ME9.6 miSW