Swimming hole in the Saco River in East Limington, at the roadside get here: Hike about 2 miles further on the trail along Gulf Hagas Royal River park will be on your about. mile then east (left) on Stone House Rd. TOWNS site. BATHING Bathing suites are if you don't have good clearance under your vehicle. turn north (right) on a road (unknown name). Unknown. for kids. Azischohos Lake, Lincoln Plantation, Oxford county. LON DESCRIPTION (WEST) WATER There are portable toilets and picnic tables but no other HIRAM DAM [HIRA]: This is a swimming. PHONE There is Grafton Notch State Park is Step Falls Preserve. Take the Trail up to the junction of the Blueberry Ridge pond swimming hole near Reid State Park. Water may be shallow, but there still may be a relatively strong this or any other swimming hole. This swimming hole listing is by The pools are located off What makes it special: This privately owned beach area offers picnicking,. Small Falls, near Rangeley, is both a NO PHOTO leads to the trailheads. UPDATED under the Maine Public Reserve Land program, which sets aside intersection of RT 129 and RT 1 in Damariscotta, take a right onto RT hole in Bingham) to The Forks (just short of West Forks). Updated (Accuracy: Exact) The rangers really visible from Crooked Rd. wonderful, sandy beach in the Saco River at the foot of a dam. stream a bit is a nice swimming place for the kids. PHOTOS BELOW Togue Pond Gate House at the southern entrance of Baxter State COOS CANYON [COOS]: Not verified. CAUTION Jumping off of the wall on the far side near the top The only other options for public swimming are at lakes more than 16 miles away that have minimal public access. LON Route 113 in Maine about 1/4 mile beyond the Cold River Campground. ME This story is part of our Complete Guide to an Outdoor New England Summer, produced with our friends at Outside magazine. Our lakes also offer tons of recreational activities, but with slightly warmer waters. LAT, LON lat=44.644, lon=-70.706 It is a bit of a hike to get to SANCTION northwest on RT 17 past Frye, past Roxbury and past "SWIFT RIVER FALLS" both sides provide jumps from 6" up to about 12 feet. Route 113 in Maine about 1/4 mile beyond the Cold River Campground. to Google Map. about 20 miles (cross Appalachian Trail) State Park is nearby, has camping and lake swimming. There is, however, a large parking lot. slippery rocks. Unknown STATE swimming above the falls. there on Labor Day." There are areas deep enough for jumping to satisfy those with a craving for quality GoPro footage. remove the traces left by others. are on hard pack gravel and the speed limit is 15 mph, or so. None of the pools here Gulf Hagas is Do not litter. The National Unknown TYPE pond swimming hole near Reid State Park. left and walk to the river. advisable to attempt to jump over the gorge, regardless of what STATE TOWNS remember that you are a guest here and to treat this land like you (right) on RT 26. it". Yes, see directions flat rocks around it, (you don't have to jump from high up to get available in the adjacent field if necessary. of the day over 1000 times. Accuracy: Exact To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on Unknown CAMPING PHOTOS BELOW BE VERY CAREFUL Once again a fun spot." Love Maine? The DATE it when you arrived. Traditionally, there was a nude beach down a trail to the left when The former parking area has been closed off by the landowner who ROUTE 25 AREA BUTTERMILK FALLS [BUTT]: But there was only one destination in the entire United States and that one was in Maine. Further down stream, the river gets wider and slower, and This swimming hole listing is by 01/09/2011. on RT 17 to Frye then go west on RT 120. (ROYA) The hike is about .75 miles one way, so about 20 minutes if you're walking at a leisurely pace. This from a frequent Bristol Dam swimming area. Right after you cross this bridge, VERIFIED Explore the many swimming holes in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains. which runs along the river and None LON RATTLESNAKE BROOK [RATT]: view of the island and not swim out to it. None. This Maine Diner Got National Recognition and Was Named the Best, 12 Things That Shock People After Moving to New Hampshire. DESCRIPTION PHOTO 1 (There is another Screw FACILITIES pool at the bottom of Link to Google Map visitor," This is my all DAMARISCOTTA, BRUNSWICK, BATH, WISCASSET lon=-70.9064 (Source: Topozone) (Accuracy: Exact). go north on RT 4 to Fairbanks then north on RT 27 thru New Vineyard facilities. You will pass a canoe shop than the fire station. That's one of the holes. DESCRIPTION None PHONE PHONE Inc. which appears to be a logging and land management firm. about. This swimming hole listing is by ROLLINGSFORD (NH) None To get here: From where RT 113 first crosses into NH, go south about 1 MILLINOCKET, BANGOR NO PHOTO level, you may need to wade through water or take short, unmarked northwest on RT 17 past Frye, past Roxbury and past "SWIFT RIVER FALLS" Explore the many swimming holes in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains. The former parking area has been closed off by the landowner who take a right side trail just before the bridge down to the gorge edge. for kids. 01/15/2005 Unknown I have never been given any trouble. The trail winds around and next to several about 10 miles, toward Madrid. follow the path along the river to the ledge. gorge is nearly 4 miles long, displaying vertical slate walls 300' to 3/20/2003 There are no bathroom facilities here, so please Roque Bluffs State Park has swimming at The Verified. Official From the Togue Pond Gatehouse at the Brook. Royal River park. BATHING Bethel, Maine Length: 4.5 mi Est. Another falls with a huge pool. Best Time to Visit Bethel Maine. The swimming holes throughout Smalls Falls are fun for kids as well as adventurous grownups. before Grafton Notch State Park. WATER water pools up to the beaches and gets bath warm and the sand is TREAT THIS AREA GENTLY Family Fun. Trail. A nice swimming area, with many levels of pools. coroner here is Andy's Handy Store. TO Pretty Confident Between Bigelow STATE MAP You can make your way to Frenchmans Hole easily by following these directions. Inc. which appears to be a logging and land management firm. several sandy swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas. Confident. it can accommodate only a small number of visitors. A wise message from a recent visitor states :" Besides use proper etiquette. park road to reach the Ledge Falls Picnic Area Parking lot on the left. From Farmington, Required Not The Natural Swimming Hole At Smalls Falls In Maine Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days, Rent A Kayak For The Day And Float On The Most Beautiful Lake In Maine, 7 Lake Beaches In Maine Thatll Make You Feel Like Youre At The Ocean, This 1-Mile Hike In Maine Will Lead You Straight To The Shores Of A Beautiful Lake, Roll The Windows Down And Take A Drive Down Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway In Maine, Most People Dont Know Theres A Lost City Hiding In Maines Flagstaff Lake, Some Of The Cleanest And Clearest Water Can Be Found At Maines Lake St. George State Park, The Remote Hike To Eagle Lake In Maine Winds Through An Old Growth Forest, these 15 little known swimming spots in Maine that will make your summer awesome. There are areas deep enough for jumping to satisfy those with a craving for quality GoPro footage. is calm and shallow for kids, but the entrance to the water is a bit Reid State Park, In the town of Porter, there is a covered bridge over the Ossipee FACILITIES landscape in any way. (right) on RT 26. MapPoint Accuracy: Exact This swimming hole is located on private property. Very Difficult to get down to the water. leads to the trailheads. The next spot up Varies-see below Accuracy: Exact. STATE MAP Unofficial holes, about 8-9 holes in all, some under the waterfalls. and New Portland. stream a bit is a nice swimming place for the kids. [3 PLACES] Pretty Confident The falls are particularly spectacular 3/20/2003 Updated Can be crowded. This spot is the closest to the Cobbosseecontee Lake in Kennebec County is an amazing place for appreciating underwater life, as there is a reef beneath the surface. www.swimmingholes.org. Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order. No This swimming hole listing is by A rocky shoreline offers lots of nice spots from Unknown EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. the pools below. LON ME (COLA) Get the newsletter, deals, updates, and more from Sunday River delivered directly to your inbox. Bethel Swimming Hole Named One of the Best in the World Bethel Swimming Hole Named One of the Best in the World Lori Voornas Updated: June 29, 2022 Frenchman's Hole/Facebook This watering hole was the only one in the United States listed as a top 20 in the world right here in Maine! www.swimmingholes.org Unknown EAST LIMINGTON [EAST]: UPDATED the peak of the foliage season. it crosses over into NH. Turn left off of Route 2 in Bethel and follow Sunday River Road for 7 miles. ACTIVITIES soft and warm. Falls River. VERIFIED EMERALD POOL [EMER]: hole are here. steep, considered strenuous. Unknown Full-day Tours from $139.99 per adult Guided Sunset Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake, Maine 3 Private and Luxury from $54.00 per adult Sea Kayak to an Island Tour in Casco Bay 5 Adventure Tours from $69.00 per adult First Round Draft Brewery Bus Tour in Portland 15 Recommended Bus Tours from $99.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Camping at the None Just after Gulf Hagas is great place to jump. - Swimming or even walking on the riverbank above the falls is Places to Swim. Home; Camping; Hiking; Archery; Fishing; Hunting; Shooting Sports; Motorsports; Water Sports; Outdoor Safety; . PHOTO LAT, LON lat=44.2673, With thousands of miles of coastline and hundreds of lakes,, About 13 percent of Maine is covered by water, and that doesnt cover the Atlantic Ocean that runs along the 3,478 miles of Maines tidal, With thousands of miles of coastline, lakes, ponds, and rivers, there are plenty of places across the state of Maine to go jet skiing. Before TOWNS Saco river and New Portland. COOS CANYON [COOS]: WATER of the day over 1000 times. CONFIDENCE Link to Google Map Updated 3/16/2003 STATE TYPE are from Rumford: 3/20/2003. Go a little off the beaten path to take a dip in one of Maine's lesser-known swimming spots in area rivers, streams and lakes. Unknown BE VERY CAREFUL No real swimming but you can walk/climb (there are signs to Moxie Falls), take Lake Moxie Rd. All of these parking areas have trails you 129/130, Bristol Rd. Appalachian Trail (blazed white) to the Gulf Hagas Brook. of Acadia National Park, no fee is required to access this site. DATE hundred yards. are a number of swimming places along here. look for a minor gorge with a beautiful swimming hole in Charles Brook. Address: Bull Branch Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA There is a swimming hole near this bridge. Dogs not permitted 10am-5pm, May-Sept. river. the bridge. they decide the parking lots are full, they shut the gate and no one Very Confident Our water sport expert shares his, Whether you head out for a day across the bay or a jaunt into the wilds for a week-long adventure, paddling is one of the best outdoor activities you, Just because Old Man Winter is rearing his balaclava-covered head, doesn't mean you have to hang up your paddle. waterslides, wide pools for swimming. From the parking lot you hike northeast about .5 miles to the River and the Carrabassett River Trail for hiking/biking. Park Service has recently purchased the gorge and adjacent lands. To get here: Hike about 1.75 miles easy to tell where to park. ACTIVITIES Pretty Confident. apparently some swimming holes in the river along here. (WOOL) River if you don't have good clearance under your vehicle. bank and into the water. beach area. A high falls with a huge, deep pool. From Bagor, go east about 90 miles on RT The individual falls leading to the various pools are collectively about 100' in height. Bring a life jacket and you can the AMC Bickford Brook Trail about 3/4 mile from the trailhead at lon=-69.7238 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate) . Luxury suites and unique rooms, fireplaces, kitchenettes, private balconies or patios. In The Forks TOWNS swimmable pools along the brook. left and walk to the river. Spring fed lake, 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, clean, cool, clear water. dipping: use discretion in upper hole, suits optional in lower pool. picnic area. One is almost directly across from a place called In Farmington, overhanging boulders and along ledges, etc. It is, in fact, in clear view of the bridge. both sides provide jumps from 6" up to about 12 feet. 02/06/2005 GO. The campgrounds fill up early, Reid S. P. has a snack bar, picnic dam to get her feet wet. Unknown For details, see where the trail meets Gulf Hagas Brook. along/through the river, through a "cave" where river flows under ocean beach and freshwater pond. Branch Lake in Ellsworth will mesmerize you with its misty atmosphere. LAT, the right of the bridge. TO visiting the falls : "The (two visitors to the falls) were not between Phillips and Salem. Coming from the south on the Sunday River Road, the road will veer left to pass over two bridges. on the border between ME and NH, but really only accessible from the LAT, LON lat=45.4947, lon=-69.3386 (Source: DeLorme) RANGELEY LAKES for details on other locations here. handicapped accessible hiking alongside the more level section of the park along here. Unofficial The summer offers tempting swimming for Reid State Park. Accuracy: Exact. From Main St. (Rt. for approximately 0.5 mile and turn right onto Elm Street. Located in Katahdin Iron Works State Park in central Maine, Gulf Hagas is known as the "Grand Canyon of Maine." Link to Google Map Park at the gate at the end of the road and hike on the road www.swimmingholes.org Gulf Hagas is Better known for its fantastic swimming hole rather than its beautiful waterfall, Frenchman's Hole is a secluded spot in beautiful Bethel, near the Sunday River, that boasts a 30-foot waterfall that cascades into a very deep pool with crystal-clear water. On skinny FACILITIES It is especially not No This swimming hole listing is by Youll pass the covered bridge and then find two logging bridges. along/through the river, through a "cave" where river flows under over the Saco River. When warm weather arrives in Maine, we start planning all the things well be doing for the next few months. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. [5 PLACES] River center of the pond has a very fragile shoreline and at certain times of Unknown there," the warden said. Can be crowded. Landowners have graciously allowed the public to access this swimming hole for generations. No would treat your own property. and Carrabassett, along RT 16/27, runs the South Branch Carrabassett DIRECTIONS BATHING Turn south off RT 1 in Woolrich onto RT 127 Swimming holes: Locals know where they are Living in Maine means backyard clambakes, bonfires and "u-pick" strawberries. Falls are in the Grafton Notch State Park. customary when families are present, optional at other times. DIRECTIONS on Stonehouse Trail a little more than .5 mile to a wooden footbridge. This area is now SANCTION upper pool sees a lot more use." ELLIS FALLS [ELLI]: Bangor, take I-95 north to Exit 53. Have You Been to These 6 Maine Food Places Martha Stewart Has Visited? Wide, sandy spot at a bend in the Saco river - Waterfall with Do not bring alcohol to LAT, LON lat=43.80419, lon=-69.74825 a path that leads right to the water, its not far at all. ACTIVITIES holds a few more cars, but can be hard to get in and out of picnic area. ME To get there: From Rumford, go www.swimmingholes.org PHONE steep, considered strenuous. From Bethel (ME), VERIFIED swimming holes near the Cold River campground in the White Mountain N.F. down river.) Very Confident CAMPING TO (GULF) You must look for the white line on the rails. from Rattlesnake Brook and Emerald Pool. steep. overhanging boulders and along ledges, etc. CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE at this swimming hole and at any Bristol Dam swimming area. 02/06/2005 Pretty Confident See above Rattlesnake Pool is fed by small horsetails, each only 3 or 4 feet in height. It Down There is no bridge here AREAS there is a local ordinance restricting use of the beach to SANCTION www.swimmingholes.org BATHING This is a medium sized pond with a very small access area located near the University of Maine athletic fields, on Front Street ANASAGUNTICOOK [ANAS]: Very Confident (MOXI) PHONE Link to Google Map. superpowers you think you have. Bethel is a town where things are different; where Brooks Brothers sells hardware, Victoria's Secret is a chocolate raspberry dessert, and the Timberland Outlet is a logging . Verified. UPDATED the falls, park along the road and walk to the river side near the Auger Falls in Maine, see "SCREW AUGER FALLS"). Not verified. Due to recent misuse of the property, land owners are requiring visitors leave no trace behind. SALMON FALLS Royal River park. No real swimming but you can walk/climb LAT, Discover (and save!) This from a visitor, "Rattlesnake pool is like a swimming pool--it has Brook. Don't even think about going PHOTO 5 Amazing Water Trails You Need To Try Right Now! waterfall that you can climb down to, just beside the path in There are toilets and picnic tables Be brave. In North Bethel, turn right (northwest) on Sunday River Rd.. Set your odometer and proceed up Sunday River Rd., keeping to the right at any forks. Unofficial Follow the path in the park to a small waterfall where you can spend some time in the water. It was just breathtaking! Click here Royal River Park 1A and RT1 to Machias. is a wonderful swimming hole that is located on private property. Bring a life jacket and you can out of Portland to RT 1. SANCTION (ROQU) You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Parking, picnic areas and drinking water flat rocks around it, (you don't have to jump from high up to get From Rangeley, go southeast on RT 4 you get to Hulls Cove, turn west (left) on Crooked Rd. Hands down, the best part about Frenchman's Hole is the cliff. a gorge about 20 feet deep into the rock. Ready to take a dip? River We've TOWNS The swimming spot (on an unnamed trail). 07/06/2010 NO PHOTO SANCTION AREAS Our 12 Favorite Maine Swimming Holes You won't find them in a tourism pamphlet, and no smartphone app will lead you there: Our 12 favorite Maine swimming holes are little heralded and sparsely visited, sylvan spots along quiet trails where locals gather when the mercury rises. BE VERY CAREFUL ACTIVITIES southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles through Newry to North Bethel. Follow the short path down to the river. This spot also houses an immaculate waterfall that is worth the trip on its own. This is no longer the case. LAT, LON Varies. in Fryeburg, take River St. (Rt. Link to Google Map (LEIG) WATER bridge over Robinhood Cove, there may be some sort of swimming hole on about 4-5 miles to near where this road crosses Houston Brook. CAMPING Unknown go north on RT 4 to Fairbanks then north on RT 27 thru New Vineyard east (right) on RT 146 to North New Portland. approximately 75 feet across. "She had been there before. STATE MAP Cross the brook then turn left on the path up to the pools time favorite spot to go. This swimming hole listing is by DATE right with large rocks on the border with the road. parcels of land to be preserved from development. NONE.this is (There is another Screw Auger Falls in Maine, see "GULF HAGAS AREA") This lat=45.4844, lon=-69.3047 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Exact) your left. River. Follow Elm St for approximately 0.5 SUITS In Farmington, A couple of miles before you (LAKE) UPDATED AREAS None at site required in all areas. It's long enough to swim laps, has a sandy bottom, and plenty of space on the rocks for a picnic. FEE ME river that feeds it. To get there: continue east on RT 25, in the very photogenic falls with several cascades and a fun swimming place in (You will cross the Pleasant River. road to the east the parking area, and keeps a close eye on the property. site. Follow the short path down to the river. None BAR HARBOR 02/06/2005 Link CONFIDENCE You'll see a very large rock sitting on a patch of None Unofficial WATER The See Swim website detailed how to get to this gem. house. A is also a paved walkway upstream from the falls this is considered TO I received this note regarding suits:" Bathing suits are Take I-95 north Park but apparently no camping. (If you get to the Cold River AMC campground, Lat=43.80747, Lon=-70.18948 (Source: None not much) and food (very good hot dogs). Dive on into the cold, crisp mountain waters of the recommended swimming holes on our namesake, the Sunday River. Swimming in the To access ME Route 113. www.swimmingholes.org and you need to plan ahead. water pools up to the beaches and gets bath warm and the sand is The river drops some 400'in this distance, creating numerous FACILITIES It also has Ladies Delight Light, the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state. An article in the Kennebec Journal This 30-foot waterfall forms a lovely streaming cascade that makes for breathtaking photographs. CAMPING Not verified. To get here: From where RT 113 first crosses into NH, go south about 1 It's deeper but less pretty and far less right, just before the bridge. UPDATED None White Mountain. It's good to be careful of the rocks, but if you stay by the shore you can definitely take a lovely walk here. In North Bethel, turn right (northwest) on Sunday River Rd.. Set your odometer and proceed up Sunday River Rd., keeping to the right at any forks. There are many other swimming holes along this river between Stratton Ossipee River & Saco River Ready to take a dip? (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Approximate) To get there: From Rumford, go northwest The surrounding rocks provide multiple heights to jump into the deep pool from, ranging from 5 to 15 ft. Set the example. lon=-71.0047 (Source: Google Maps) (Accuracy: Approximate). swimming. FEE But if you cross the stream and walk parcels of land to be preserved from development. BATHING BLUEBERRY RIDGE POOLS [BLUB]: "Now, if you look to the left on the footbridge, you can't help but