It Makes No Never Mind

by James Nalley

At the time of this writing, Mainers will be in the thick (no pun intended) of mud season, the so-called fifth season in the state. According to the Wolf Cove Inn (www. wolfcoveinn.com) in Poland, “Mud season generally runs mid-March through the end of April. There are two ways you can tell it is mud season: 1) All the side roads are posted with red “Heavy Load Limited” signage; and 2) Well, the mud!”

Perhaps to give some hope during these doldrums, it is important to note that due to the snowmelt, there is a brighter side: With water sources aplenty, there is bound to be a waterfall nearby, especially in Western Maine.

First (and in no particular order), there is Angel Falls in Byron. One of the most beautiful in the state, this 90foot waterfall gets its name from the fact that the water takes the shape of an angel as it plunges down the rocks. It can be accessed via a short, clearly marked hiking trail. Second, there is Dunn Falls near Andover. Consisting of two sections, the upper falls drop 70 feet, while the lower falls drop an additional 80 feet, which is enclosed by rock walls. It can be accessed via a moderate hike on a marked trail along the west side of the Ellis River.

Third, there is the Gulf Hagas Falls in Bowdoin. Located in the Gulf Hagas Gorge (also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”), it is one of the most well-known waterfalls. It can be accessed via a moderately strenuous eight-mile hike along a dirt road. Fourth, there is the Step Falls in Newry. Approximately 250-feet high, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine. Interestingly, this waterfall does not take a direct plunge, but it makes a series of gradual descents (e.g., cascades, slides, and smaller plunges). It is accessible via a 20-minute hike on a marked trail.

Fifth, there is Smalls Falls in Rangeley. Actually four sets of waterfalls (a total of 54 feet), it offers swimming holes to cool off on hotter summer days. It can be accessed via a short, marked trail near Phillips. Finally, there is Snow Falls in West Paris. Also known as Snow Falls Gorge, there are four distinctive cascades. The gorge, with walls up to 30 feet in height, is surrounded by fencing, making it family friendly and safe for children. From the clearly posted and well-established parking/picnic area at the rest stop, you can descend towards the bridge spanning the Little Androscoggin River for one of the best views.

Keep in mind that the best time to visit is after mid-April. Otherwise, keep your Muck boots on. Well, in light of this month’s theme, let me close with the following jest: During the conflict between Great Britain and France in 1754, a French soldier was captured by the British. The captain told his interpreter to tell him, “If he doesn’t tell us where they have hidden all their gold, then we will burn his feet.” Through the interpreter, the Frenchman replied, “I would rather die than tell you.” The captain then threatened to hang the soldier if he didn’t tell him the location of the gold. Again, through the interpreter, the Frenchman replied, “I would rather die than tell you.” Then, the captain hanged the soldier from a tree and just before he passed out, the Frenchman gasped and told the interpreter, “The gold is behind a waterfall one mile over that hill.” The interpreter ran to the captain and said, “He would rather die than tell you.”

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