KI Jo-MaryNational Natural Landmark

Gulf Hagas

The “Grand Canyon of Maine”

Gulf Hagas is a dramatic 3.5-mile slate gorge carved by the West Branch of the Pleasant River within the KI Jo-Mary Forest. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968, the gorge features sheer walls up to 130 feet high, numerous waterfalls including Screw Auger Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Billings Falls, and The Jaws, plus deep swimming holes and pristine pools.

The Gulf Hagas rim trail follows the Appalachian Trail for part of its length and offers challenging but rewarding hiking with views of waterfalls at every turn. The area is accessed from the Head of the Gulf trailhead within KI Jo-Mary Forest.

Hiking Details

Rim Trail Loop: ~8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Estimated Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 ft
Season: May - October

Notable Features

• Screw Auger Falls — 26-foot waterfall with rock formations
• Buttermilk Falls — series of cascading drops
• Billings Falls — dramatic plunge pool
• The Jaws — narrow canyon section
• Hammond Street Pitch — deepest pool in the gorge
• Stair Falls — stepped cascade formation

Access Information

• Enter through KI Jo-Mary checkpoints (Brownville or Greenville gates).
• KI Jo-Mary day-use and camping fees apply (cash or check only at checkpoints).
• Trailhead parking at Head of the Gulf or Lower Gulf parking areas.
• No dogs allowed on the Gulf Hagas rim trail during peak season.

Gulf Hagas

Hiking Details

Notable Features

Access Information

Campsites Near Gulf Hagas (20)

E. Branch Pleasant River (Campsite #1)

E. Branch Pleasant River (Campsite #2)

E. Branch Pleasant River (Campsite #3)

E. Branch Pleasant River (Campsite #4)

E. Branch Pleasant River (Campsite #5)

Gauntlet Falls (Campsite #1)

Gauntlet Falls (Campsite #2)

High Bridge (Campsite #1)

High Bridge (Campsite #2)

High Bridge (Campsite #3)

Pleasant River (Campsite #1)

Pleasant River (Campsite #10) Hermitage

Pleasant River (Campsite #2)

Pleasant River (Campsite #3)

Pleasant River (Campsite #4)

Pleasant River (Campsite #5)

Pleasant River (Campsite #6)

Pleasant River (Campsite #7) Hermitage

Pleasant River (Campsite #8) Hermitage

Pleasant River (Campsite #9) Hermitage

Other KI Jo-Mary Campsites (42)

Big Pleasant (Campsite #1)

Big Pleasant (Campsite #2)

Big White Brook (Campsite #1)

Big White Brook (Campsite #2)

Big White Brook (Campsite #3)

Big White Brook (Campsite #4)

Crawford Pond (Campsite #1)

Crawford Pond (Campsite #2)

Hay Brook Campsites

Hay Brook Falls

Hay Brook Moose Encounter

Horseshoe Pond (Campsite #1)

Horseshoe Pond (Campsite #2)

Horseshoe Pond (Campsite #3)

Horseshoe Pond (Campsite #4)

Jo Mary Beach

Johnston Brook

Johnston Pond (Campsite #1)

Johnston Pond (Campsite #2)

Johnston Pond (Campsite #3 & #4)

Johnston Pond (Campsite #5)

Little Jo-Mary (Campsite #1)

Little Jo-Mary (Campsite #2)

Little Jo-Mary (Campsite #3)

Little Jo-Mary (Campsite #4)

Long Pond (Campsite #1)

Long Pond (Campsite #1)

Long Pond (Campsite #2)

Long Pond (Campsite #2)

Long Pond (Campsite #3)

Long Pond (Campsite #3)

Long Pond (Campsite #4)

Long Pond Canoe Launch Site

Pine Camp

Pratt Brook

Silver Lake (Campsite #1)

Silver Lake (Campsite #2)

Silver Lake (Campsite #3)

Silver Lake (Campsite #4)

Silver Lake (Campsite #5)

Silver Lake Field

Trout Pond (Lean-to Campsite)