Little Wilson Falls

This is a great hike to do on a hot day, because the swimming pools you pass along your hike are irresistible. The 1.4-mile, fairly gentle trail takes you to a splendid waterfall (which doesn’t seem to lend itself to swimming, but is very pretty). For the first 0.8-miles, you hike up a blue-blazed side trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail, blazed in white. At the intersection, head left and walk the last half mile to Little Wilson Falls, which are impossible to miss.

The trail does not gain much elevation and does not have too many rocks to navigate. You can also reach the falls by starting at the AT intersection with Route 15, about 6.6 miles west.

The only downside to this trail is that the trailhead is hard to reach, as it’s at the end of a bumpy dirt road (Campground Road) that’s best suited for cars with high clearance. You can park, however, where it intersects with Elliotsville Plantation Road, and walk the 1.1 miles or so to the trailhead.

The land is privately owned by Elliotsville Foundation, but open to the public. There are six primitive walk-in campsites, first come first served, and the foundation asks that visitors carry out what they carry in and leave no trace, as well as have a Maine Forest Service campfire permit. For more information, get in touch with the foundation (see the comments below for the best contact).

Directions: From Greenville Road in Monson, turn onto Elliotsville Road. After 7.6 miles and before the bridge, turn left. The first parking area will be on your left. If you have a good vehicle for rough roads, continue 1.1 miles to the end of the road. This is where you’ll see the first of several great pools. You can also access the falls from Guilford and Willimantic. From Guildford, take Route 150 north (it turns into Elliotsville Road). Cross Wilson Stream and continue on Mountain Road. Take a left at Big Wilson Camp/Falls, cross the stream again, and take a right onto Little Wilson Falls Road.