Orris Falls Guide Before Visiting 2026 Updated

Orris Falls is a waterfall in York County, Maine, about 2.3 miles southeast of North Berwick. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.

At a glance

Location

York County, ME

Nearest town

North Berwick (2.3 mi)

Coordinates

43.27528, -70.71083

USGS topo

North Berwick quad

Getting there

Orris Falls sits about 2.3 miles southeast of North Berwick in York County. Navigate to the coordinates 43.27528, -70.71083, which mark the waterfall itself; the trailhead or parking area may be some distance away.

Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the Orris Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.

Access in Maine varies widely by region. Grafton Notch, Baxter and other state parks, Acadia National Park and many roadside sites are straightforward to reach, though Acadia requires a park pass and is very busy in summer. Much of the North Woods, however, is privately owned commercial forest, crossed by gravel logging roads that are shared with heavy trucks; some are gated, with checkpoints and fees for visitors. Cell service is limited or absent across large areas, so carry maps and plan fuel carefully. Hazards include cold, fast water during spring runoff, slick granite and slate, and remote terrain where help may be hours away. Many popular swimming holes have steep ledges, and water levels can change quickly after rain.

What to bring

This checklist is tailored to Orris Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of Maine. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.

• Offline map and coordinates. Save 43.27528, -70.71083 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
• Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
• Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
• A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
• Warm layers. Northern and mountain weather changes quickly; spring and fall mornings can be near freezing.
• Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.

How to prepare

Timing

Maine's waterfalls peak with snowmelt, which typically runs from April into late May, earlier along the coast and later in the high country of the western mountains and North Woods. Many logging roads are soft and muddy during this mud season, and some trailheads are not reachable until roads dry out. Late May through June is black fly season in the interior, so bring head nets and repellent. Summer flows drop but remain decent in wet years, and swimming holes like Smalls Falls and Screw Auger Falls are busiest in July and August. Fall color peaks from late September in the north to mid-October in the south, and autumn rains often restore flow. Winter is long and cold, with many falls frozen and many access roads unplowed.

Safety

Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.

Respect the place

Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.

History of the area

According to the U.S. Geological Survey's naming record: Orris Falls was named for Orris Littlefield, who bought land from Samuel Buffum in 1905. Orris Littlefield died in 1915.

Orris Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on July 1, 2009, and it appears on the USGS North Berwick 7.5-minute topographic map.

Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Brown Hill (summit, 0.3 mi), Spring Hill (summit, 0.4 mi), Welch Hill (summit, 0.9 mi), and Tatnic Hills (range, 0.9 mi).

Southern Maine Rivers. In the more settled south, waterfalls are mostly river falls in or near towns, many harnessed for mills and power since colonial times. Great Falls on the Androscoggin River divides Lewiston and Auburn, and is partly harnessed for hydropower. In Yarmouth, the Royal River descends over a series of falls to tidewater, beginning with the drop known as Pumgustuck. Topsham and York County add a few more historic river falls. These sites are easy to reach, often bordered by parks, bridges and riverwalks, and show how waterpower shaped southern Maine's mill towns.

Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip

Summary

Orris Falls about 2.3 miles southeast of North Berwick is a documented waterfall in the federal gazetteer. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.

See the full Orris Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.