Smalls Falls and Chandler Mill Stream Falls

Check out this destination for its dramatic waterfalls and pools, perfect for dipping into. It’s posted off Route 4 as a rest stop.

Once you park, you can walk down some stairs to cross a little bridge over Sandy River. Then you have a choice of turning right and heading up Sandy River to Small Falls — climbing up the rocks near the fence (slippery and steep) or opting for the slightly less extreme interior trails. You can follow the river until you reach a dirt road in about 0.3 miles. The falls drop 54 feet at one point, and the cliffs around them are “sculptural.”

Pretty in a gentler sort of way is Chandler Mill Stream which runs into the Sandy River. You can check out its waterfalls if you continnue straight for 50 feet or so after crossing the bridge. Turn right at the stream and climb uphill about 0.15 miles along its high banks to check out the 25-foot upper falls. There’s a big, flat rock perch above them, a great vantage point! The cliffs along this path are tall and steep, so be very careful.

The paths aren’t blazed but are well worn.

Directions: The Smalls Falls Rest Area is about 12 miles south of Rangeley on Route 4. The entrance is on the right side of the road if you’re coming from Rangeley. Just the entrance of the parking lot is plowed in the winter, but this still leaves plenty of space to safely park when there’s snow.

More info and photos for Smalls Falls at Carefree Creative, a Maine-based web company that has helped us with our website!