Kezar Falls Gorge

Kezar Falls Gorge is definitely a hidden gem in Maine. It is located in Waterford, Maine. It can be easily mapped using Google Maps. Although, make sure you don't confuse the gorge with the town of Kezar Falls. Some help in finding is good too. Five Kezars Road is off of Route 35. Look for a general store on the left and church off to the right. This is the road you will want to follow. It will eventually become a dirt road. Look for a stone house on your left. Shortly after that you will find a small loop with a parking area on your right. This is where you can vie the fall. 

The gorge and falls should be okay for older children and adults. We  took our 6 year old who did fine. Although, he does have a healthy fear of the edges and did not venture to close without and adult.  This is a gorge and their are some steep trails and cliff edges. Some areas will require some short rock scrambles up and down. Be careful of the slippery pine needles.

Kezar Falls Gorge would not fall into the category of  a hike. You can explore the areas up and down the gorge or wander the dirt road. The gorge is all about the view and the falls. From the parking area, you will head to the right and down hill to find the falls. There is a small section of chain link fence at the falls overlook. However, it did not look too sturdy and can easily be by passed. So, use caution and good judgement 

If you head to the right of the fence you can follow the stream. The upstream part of the falls has a small unmarked path. We found a water control dam that way. You can follow the path and stream to the Five Kezars Pond. Please be aware that there is a cabin at the end of the path. Be respectful of the owners privacy.

Upstream

The entrance to the falls and gorge.

The dam (WWS 1920)

If you head to the left of the falls, you can head down into the ravine. This is where you will find some small rock scrambles, steep trails and slippery pine needles. We went the day after a rain storm. So, it was extra slippery. But, we made it down relatively easily. At the bottom you will find the "grotto" and some great views of the falls. Farther down, the stream becomes more serene. We saw some beautiful Water Lily's in bloom and some signs of beaver activity.

The Falls

The grotto

Water Lily 

Beaver Attack!

After checking out the gorge, we stopped at Beech Hill Bison Ranch. We checked out the bison, chickens and the shop. The owners were extremely friendly and showed us around. We walked away with a bison horn, magnet and some homemade soap.

There is a lot to do in the Waterford area. We would recommend packing a lunch, dinner or both and spend some time. The area is part of the Greater Lovell Land Trust. There are numerous other place to explore as part of the trust.  Please enjoy!