Most people are impressed by Niagara Falls for good reason. Even those who have never visited can conjure their own images of the crashing water and hear the thunderous sound. While we agree that this natural wonder is certainly incredible, we don't think you need to travel all the way to the Canadian border to find an impressive waterfall. Especially not when Maine has its very OWN Niagara Falls. In fact, we have TWO.

Big and Little Niagara Falls are hidden within Baxter State Park.

Known best for Mount Kadahdin and the many hiking and camping opportunities, this is one of the most visited parks in all of Maine.

But, don't get distracted by that famous mountain - today we're focused only on Maine's own Niagara Falls!

Your first point of entry is the Togue Pond Gatehouse of Baxter State park. You'll need to register here. Next you'll head left where the road splits. Drive 10 miles to the Kidney Pond Campground where you'll take a left and drive to the campground parking lot.

Both Little and Big Niagara Falls are located in the Nesowadnehunk Stream, which is south of Lily Pad Pond and Daicey Pond.

There are two routes leading to the falls. Today we'll focus on the easier of the two, which begins at the Daicey Pond Campground and follows the Appalachian Trail for about 1 mile.

The more involved route is about 5 miles and includes a fun canoe paddle through Lily Pad Pond.

Start on the AT and follow the Nesowadnehunk Stream from the campground.

Soon, you'll come to an offshoot trail that leads to Little Niagara Falls.

The name implies a meager water flow, but the reality is actually a roaring waterfall that's big on beauty.

This section of the falls primarily flows over rocks in a flat area of the stream.

It picks up speed as it heads towards Big Niagara Falls, though.

From here, hike another quarter of a mile up where you'll come to a second side trail.

This is when you'll start hearing the roar Big Niagara!

The sight is impressive and there are enough dry areas that you'll be able to walk quite close to the falls themselves.

But extremely careful here as you never know where you'll find loose gravel and rocks.

You'll take the same route back to your starting point, making the full hike about 3 miles.

Make sure to factor in some time at the end for the lovely guided walk around Daicey Pond.

And this time of year you'll find boats for rent at the campground, making for one long wonderful day in the Maine outdoors.

For more beautiful ways to enjoy the Maine outdoors, check out this garden walk that meanders through carefully curating flowers and plants attracting hundreds of butterflies every summer.