Rumford Falls

About Rumford Falls

Rumford Falls is a named waterfall in Oxford County, Maine, located about 1.5 miles south of Mexico. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Rumford 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°32′22″ N, 70°32′39″ W (44.53951, -70.54423). Historical sources also record the names Pennecook Falls, Pennycook Falls, New Pennacook Falls, Penacuk, and Pennecoo. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Androscoggin River Reservoir (reservoir, 0.1 mi), Bean Brook (stream, 0.3 mi), and Logan Brook (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is The Falls, 5.2 miles to the northeast.

USGS gazetteer description: Rumford Falls, on the Androscoggin River, is the highest falls E of Niagara Falls with a drop of 176 feet. A system of dams and canals was built in the 1890's to generate electricity. Today, 40,000 kilowatts per hour are generated. The falls may be dry during low water. The Anasagunticook Tribe, which was a part of the Eastern Abanakis, lived in nearby Canton and Bethel, camped here to fish for migrating salmon.

More Photos

25 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Rumford Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Visitor Ratings

Rumford Falls holds a 3.5 average from 17 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rumford Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

• Androscoggin River Reservoir — reservoir, 0.1 mi
• Bean Brook — stream, 0.3 mi
• Logan Brook — stream, 0.7 mi
• Swift River — stream, 1.0 mi
• Joes Pond — lake, 1.9 mi
• Wyman Brook — stream, 1.9 mi

Before You Visit

• Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
• Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
• Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
• Download offline maps and save the coordinates 44.53951, -70.54423. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Rumford Falls

The Falls

Mexico, ME · 5.2 mi northeast

★★★★☆ 3.7 (3)

Ellis Falls

Mexico, ME · 11 mi northwest

★★★★★ 4.6 (16)

Silver Ripple Cascade

Mexico, ME · 14 mi northwest

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 (1)

The Cataracts

Mexico, ME · 17 mi northwest

★★★★★ 4.8 (20)

Bisco Falls

Paris, ME · 18 mi south

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (8)

Screw Auger Falls

Bethel, ME · 18 mi west

★★★★★ 4.8 (106)

• Basin Falls, ME18 mi southeast
• Angel Falls, ME19 mi northwest
• Mother Walker Falls, ME19 mi west
• Dunn Falls, ME19 mi northwest