By Benjamin Tepler, Rachel Ritchie, Margaret Seiler, Caleb Diehl, and Kasey Cordell Updated June 29, 2022 Lower Lewis Falls
As the name
FACILITIES
under the Maine Public Reserve Land program, which sets aside
Confident. Emerald Pool is subject to heavy summer youth
local police strictly enforce these parking regulations. STATE MAP
PHONE
coroner here is Andy's Handy Store. Best Swimming Holes near Eugene The Eugene area includes the southern part of the Willamette Valley, the west side of the Cascade Mountains, and the coastal region.
To get here: Hike about 1.75 miles
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SUITS
Hamilton Pool Preserve You'll find this swimming hole below a 50-foot waterfall just outside Austin in Travis County. None at site
Additional parking is
holes, about 8-9 holes in all, some under the waterfalls.
notice that there is a pretty waterfall in the distance, which has cut
RT 2 about 16 miles to Newry.
DIRECTIONS
east (right) on RT 146 to North New Portland.
Not verified. BANGOR, ELLSWORTH, MACHIAS
lon=-71.0047 (Source: Google Maps) (Accuracy: Approximate). for kids.
This swimming hole listing is by
Verified. TYPE
incredibly deep, emerald pool. Very
Leave this place cleaner than you found
deep, about seven feet deep. The summer offers tempting swimming
Follow Lakewood Pond road for 0.3 miles
Also Mount Blue
lat=44.7211, lon=-70.6286 (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Exact) . From the
banks.
are a number of swimming places along here.
None
before Grafton Notch State Park.
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around over to the falls. A rocky shoreline offers lots of nice spots from
then south (right) on Shell
Updated 3/20/2003.
STATE MAP
further on the trail along Gulf Hagas Brook. From Farmington,
It
parking area on your right. There are no bathroom facilities here, so please
with RT 202 and RT4. Falls
From Farmington,
VERIFIED
The next spot up
Unofficial
LAT, LON
Measured Accuracy: Exact
three parking areas. VERIFIED
Required
Pretty Confident.
Hidden Swimming Holes Near Me. ME/NH
get to Andover, RT 120 crosses the Ellis River.
Unknown
River
None
facing the water. South Branch Carrabassett River
Link to Google Map
FEE
be a touch warmer than other mountain streams because of the small
LAT,
The
Cornish Inn.
EMERALD POOL [EMER]:
COOS CANYON [COOS]:
Togue Pond Gate House at the southern entrance of Baxter State
113-North) 0.5 miles.
(right) off RT 17 onto Byron Village Rd. STATE MAP
There is another
Also called "Canton Lake". on the border between ME and NH, but really only accessible from the ME side. Where can I find freshwater swimming holes near me? Park.
There are also
LON
FACILITIES
Link to Google Map
River
Good
There is no bridge here
Spectacular swimming holes near the Cold River campground in the White Mountain N.F. turn left onto Lakewood Pond Rd.
TO
This is no longer the case. These deep sink holes are caverns full of water, carved into the Earth during past ice ages, and are treasured by those who know their locations on hot summer days.
house.
From the
Or, south of the rest area, turn east
Then:
(right) off RT 17 onto Byron Village Rd.
SANCTION
HOME, This swimming hole listing is by
of Acadia National Park, no fee is required to access this site. follow the path along the river to the ledge. www.swimmingholes.org. Hike this trail to the west about .75 miles and
is a wonderful swimming hole that is located on private property. steep.
handicapped accessible hiking alongside the more level section of the
The water can
ME side.
lat=44.83831, lon=-70.34533 (Source:
www.swimmingholes.org
PHONE
Also called "Canton Lake". From Main St. (Rt. Emerald that, although not secluded, is traditionally the place to go
ACTIVITIES
you'll see a rope swing on a tree beside the river.
There are many other swimming holes along this river between Stratton
natural waterslides here as the water flows across a large granite area
Lake Anasagunticook is on the southern border of Canton. (At about 5.5 miles there is a nice swimming place by the road,
RANGELEY, FARMINGTON, MADRID
Updated
Not verified.
Be a leader.
The time from Millinocket to the Ledges is probably 1 1/2 hours one
pond on your left.
PORTER [PORT]:
Take RT 16 north about 25 miles to
FRYEBURG, CONWAY (NH)
swimmers will be ticketed should they park in the area.
Southern shore, called "The Beach" is great swimming.
holds a few more cars, but can be hard to get in and out of
time favorite spot to go. dipping: use discretion in upper hole, suits optional in lower pool.
He went out after her, and
Park at the gate at the end of the road and hike on the road
TREAT THIS AREA GENTLY
Three hours from Melbourne Swimming at MacKenzie Falls is strictly forbidden, but those thunderous falls aren't the only spot in Grampians National Park where you'll find cool, refreshing water. FEE
CONFIDENCE
Pretty Confident. DESCRIPTION
for approximately 0.5 mile and turn right onto Elm Street.
3/20/2003
turbine area which is a swirl and can be tough to get out of. There is a bridge
LAT, LON lat=44.23753,
spectacular gorge and is a highly recommend hiking trip. NO PHOTO
picturesque) covered bridge until you come to twin logging bridges.
It's only another quarter-mile south on Fort Valley Road, then a short walk from a paved lot.
Not verified. wonderful, sandy beach in the Saco River at the foot of a dam.
Changing water levels, unseen rocks, and river bottoms that have shifted with currents and seasonal weather can turn a well-known jumping area into a serious hazard. None
go north on RT 27 to New Portland. would treat your own property. Pretty Confident
One is almost directly across from a place called
TYPE
Pretty Confident.
southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles through Newry to North Bethel.
Not verified. No better
There
The swimming hole is located off RT 142
about 1.25 miles past Stone House Rd. Spring fed lake, 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, clean, cool, clear water. This spot is the closest to the
Near Byron, on RT 17, park at the Coos Canyon Rest Area on the
PHONE
are from Rumford:
Unknown
Go about 1 mile and bear right onto River Road.
You must look for the white line on the rails. St. Marys Quarry, 425 Water Street S, St. Marys, ON, Canada, +1 519 284 3090.
Map.
This area is now
STATE MAP
Link to Google Map
there is a local ordinance restricting use of the beach to
Unknown
An article in the Kennebec Journal
River
Be advised that
ACTIVITIES
TOWNS
Yes
approximately 75 feet across. Where are some natural places to swim near me?
PHOTOS BELOW
in NH with camping at several locations.
To get there, continue east on RT 25 to East Limington. Link to Google Map. MOXIE FALLS
LON
Updated 3/16/2003
VERIFIED
The swimming spot
The swimming spot
ME
Pretty Confident
Unknown
are very deep, however, there are plenty of natural
from Rattlesnake Brook and Emerald Pool.
Camping at the
FEE
This swimming hole listing is by
You can soak there in the rapids here. Careful of the current under the
LINK TO PHOTO
in).beautiful pool in the stream that another friend had told me
flat rocks around it, (you don't have to jump from high up to get
Link to Google Map
Waterfall with
This is another "set" of swimming holes on Bickford Brook not far
TO
www.swimmingholes.org
Updated 3/13/2004.
LAT, LON
isn't going to visit the Ledges on a side trip - it's a full day trip
See above
STATE MAP
All of these parking areas have trails you
AREAS
STATE
landscape in any way.
None
Spring fed lake, 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, clean, cool, clear water.
SUITS
Watch carefully for the sign-
LAT, LON lat=44.6422,
I received this note regarding suits:" Bathing suits are
Vaughan Woods State Park
To get there: From Rumford, go
Follow Elm St for approximately 0.5
She lost her
UPDATED
On RT 127 after you pass the turn off
and park at the trailhead for the
DIRECTIONS
Depending on the time of year/water
go north on RT 4 to Fairbanks then north on RT 27 to New Portland then
There is a gate at the Katahdin Iron Works site, which
Swimming
Although this place is technically part
Updated
Proceed until you see
If you're looking for a secret swimming spot, check out these scenic options and don't forget to keep your lips zipped! BUTTERMILK FALLS [BUTT]:
west (right) on Vine St. Go about 2 miles on Vine until you see the
No
Right after you cross this bridge,
Updated
Potem Falls - Located near Redding and Lassen Volcanic National Park, Potem Falls is a picture-perfect pool beneath a sheer 70-foot waterfall tucked within the gentle green hills of Pit River Canyon. ROLLINGSFORD (NH)
the falls, park along the road and walk to the river side near the
BUTTERMILK FALLS [BUTT]:
Follow the short path down to the river. DATE
where the trail meets Gulf Hagas Brook. CAMPING
Then:
Explore Hikes to Swimming Holes! CONFIDENCE
of about 60 miles (past the turn off to "HOUSTON BROOK FALLS" swimming
slippery rocks.
There
the year may have bank swallows that nest in the grassy and muddy
superpowers you.
Very Confident.
At
Link to Google Map
PHONE
DeLorme) (Accuracy: Exact)
FACILITIES
AREAS
FACILITIES
banks.
The former parking area has been closed off by the landowner who
Water may be shallow, but there still may be a relatively strong
in).beautiful pool in the stream that another friend had told me
SUITS
PHONE
are several sandy swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas.
Appropriately nicknamed The Grand Canyon of Maine, this magnificent
Varies-see below
pools." CONFIDENCE
advisable to attempt to jump over the gorge, regardless of what
turbine area which is a swirl and can be tough to get out of.
apparently some swimming holes in the river along here.
lon=-70.9064 (Source: Topozone) (Accuracy: Exact).
What you don't see until
ROQUE BLUFFS STATE PARK
DIRECTIONS
The campgrounds fill up early,
Where can I find dog-friendly swimming holes near me? For details, see
(on route 160, so it's a
LAT,
This swimming hole listing is by www.SwimmingHoles.info . (MOXI)
I have been off the bridge at just about every hour
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Just before you enter
SUITS
Cross the brook then turn left on the path up to the pools
Leigh's Mill Pond
die-hard strip-n-dippers, there is a smaller pool above the falls at
tad busy) is a
you get to Hulls Cove, turn west (left) on Crooked Rd. Jumping off of the wall on the far side near the top
River
Unknown
Iron Works Rd. are provided.
Very Confident.
ME
Some optional- see notes below
FARMINGTON, KINGFIELD, NEW
There
Unknown
Swimming hole in
dipping: use discretion in upper hole, suits optional in lower pool. located in a multiple use forest managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary
SUITS
LON
LAT, LON lat=44.5711,
None
soft and warm.
and you need to plan ahead. This swimming hole listing is by
lon=-69.7238 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate) . PORTLAND, WOOLWICH, GEORGETOWN
right, just before the bridge.
Link to Google Map
RUMFORD AREA
right, just before the bridge.
From the center
From Farmington,
Updated 1/28/2004. sandy beach.
Reid S. P. has a snack bar, picnic
The pool is quite deepabout 12 feet in the middle. www.swimmingholes.org
hole in Bingham) to The Forks (just short of West Forks). For details, see
AREAS
(RUMF)
Toilets, Trash Cans
be a touch warmer than other mountain streams because of the small
From the center
and Morning Sentinel recounts what happened to a couple that were
turn north (right) on RT 142. SANCTION
A
None
In Newry, turn northwest
DIRECTIONS
You may just satisfy yourself with a dip in
reservations are best made in February or March.
they decide the parking lots are full, they shut the gate and no one
pools for swimming.
A rocky shoreline offers lots of nice spots from
Verified.
(SAND)
the AMC Bickford Brook Trail about 3/4 mile from the trailhead at
National Park, make reservations well
LONG DAM
RANGELEY LAKES for details on other locations here.
Park but apparently no camping.
really visible from Crooked Rd. further on the trail along Gulf Hagas Brook. (ROQU)
If that sounds like something for you, use the map below to find natural swimming spots near you. A 32-foot waterfall makes for some shallow, misty swimming holes, just a quarter-mile's hike from the road.
LON
It's deeper but less pretty and far less
place for jumping too. Sandy River
falls, which is also good for swimming. Then:
Link to Google Map
In The Forks
Cross the bridges and take the first right turn.
NO PHOTO
places along RT 25 (from the NH/ME border to the east) are:
the AMC Bickford Brook Trail about 3/4 mile from the trailhead at
Not verified.
Reid State Park nearby
The trail to the bottom is very
hundred yards.
Upper and lower holes. We also have some advice on how to stay safe while enjoying your local swimming hole.
Baxter State Park
This is also a "must trip" in the fall during
Unknown
A fee is requested (unattended.)
There is, in fact, a third pool to
A wise message from a recent visitor states :" Besides
BATHING
PHOTOS BELOW
State Park is nearby, has camping and lake swimming. Going towards Salem, cross the bridge and
That's one of the holes. IF YOU JUMP HERE.
Not Verified.
Unknown
Difficult to get down to the water.
Not verified. Right after you cross this bridge,
parcels of land to be preserved from development. DESCRIPTION
TO
None
The summer offers tempting swimming
STATE
CONFIDENCE
TYPE
FEE
ACTIVITIES
WATER
beaches with snack bar, picnic tables, grills, bathhouse and showers.
Turn south off RT 1 in Woolrich onto RT 127
Down
Not verified.
pool at the bottom of
No
White Mountain N. F.
The most satisfying, secluded swim is in the previously mentioned two
Be advised that
The trail winds around and next to several
CONFIDENCE
Grafton Notch State Park is Step Falls Preserve.
[3 PLACES]
Link to Google Map
In N. Anson, go northeast on
NO PHOTO
You'll see a small side trail to your left.
overhanging boulders and along ledges, etc. you have gone too far.) Unknown
Go over or under the railing and down the
Unofficial
Go over or under the railing and down the
SUITS
STATE MAP
DESCRIPTION
TO
PHOTO 2 Confident. You'll see a very large rock sitting on a patch of
Fairly secluded
Once again a fun spot."
08/15/2004
WATER
Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip.
Not
Informal camping at site.
CAMPING
out of Portland to RT 1. 3. ME
Updated 3/20/2003.
AREAS
Big Dave's Canoe Rentals, but only holds 3-4 vehicles.
UPDATED
one of the highest falls in Maine.
A high falls with a huge, deep pool.
CONFIDENCE
(BRIS)
CONFIDENCE
The other
DIRECTIONS
crossing is not recommended during spring run off. At
falls, and that's the real treat.
The rangers
WATER
River. STATE
Take RT 16 north about 25 miles to
river.
This swimming hole is located on private property. DESCRIPTION
waterfalls, chutes, and pools.
Go 3
The water will help to cool you off after working up a sweat, and it eases your muscles too. Very Confident. Accuracy: Exact. River (Tidal)
Unknown
are very deep, however, there are plenty of natural
The best of the park's swimming holes, Buzzard Rock Hole, is directly below Buzzard Rock cliffsa popular rock-climbing and hiking area.
FEE
Pretty Confident. Sandy River
Park but apparently no camping.
PHONE
verified.
The next spot up
From Bagor, go east about 90 miles on RT
BLUEBERRY RIDGE POOLS [BLUB]:
notice that there is a pretty waterfall in the distance, which has cut
Houston Brook
TOWNS
Swimming hole in the Saco River in East Limington, at the roadside
This is a
to Google Map
(on an unnamed trail).
STATE
LAT,
See the web site:
ME
camping also. [3 PLACES]
ACTIVITIES
None at site
ANASAGUNTICOOK [ANAS]:
The time from Millinocket to the Ledges is probably 1 1/2 hours one
(You will cross the Pleasant River.
waterfall that you can climb down to, just beside the path in
If youre looking for a daylong adventure for the family, this is a perfect fit.
between Phillips and Salem.
TO
Updated 3/20/2003
Just before you enter
Or, if youd like to explore other types of swimming holes (such as waterfalls, rivers, and dog-friendly), keep reading as well be embedding maps dedicated to those types of searches as well. lon=-71.0286 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Exact) .
southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles to Newry. River
DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate)
Emerald that, although not secluded, is traditionally the place to go
Four swimming
approximately 6.5 miles, turn left onto RT 117. There is a footpath leading
Not Verified. SOUTH BERWICK, NORTH BERWICK,
(LEIG)
An article in the Kennebec Journal
BATHING
As the water sprang from the surrounding Oklahoma . STATE
customary when families are present, optional at other times. residents. SANCTION
made an astonishing basin, an outstanding swimming spot.