kids encyclopedia robot

Smalls Falls facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Smalls Falls
Smalls Falls.jpg
Smalls Falls, in Maine
Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 185: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Location Franklin County, Maine, United States
Coordinates 44°51′31″N 70°31′00″W / 44.85860°N 70.51655°W / 44.85860; -70.51655
Type Tiered
Total height 16.5 m (54 ft)
Number of drops 4
Longest drop 7.6 m (25 ft)

Smalls Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls and cascades located in Maine, United States. You can find it in Township E, West Central Franklin, Maine, within Franklin County. This natural wonder is part of the Sandy River and is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy nature.

Discover Smalls Falls!

Smalls Falls is not just one big drop; it's a collection of four different sections, each with its own unique look. Together, these sections create a total height of about 16.5 meters (54 feet). It's like a natural staircase of water, with calm pools in between each step.

What Makes Smalls Falls Unique?

The waterfalls at Smalls Falls are made up of different types of water flows. From the very top to the bottom, here's what you'll see:

  • A 12-foot (about 3.6 meters) section that looks like a "slide" or "horsetail." This means the water flows down a smooth, sloped rock face, staying in contact with the rock, much like a horse's tail.
  • Next, there's a 25-foot (about 7.6 meters) "segmented" waterfall. In this type of fall, the water is divided into several streams as it flows over the edge, often due to rocks or uneven surfaces.
  • Below that, you'll find another "horsetail" section, this one about 14 feet (about 4.2 meters) tall.
  • Finally, at the very bottom, there's a smaller 3-foot (about 0.9 meters) "cascade." A cascade is a series of small, gentle waterfalls that flow over rocks.

These different sections, separated by calm pools, make Smalls Falls a really interesting place to explore.

Visiting Smalls Falls

It's easy to visit Smalls Falls! There's a special rest area right on Maine Route 4 that gives you access to the falls. This rest area is designed to make your visit comfortable and fun.

Fun Things to Do

When you visit Smalls Falls, you can enjoy several activities. The rest area has:

  • Parking: Plenty of space to park your car safely.
  • Picnic Tables: Perfect for enjoying a packed lunch or snack with your family and friends while listening to the sounds of the water.
  • Pit Toilets: Basic restrooms are available for visitors.

It's a great place to stop, stretch your legs, take some cool photos, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Many people love to relax by the pools or explore the different levels of the falls. Remember to always be safe and respect the natural environment when you visit!

kids search engine
Smalls Falls Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.