Sandy

1) Smalls Falls

Reach banner
DifficultyV
Length0.1 mi
Avg Gradient650 fpm
GaugeSandy River Near Madrid, Maine
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
39 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedJuly 30, 2015

River Description

Smalls Falls is Maine's best park and huck. The headwaters of the Sandy River fall 65 feet in a tenth of a mile. The 6 waterfalls vary in size from 5 to 20 feet.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point

Top Drop

Class: VDistance: 0.01 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Top Drop

This is the hardest drop at Smalls. Paddlers often put in below this drop, especially when the water is low. Higher water opens up a great boof on the right.

Slideways (2nd drop)

Class: IV+Distance: 0.02 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Slideways (2nd drop)

Fun slide across the river. Higher water opens up a boof off the center.

Down & Out (3rd drop)

Class: VDistance: 0.03 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Down & Out (3rd drop)

Very fun drop usually floated a couple feet off the right ledge. Landing is much softer than it appears.

Biggie Smalls (4th drop)

Class: VDistance: 0.04 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Biggie Smalls (4th drop)

The main drop at Smalls. 20 feet of drop into a deep pool. Usual line is with the main flow, although other lines exist at different flows.

5th drop

Class: VDistance: 0.05 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
5th drop

15 foot vertical falls usually boofed as far left as the flow allows. The right is shallow and should be avoided.

Last Drop

Class: IV+Distance: 0.06 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Last Drop

5 foot ledge into take out pool. Hike up for another run.

Take Out

Distance: 0.1 mi
Access Point

NW
Nathan Warren

May 30, 2014


Jon on Down & Out (aka No Boof)

NW
Nathan Warren

May 30, 2014


About to drop off Biggie Smalls

NW
Nathan Warren

Mar 9, 2014


Shot from the top

NW
Nathan Warren

Mar 9, 2014


Nate Warren boofing the 5th drop

JG
Josh Geib

Oct 12, 2010


Josh Geib and Jeremy Cass ponder on what to new next after 3 hours of Z-Drags and breaking ropes trying to dislodge this tree from the other side of the drop...

AS
Anna Staehli

Oct 30, 2003


The last three drops.

CM
Christian Morath

Jan 1, 1900


Prepare for deep penetration.