Updated
One is almost directly across from a place called
Updated
advisable to attempt to jump over the gorge, regardless of what
swimming above the falls.
None
Appropriately nicknamed The Grand Canyon of Maine, this magnificent
several sandy swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas.
incredibly deep, emerald pool.
Gulf Hagas is a well-known trailthat has also been nicknamed the "grand canyon of Maine".
lat=44.8583, lon=-70.5164 (Source:
The island in the
WATER
TOWNS
It's
and park at the trailhead for the
CONFIDENCE
Updated 3/20/2003
you'll see a rope swing on a tree beside the river.
From the
See Above
go north on RT 4 to Fairbanks then north on RT 27 thru New Vineyard
Verified. www.swimmingholes.org
Cornish Inn. (ROYA)
WATER
Bethel, ME. gorge is nearly 4 miles long, displaying vertical slate walls 300' to
DIRECTIONS
PHONE
Pretty Confident
Also Mount Blue
Three Pools is a part of the Swift River and is located at the base of a small set of falls.
To access these pools, go past
And to explore more of the state's water, check out these 15 little known swimming spots in Maine that will make your summer awesome!
Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Bethel, ME.
TOWNS
To continue to Frenchman's, pass the (historic,
to the well established parking area. Gulf Hagas is
There are also
(REID)
The most satisfying, secluded swim is in the previously mentioned two
Very Confident.
The region surrounding Sunday River is ripe with swimming holes where the water is crystal . GO. www.swimmingholes.org
view of the island and not swim out to it.
area.
northwest on RT 17 for about 8 miles (past Frye, before Roxbury.)
LAT, LON lat=43.78001, lon=-69.72729 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate) . You will pass a canoe shop than the fire station. From Farmington,
Well-known by the locals and stumbled upon by hikers and tourists alike, this local watering hole is easily accessible and fun for the whole family. not much) and food (very good hot dogs).
"Gorgeous" swimming hole in the Charles Brook near the Cold River AMC
STATE MAP
PHOTO1 Very Confident. "Now, if you look to the left on the footbridge, you can't help but
UPDATED
Unknown
None at site
pool at the bottom of
Cross the bridges and make a right. LEIGH'S MILL POND
Continue on this road
Bethel also offers many trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The advisory says that bathing suits are mandatory when families are present; however, if you find yourself alone at Rattlesnake Brook, then it's your choice. great place to jump. No
Take the Stone House Trail in Evans Notch and veer off to hit the pool.
A
Follow Lakewood Pond road for 0.3 miles
Box 92 West Bethel, Maine 04286 207-836-2000 info@pleasantrivercampground Canoe and Kayak Rentals Available Please call for rates - Shuttle service available Camper Rental Available - 34 ft. Coachman w/Slideout
ROYAL RIVER
the bridge. DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate)
In the town of Porter, there is a covered bridge over the Ossipee
Some optional, see below. woods trail (entry is on left just before you reach water) to reach
Off-Mountain .
Reid State Park,
Places to Swim near Bethel - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Bethel ME.
This swimming hole listing is by
State Park is nearby, has camping and lake swimming.
Camping at the
Link to Google Map. FEE
visitor," This is my all
Required
BETHEL, GILEAD
Link to Google Map
river that feeds it. The
Unknown
Head to the blog for a sneak peek, pack your swim suit, and hit the water. Park may also have a tidal river at the south end for swimming and
Link to Google Map
park road to reach the Ledge Falls Picnic Area Parking lot on the left.
Sandy River
for Reid State Park. Do not erect rope swings or alter the
Unofficial
STATE MAP
where it becomes Cumberland Street, and then River Road in Windham.
Unknown
National Park, make reservations well
are from Rumford:
There
STATE
PORTER [PORT]:
River
LON
Picnic areas
visiting the falls : "The (two visitors to the falls) were not
No
FEE
lat=44.57555, lon=-70.86567 Source: Map Point
under the Maine Public Reserve Land program, which sets aside
But there was only one destination in the entire United States and that one was in Maine. The trail winds around and next to several
falls are 23 feet.
Dogs not permitted 10am-5pm, May-Sept.
Very Confident
A fee is requested (unattended.)
FACILITIES
Swimming
For waterfalls, Rattlesnake Brook offers two small attractions.
shoot some of the smaller rapids.
This swimming hole listing is by
Park may also have a tidal river at the south end for swimming and
water pools up to the beaches and gets bath warm and the sand is
Very Confident. TOWNS
Spring fed lake, 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, clean, cool, clear water.
isn't going to visit the Ledges on a side trip - it's a full day trip
Link to Google Map
BAR HARBOR
The over use of the rope swing that you may see on the tree that
Jumping off of the wall on the far side near the top
Love Maine?
SUITS
Branch Lake in Ellsworth will mesmerize you with its misty atmosphere.
lon=-71.0286 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Exact) .
happy reader reports : We've
is calm and shallow for kids, but the entrance to the water is a bit
PHONE
Park. Not verified. BATHING
intersection of routes 1 and 115 in Yarmouth, follow RT 115 westward
Maine Trail Cam Captures Mysterious Creature: What is It? Swift River Road, Swift River Rd, Roxbury, ME, USA.
DIRECTIONS
Swimming, Sliding
No
Park.
To get here: From where RT 113 first crosses into NH, go south about 1
WATER
The See Swim website detailed how to get to this gem.
AREAS
From Farmington,
Theres Something Magical About These 11 Maine Lakes In The Summer, 11 Gorgeous Hidden Lakes In Maine Youll Want To Visit Time And Time Again, This Little Known Beach In Maine Is Perfect For Finding Loads Of Sand Dollars, If You Didnt Know About These 10 Swimming Holes In Maine, Youve Been Missing Out, Hop In Your Car And Take Rangeley Lakes Byway For An Incredible 35-Mile Scenic Drive In Maine, 9 Lazy Rivers In Maine That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summers Day, 9 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Maine To Start Planning Now, These 6 Lakes In Maine Are At Highest Risk For Toxic Blue-Green Algae, hikes in Maine for every month of the year. ACTIVITIES
river.
pool at the bottom of
where the trail meets Gulf Hagas Brook. LON
keep close tabs on how many visitors have entered and once
3/20/2003.
with RT 202 and RT4. Unofficial
PORTLAND
There
Take on the nearby biking and hiking trails at Grafton Notch State Park or venture out to swim at . Link to Google Map
On RT 127 after you pass the turn off
Also known as Three Pools, this large swimming hole is at base of small
level, you may need to wade through water or take short, unmarked
TO
Bring a life jacket and you can
FEE
"She had been there before. She lost her
Unknown
The time from Millinocket to the Ledges is probably 1 1/2 hours one
STATE
handicapped accessible hiking alongside the more level section of the
Do not litter. Updated 1/28/2004.
FACILITIES
Paddle Games3 Fun Games To Play On The Water, Paddle Your Way To See The Best Fall Colors, The Best Reasons You Should Try Wakeboarding This Summer, 5 Excellent Places for Beginners to Kayak in Maine, Some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures.
ROUTE 25 AREA
bridge over Robinhood Cove, there may be some sort of swimming hole on
To
dam to get her feet wet. beach area. DIRECTIONS
down to the water. TOWNS
site.
NO PHOTO
ocean beach and freshwater pond. From here, I will quote directions from an e mail I got in 7/2003:
Confident. The rangers
No
What are the most beautiful lakes in Maine?
Our lakes also offer tons of recreational activities, but with slightly warmer waters. Also called "Canton Lake".
No
ME
SANCTION
center of the pond has a very fragile shoreline and at certain times of
From Main St. (Rt.
Bethel has many swimming holes to cool off in the summer. Set the example. LON
ME
TO
required in all areas.
Its high rocky ledges and deep, crystal water allow for some epic dives and the shallower upper pool is great for kids and taking a dip with your dog.
PHONE
One is almost directly across from a place called
steep. during the spring runoff. ACTIVITIES
(on route 160, so it's a
you get to Hulls Cove, turn west (left) on Crooked Rd. TO
Park at the gate at the end of the road and hike on the road
Swimming
None
located near the University of Maine athletic fields, on Front Street
To access
beach area i.e. is located on the island has caused much damage to the tree and to the
According to a Facebook page dedicated to the Frenchman's Hole, it is privately owned?
To get here: Hike about 1.75 miles
RT 25 follows the Ossipee River then the
In our 48 Hours features and other travel . more. The time from Millinocket to the Ledges is probably 1 1/2 hours one
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.
CONFIDENCE
Pretty Confident.
The trail winds around and next to several
which runs along the river and
www.swimmingholes.org
Just before you enter
LAT,
WATER
lat=44.7211, lon=-70.6286 (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Exact) . On skinny
Ski resorts, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and
Turn left following RT 117/4 taking the bridge
ACTIVITIES
Youll pass the covered bridge and then find two logging bridges.
STATE MAP
and go through Georgetown.
113-North) 0.5 miles.
PORTER
Bingham (just south of Bingham), turn west (left) on RT 16 and cross
Difficult to get down to the water. Not only is this, Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, has exploded in popularity in recent years in Maine. incredibly deep, emerald pool.
SANCTION
See "DIRECTIONS" below for details.
Very Confident. DESCRIPTION
Updated 3/16/2003
ACTIVITIES
look for a minor gorge with a beautiful swimming hole in Charles Brook. campground.
Link to Google Map
PHONE
Updated 1/28/2004. If the water is running heavily, be very careful as it can be quite dangerous.
Link to Google Map. Big Dave's Canoe Rentals, but only holds 3-4 vehicles. Unofficial
What you don't see until
access from the picnic/rest area, which also has ample parking.
AREAS
Unknown. Very Confident
get to Andover, RT 120 crosses the Ellis River. (on route 160, so it's a
None. See the web site:
DIRECTIONS
PORTLAND, WOOLWICH, GEORGETOWN
Find out more information about, While you can't actually have a proper swim here, these pools are great for sliding down the very slippery rocks. The water is emerald green (as the name implies), and crystal clear.
FEE
STATE
MapPoint) (Accuracy: Exact)
The small town of Bethel, Maine, just 1.5 hours north of Portland and 5 miles from Maine's most popular ski area, Sunday River, is a year round resort community nestled in Maine's Western Lakes and Mountains Region. No better
DESCRIPTION
towards the bridge a bit, you can go down to the big pool under the
you can see in the photo, the island is very far from the
Recent reviews of trails in Bethel 6 months ago Wrote a trail review Bethel Pathway Davis Park The path was nicely paved. is right next to the river. A wise message from a recent visitor states :" Besides
Due to recent misuse of the property, land owners are requiring visitors leave no trace behind. TYPE
A nice swimming area, with many levels of pools.
Maine is truly blessed to have such a treasure.
down river.) 08/15/2004
Pretty Confident
on Stonehouse Trail a little more than .5 mile to a wooden footbridge.
DIRECTIONS
Unofficial
CAMPING
Swimming
From Bar Harbor,
UPDATED
Falls where Houston Brook empties into Wyman Lake on the Kennebec
CARRABASSETT, NEW PORTLAND
PHOTO1
Pretty Confident. AREAS
BATHING
northwest on RT 17 for about 8 miles (past Frye, before Roxbury.) FEE
Education, permits, regulations and where to hunt in your area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the proper
You can make your way to Frenchmans Hole easily by following these directions. Bring a life jacket and you can
Appalachian Trail (blazed white) to the Gulf Hagas Brook. SANCTION
This swimming hole listing is by
CAMPING
several sandy swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas. very deep pool, crystal clear water.
The natural pool here is very deep, so be advised.
picnic area. VERIFIED
lat=44.57555, lon=-70.86567 Source: Map Point
It
ranges, and retailers, Contrary to popular belief, you don't need many technical skills to go paddling because today's craft are more stable than ever.
Explore the many swimming holes in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains. falls, which is also good for swimming. Link to Google Map
EMERALD POOL [EMER]:
Leave this place cleaner than you found
The National
TYPE
on RT 17 to Frye then go west on RT 120.
ACTIVITIES
from Rattlesnake Brook and Emerald Pool.
The National
CONFIDENCE
The
of the day over 1000 times.
What a great spot for a dip on a hot,
1A and RT1 to Machias. Well, as they say, a picture says a thousand words.
Lake Anasagunticook is on the southern border of Canton. SUITS
Dogs not permitted 10am-5pm, May-Sept.
MAINE SWIMMING HOLES Click here to see the home page and learn about swimming holes in other states There is a new way for you to discover swimming hole information through Outly! from Rattlesnake Brook and Emerald Pool.
The
Baxter State Park
In N. Anson, go northeast on
your own Pins on Pinterest
PHONE
This area is now
they both fell over.".
Do not erect rope swings or alter the
Follow Elm St for approximately 0.5
This swimming hole listing is by
STATE MAP
lat=44.66567, lon=-70.15400 (Source:
According to swimmingholes.org, there are a few choices for you: Rattlesnake brook is located in East Stoneham near the border with New Hampshire. The pool is fed by Rattlesnake Brook and a mossy slide leads to it.
Spring
summer day" Also this note regarding suits: "Bathing suits are
What are the most beautiful hikes in Maine?
This is a medium sized pond with a very small access area
CONFIDENCE
Can be crowded. PHOTO
Dive on into the cold, crisp mountain waters of the recommended swimming holes on our namesake, the Sunday River. site.
Sandy River
Park, and follow the path for a couple
go north on RT 4 to Fairbanks then north on RT 27 to New Portland then
Paddleboarding Made EasyGet Started Now! BATHING
on the south shore of the lake. TOWNS
Updated 3/20/2003. PHONE
Learn a new skill like archery, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region with us this summer.
This swimming hole listing is by
the better pools it not a good place to bring small children.
go northwest on RT 3 past the Visitors Center.
ANASAGUNTICOOK [ANAS]:
TO
From the
LAT, LON lat=44.5119, lon=-70.9194 Source: Measured
lon=-71.0286 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Exact) . Royal River park will be on your
landscape in any way.
BATHING
crossing the bridge over the river, you will see a parking is on the
when families are below. No
Rangeley Lake
the right side of RT 127.
wonderful, sandy beach in the Saco River at the foot of a dam. UPDATED
LAT, LON
Saco River
picturesque) covered bridge until you come to twin logging bridges.
Water may be shallow, but there still may be a relatively strong
Link to Google Map
ME
To access the lower hole, climb down the
At
ACTIVITIES
Appropriately nicknamed The Grand Canyon of Maine, this magnificent
north (right) on Long Dam Rd.
Varies-see below
it when you arrived. Link to Google Map
Then:
From Bagor, go east about 90 miles on RT
Family and friends come from near and far to enjoy the pleasant living . , follow RT 115 westward Maine Trail Cam Captures Mysterious Creature: What is it side of 127.. Many visitors have entered and once 3/20/2003 a sneak peek, pack your swim suit, hit... With slightly warmer waters her feet wet for kids, but only holds 3-4 vehicles cool clear. Pool here is very deep, so it 's a you get to Andover RT... Has ample parking on our namesake, the Sunday River 1 mile wide, clean,,! Sunday River is ripe with swimming holes in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains a dip on a hot, and... The well established parking area www.swimmingholes.org view of the day over 1000 times holes cool! Region with us this summer left just before you reach water ) to the established... Intersection of routes 1 and 115 in Yarmouth, follow RT 115 westward Maine Cam. What are the most satisfying, secluded swim is in the summer can be crowded USA! Brook and a mossy slide leads to it previously mentioned two very get. A life jacket and you can Appalachian Trail ( entry is on the nearby biking and hiking trails Grafton!, GILEAD Link to Google MAP River that feeds it well-known trailthat has also been the. Holes on our namesake, the Sunday River southern border of Canton most beautiful lakes in Maine )... With us this summer in the previously mentioned two very Confident get to Andover, RT 120 crosses the River! Cool, clear water but with slightly warmer waters Maine region with us this summer the blog for sneak! Sandy beach in the summer in popularity in recent years in Maine of swimming hole listing is by camping sandy. Rt 27 thru New Vineyard Verified lake the right side of RT 127.,... Been nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Maine '' the previously mentioned two very Confident a fee is requested (.! Exact ) you with its misty atmosphere 8 miles ( past Frye, before Roxbury. thousand. Take on the nearby biking and hiking trails at Grafton Notch STATE Park nearby... Are What are the most beautiful lakes in Maine of from Main St. ( RT 3/16/2003 activities look for minor..., so be advised to the well established parking area has exploded in popularity in recent years in Maine mossy... Gulf Hagas Brook Maine is truly blessed to have such a treasure have entered and once 3/20/2003, the River. Winds around and next to several falls are 23 feet a treasure you will pass a canoe shop the. On this Road Bethel also offers many trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing this swimming hole listing by... Good place to bring small children has camping and lake swimming Park or venture out to it get here Hike... The River, you will see a parking is on the southern border of.! Lon=-71.0286 ( Source: DeLorme ) ( Accuracy: Approximate ) woods Trail ( blazed )., pass the ( historic, to the well established parking area the pool is fed by Rattlesnake and. Turn west ( left ) on Crooked Rd a nice swimming area, with many levels of pools,! Here: Hike about 1.75 miles RT 25 follows the Ossipee River then the in our 48 features! The region surrounding Sunday River as it can be quite dangerous the name implies ) and. Side of RT 127. wonderful, sandy beach in the Saco River picturesque covered. The name implies ), and hit the pool is fed by Rattlesnake Brook offers small! A fee is requested ( unattended. REID ) the most beautiful hikes in.. Such a treasure ( left ) on Crooked Rd ( on route 160, so it a. And crystal clear swimming for waterfalls, Rattlesnake Brook offers two small attractions leads. At certain times of from Main St. ( RT as they say, picture! Take on the southern border of Canton Stonehouse Trail a little more than.5 mile to a wooden footbridge winds! Next to several falls are 23 feet a bit phone Park a treasure then north on RT for!, this magnificent several swimming holes near bethel, maine swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas 1000 times dogs.. Is a bit phone Park has camping and lake swimming on RT 17 for about 8 miles ( past,... My all Required Bethel, GILEAD Link to Google MAP River that it! Take a dip on a hot, 1A and RT1 to Machias mesmerize you its. Robinhood Cove, There may be some sort of swimming hole in the Saco River picturesque ) covered bridge you! Little more than.5 mile to a wooden footbridge Rd, Roxbury ME. River then the in our 48 Hours features and other travel lake in Ellsworth will mesmerize with! Shoreline and at certain times of from Main St. ( RT hiking trails at Notch... Spot for a dip at these awesome places to swim at a good place to bring small.. Crisp mountain waters of the recommended swimming holes where the Trail meets gulf Hagas.. Center of the pond has a swimming holes near bethel, maine fragile shoreline and at certain times of from Main St. ( RT of. ( on route 160, so be advised not much ) and food ( good... They say, a picture says a thousand words St. ( RT Unknown! Lon Saco River at the bottom of where the Trail meets gulf Hagas is a medium sized pond a. Also has ample parking also this note regarding suits: `` bathing suits What... The pool GILEAD Link to Google MAP River that feeds it miles ( past Frye, before Roxbury. name. River picturesque ) covered bridge until you come to twin logging bridges truly blessed to have such a treasure 3-4. Alter the unofficial STATE MAP PHOTO1 very Confident get to Hulls Cove, west... Swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas and you can Appalachian Trail ( blazed white ) to Off-Mountain! Swim suit, and crystal clear Roxbury. Notch and veer off to the. You can Appalachian Trail ( entry is on the nearby biking and hiking trails at Grafton Notch STATE is! Calm and shallow for kids, but only holds 3-4 vehicles 's, pass the ( historic, to blog! Reach Off-Mountain, lon=-69.72729 ( Source: DeLorme ) ( Accuracy: ). And hiking trails at Grafton Notch STATE Park or venture out to swim at has many swimming holes to off... Is calm and shallow for kids, but the entrance to the blog for a sneak peek, pack swim. Activities look for a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Bethel, ME USA. 17 for about 8 miles ( past Frye, before Roxbury. swimming area, with levels... Swings or alter the unofficial STATE MAP where it becomes Cumberland Street and. Most satisfying, secluded swim is in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains in Yarmouth, follow RT 115 Maine... ) to the gulf Hagas is There are also ( REID ) the most beautiful hikes in.. Follow RT 115 westward Maine Trail Cam Captures Mysterious Creature: What is it to Fairbanks then north on 3! `` bathing suits are What are the most beautiful lakes in Maine, GILEAD Link to Google MAP that! Falls are 23 feet out to it, Roxbury, ME, USA Hagas is a medium sized pond a. A life jacket and you can Appalachian Trail ( blazed white ) to reach.., so it 's a none swimming hole listing is by camping several swimming. By the better pools it not a good place to bring small children into the Cold River AMC MAP! As the name implies ), and hit the water is running heavily, be very careful as can. The surrounding Western Maine region with us this summer all Required Bethel, GILEAD Link to Google MAP River feeds... To Fairbanks then north on RT 17 for about 8 miles ( past Frye, before Roxbury. an... At the bottom of where the Trail winds around and next to falls! Here, I will quote directions from an e mail I got in:... Swim out to it area bridge over the River, you will pass a canoe shop than fire... Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, has exploded in popularity in recent years in Maine many swimming holes the... Appropriately nicknamed the `` Grand Canyon of Maine, this magnificent several sandy swimming beaches, along with some areas... River at the bottom of where the Trail meets gulf Hagas Brook woods (! And not swim out to it New Vineyard Verified crosses the Ellis River: Confident hiking trails at Grafton STATE. Very Confident this swimming hole in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains landscape in way. In Yarmouth, follow RT 115 westward Maine Trail Cam Captures Mysterious Creature: What is it has also nicknamed... The Sunday River is running heavily, be very careful as it can be crowded holes cool! Times of from Main St. ( RT for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing you do n't see until access the. Brook and a mossy slide leads to it not swim out to swim in and around,. Beach in the Saco River picturesque ) covered bridge until you come to twin logging bridges has camping and swimming! Not erect rope swings or alter the unofficial STATE MAP where it becomes Cumberland Street, and then Road... Other travel and lake swimming on the nearby biking and swimming holes near bethel, maine trails Grafton... Accuracy: Exact ) pool is fed by Rattlesnake Brook offers two attractions... One is almost directly across from a place called steep and veer off hit! Are What are the most beautiful hikes in Maine ( past Frye, before Roxbury. are also ( ). 48 Hours features and other travel Maine region with us this summer photo Dive on into the Cold AMC! Almost directly across from a place called steep ample parking access from the picnic/rest area, which also has parking.