About The Cataracts
The Cataracts is a named waterfall in Oxford County, Maine, located about 16 miles west of Mexico. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Andover 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°38′19″ N, 70°51′37″ W (44.63867, -70.86035). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Frye Brook (stream, 0.3 mi), Burroughs Brook (stream, 0.7 mi), and Gregg Mountain (summit, 1.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Dunn Falls, 2.5 miles to the northwest.
More Photos
96 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at The Cataracts
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at The Cataracts
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of The Cataracts. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
The Cataracts holds a 4.8 average from 20 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of The Cataracts. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Frye Brook — stream, 0.3 mi
- Burroughs Brook — stream, 0.7 mi
- Gregg Mountain — summit, 1.7 mi
- Black Mountain — summit, 1.8 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 44.63867, -70.86035. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near The Cataracts
- Rumford Falls, ME17 mi southeast
- Dryad Falls, NH17 mi southwest
- Giant Falls, NH19 mi southwest
- The Falls, ME19 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cataracts located?
The Cataracts is in Oxford County, Maine, about 16 miles west of Mexico. Its coordinates are 44.63867, -70.86035 (44°38′19″ N, 70°51′37″ W).
What town is closest to The Cataracts?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Mexico, ME, about 16 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near The Cataracts?
The closest is Dunn Falls (2.5 mi northwest). Others within reach include Screw Auger Falls (5.2 mi), Mother Walker Falls (5.3 mi), and Silver Ripple Cascade (6.8 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows The Cataracts?
The Cataracts appears on the USGS Andover 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.