Orris Falls at Orris Falls Conservation Area in South Berwick, Maine is an easy 1.6-mile loop hike that leads to the 12-foot tall waterfall, Orris Falls.
Trails
This hike follows two named trails: Orris Falls Trail, orange blazes; River Gorge Trail, blue blazes.
Hike Description
This hike begins at the main trailhead for Orris Falls along Thurrell Road and heads south, following a tract of private land for the first 0.3-miles as the trail leads along orange blazes. Hikers will reach a junction in the trail where a sign for the Orris Falls Conservation Area is located - this track takes a left-hand turn here to continue following orange blazes of the Orris Falls Trail; however, on this loop hike, you will end up right back here after following the River Gorge Trail.
Old Cemetery - Mile 0.68
Around mile 0.68, hikers will reach an old cemetery with a few grave sites. While the headstones are difficult to read, it's possible that these are the graves of the Littlefield family who once owned this land.
Littlefield Foundation - Mile 0.74
Just before reaching the turn to Orris Falls, hikers will pass a junction that leads to "Big Bump"; however, there's also signage for the old Littlefield Homestead that once stood just off-trail which includes history about the property and how the land was eventually passed down to Orris Littlefield, before the land was acquired in 1999 by the Great Works Regional Land Trust.
River Gorge Trail Junction - Mile 0.75
Around mile 0.75, hikers will reach a junction with the River Gorge Trail (blue blazes). Take a right-hand turn here to head toward Orris Falls.
Orris Falls - Mile 0.8
About 200-feet down the River Gorge Trail from the turn lies Orris Falls, around mile 0.8. This track leads to a view point above Orris Falls gorge first; however, during mid-Summer 2022, the waterfall was barely flowing and thus barely visible from the view point. I then hiked down alongside the waterfall, in an attempt to reach the base of the falls; however, the gorge's scramble down to the base of Orris Falls felt a bit unsafe, so I only went half-way down directly adjacent to the waterfall. Due to the lack of flowing water, Orris Falls is nothing more than a trickle during the Summer; however, it normally cascades down into the gorge at approximately 12-feet tall. The trail that leads to the waterfall is a bit steep and can be sketchy if not wearing the proper footwear.
Hiking Out & Old Growth White Pines
After visiting Orris Falls, hikers can complete the loop by following the blue blazes of the River Gorge Trail south and west to reach the orange blazes of the Orris Falls Trail. Along the way hikers may notice some old growth white pine trees located around mile 1.1. There are several old growth white pines along this trail near this mile marker. Due to their size, it's estimated that they're at least 270-years old if not older. Once hikers reach the Orris Falls Trail, the hike is a simple walk back to parking along a familiar trail.
Parking
Hikers will find a very small parking turnout by the trailhead located at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit 3 vehicles as of August, 2022.
Pets
Dogs are allowed but they must be leashed and their waste should be carried out by the hiker.
Biking
Note that biking appears to be permitted here - neither the land trust website nor the signage at the trailhead indicated that biking is prohibited.
Warning
Hunting: Hunting is permitted on this conservation land, so it's best to wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Bugs: Even with bug spray, the bugs were pretty bad along this hike especially closer to water sources per usual.
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