Top 10 Must-Visit Swimming Holes in Maine: Hidden Gems for the Perfect Summer Cool-Down
- Gerry Caron
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Top 10 Must-Visit Swimming Holes in Maine: Hidden Gems for the Perfect Summer Cool-Down
Escape the heat & dive into Maine’s natural beauty!
Maine is known for its rugged coastline, pine-filled forests, and sparkling freshwater, but when summer rolls around, locals and visitors alike seek out one thing — the best swimming holes in Maine!
From hidden waterfalls to historic riverside spots, this guide covers the top 10 must-visit swimming holes in Maine, including local favorites and off-the-beaten-path gems. Whether you’re looking for a serene dip, a thrilling cliff jump, or the perfect family-friendly pool — Maine has a swimming spot for every kind of water lover.
👉 VisitMaine.net |
☎️ (207) 555-5555
🏊 Top 10 Waterfall & Swimming Holes in Maine
1⃣ Rattlesnake Pool – Stow, ME
💎 A turquoise treasure hidden in the White Mountain National Forest.Crystal-clear water and mossy boulders await at the end of a short scenic hike in Evans Notch. This secluded pool is shaded by trees and fed by a mountain stream, offering cool relief even on the hottest days.
Activities: Hiking, swimming, photography
Location: Near Shell Pond Rd, Evans Notch, Stow, ME
Website: www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
Contact: White Mountain Ranger Station (603) 536-6100
2⃣ Indian’s Last Leap – Sanford, ME
📜 Where legend and leisure meet.Steeped in Native American folklore, this deep gorge along the Mousam River features a natural pool ideal for a quick swim. Rock formations make for great photo ops.
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, exploring
Location: River St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: www.sanfordmaine.org
Contact: Sanford Parks & Recreation (207) 324-9130
3⃣ Lake Wood Pond – Acadia National Park
🌲 Tranquility inside Acadia’s vast forested wilderness.This hidden gem offers a quiet escape from the busier spots in the park. Surrounded by native pines, it’s ideal for birdwatchers and families.
Activities: Swimming, hiking, wildlife watching
Location: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME
Website: www.nps.gov/acad
Contact: Acadia Visitor Center (207) 288-3338
4⃣ Gulf Hagas – Monson, ME
🏜 The Grand Canyon of the East.This rugged gorge offers scenic trails and waterfall pools along the West Branch of the Pleasant River. An adventurous choice with multiple access points.
Activities: Swimming, hiking, waterfalls
Location: Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME
Website: www.nrcm.org
Contact: KI Jo-Mary Gate: (207) 965-8135
5⃣ Coos Canyon – Byron, ME
⛏ Swim, slide, or pan for gold.Located along Route 17, this Swift River spot has smooth rock slides and shallow pools, plus local shops selling gold-panning kits.
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, gold panning
Location: Route 17, Byron, ME 04275
Website: www.maine.gov/ifw
Contact: Coos Canyon Rock & Gift (207) 364-4900
6⃣ Ledge Falls Pool – Baxter State Park, ME
🚷 Natural slides in the wild woods.Water from Nesowadnehunk Stream tumbles over smooth ledges, forming natural slides into refreshing pools below.
Activities: Swimming, exploring, picnicking
Location: Baxter State Park, Medway/Baxter Corridor
Website: www.baxterstatepark.org
Contact: Park Headquarters (207) 723-5140
7⃣ Green Island Quarry – Stonington, ME
🪨 Cliff jumping into clear quarry water.Accessible by kayak or boat, this former granite quarry is now a stunning swimming hole surrounded by steep rock faces.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, cliff jumping
Location: Accessible by boat from Stonington Harbor
Website: www.islandheritagetrust.org
Contact: Island Heritage Trust (207) 348-2455
8⃣ Emerald Pool – Chatham, NH (near Fryeburg, ME)
💚 Just over the Maine border, a beloved local swim spot.Surrounded by tall pines and clear skies, the pool has cold emerald waters perfect for a brisk dip.
Activities: Swimming, hiking, relaxing
Location: Baldface Circle Trail, White Mountain National Forest
Website: www.fs.usda.gov
Contact: Saco Ranger District (603) 447-5448
9⃣ Babb’s Bridge – Gorham, ME
🌉 Historic covered bridge over the Presumpscot River.Swim near Maine’s oldest covered bridge. Great for photos and an easy-access swim.
Activities: Swimming, fishing, picnicking
Location: Covered Bridge Rd, Gorham, ME
Website: www.gorham-me.org
Contact: Gorham Parks & Recreation (207) 222-1630
🔠 Frenchman’s Hole – Newry, ME
💦 A local favorite for swimming and cliff diving. hClear pools below a waterfall, surrounded by forest. Cliff jumping is popular, but caution is advised.
Activities: Swimming, diving, relaxing
Location: Sunday River Rd, Newry, ME
Website: www.maine.gov
Contact: Mahoosuc Land Trust (207) 824-3806
🏖 Top 8 Swimming Spots near Greenville & Moosehead Lake
Headed to the Moosehead Lake Region? Don’t miss these top local swimming spots for a refreshing dip after your hikes or boating trips.
Greenville Junction Wharf – Beach & lakeside playground
Pebble Beach – Rocky shore, scenic mountain views
Sandy Beach (Lily Bay State Park) – Gentle slope & restrooms
Moose River Lookout Access – Scenic riverside swim
Mount Kineo Boat Landing Area – Swim with epic views of the cliffs
Spencer Bay – Quiet and remote, great for paddling + swimming
Wilson Pond – Clear, cold water and a quiet shoreline
Big Moose Township Access – Secluded and serene
🌐 More Greenville & Moosehead Activities: DestinationMooseheadLake.com
🧺 Tips for a Safe & Fun Swim
✅ Arrive early — these spots can get crowded by midday
✅ Always supervise children and inexperienced swimmers
✅ Wear water shoes for slippery rocks
✅ Pack out what you pack in — respect Maine’s natural spaces
✅ Check water conditions for temperature and current before entering
📍Plan Your Maine Adventure Now
Whether you're dipping into a remote emerald pool or relaxing lakeside near Greenville, these swimming holes offer some of the best outdoor adventure in Maine. Just grab your towel, swimsuit, and sense of fun — Maine’s waters are waiting!
📞 Tourism Info Line: (207) 555-5555
🌐 Visit: VisitMaine.net
📸 Tag your swim pics: #SwimMaine #MaineSummerMagic #MooseheadLakeFun
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips?
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Whether you’re looking for a serene dip, a thrilling cliff jump, or the perfect family-friendly pool — Maine has a swimming spot for every kind of water lover.
