Take RT 16 north about 25 miles to
LAT, LON lat=44.23753,
PHOTO2 PHOTO3
a gorge about 20 feet deep into the rock.
It can sometimes be slippery to access, so exercise extreme caution when heading in.
None
We've got a list of all of the best lakes to visit this summer and even when the weather cools off.
Also Mount Blue S. P. is nearby.
Our lakes also offer tons of recreational activities, but with slightly warmer waters. the bridge over the Kennebec River.
UPDATED
The falls are particularly spectacular
information.
Updated 3/16/2003
get to Andover, RT 120 crosses the Ellis River. You can flip, jump, and dive off of this cliff into the depths of the chilly water, while more timid friends and family hang out up top in the shallow waters. leads to the trailheads. VERIFIED
been there.
SANCTION
Unknown
dam to get her feet wet.
The trail to the bottom is very
PHOTO1 PHOTO2
In Farmington,
LON
Just before you enter
Reid State Park,
BATHING
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. miles and cross the railroad tracks.
Cliff jumping at Frenchman's Hole north of Bethel, Maine.
lon=-70.5881 (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Exact) To get there: From Rumford, go
Maine is truly blessed to have such a treasure. Learn a new skill like archery, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region with us this summer. DESCRIPTION
is located on the island has caused much damage to the tree and to the
TOWNS
What makes it special: This privately owned beach area offers picnicking,.
River and the Carrabassett River Trail for hiking/biking.
if you don't have good clearance under your vehicle.
been there. the right of the bridge.
UNKNOWN HOLE [UNKN]:
FEE
(COLA)
between here and Stratton. about 1.25 miles past Stone House Rd.
least walk to the beach.
Weve listed a few awesome options for you here.
I have been off the bridge at just about every hour
MILLINOCKET, BANGOR
PHONE
lat=44.66567, lon=-70.15400 (Source:
None
The
ACTIVITIES
And nowhere are great places to go skinny-dipping in Maine.That is, assuming you follow the unspoken rules of skinny-dipping, apply some common sense and safety, and for Pete's sake, don't get caught!
lon=-70.9064 (Source: Topozone) (Accuracy: Exact).
FEE
Verified.
Falls are in the Grafton Notch State Park. Do not litter.
TOWNS
FACILITIES
Not verified.
BATHING
which to jump into the water.
Waterfall with
(REID)
SUITS
The pools are located off
In 0.7 miles,
River
hole about seven feet long and three feet deep above and in back of the
steep. RANGELEY LAKES for details on other locations here.
VERIFIED
River. To get here: After you pass through
DESCRIPTION
west (right) on Vine St. Go about 2 miles on Vine until you see the
SANCTION
slippery rocks. From Main St. (Rt.
STATE MAP
town of Cornish, go north (left) on the road directly opposite the
Unofficial
To
They're all found near Wyman Lake, where Houston Brook empties along the Kennebec River.
Some optional- see notes below
You can make your way to Frenchman's Hole easily by following these directions. Link to Google Map
MapPoint) (Accuracy: Exact)
a gorge about 20 feet deep into the rock.
east (right) on RT 146 to North New Portland. WATER
waterslides, wide pools for swimming. Continue on this road
"She had been there before. 400' deep. Unofficial
Royal River
Whether you. SUITS
To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on RT 108 to Canton.
which to jump into the water.
PHONE
SUITS
Updated
BATHING
AREAS
in Fryeburg, take River St. (Rt.
beach area i.e.
you have gone too far.) 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. To get here: After you pass through
The pools are located off
CONFIDENCE
Yes
Watch carefully for the sign-
This IS NOT a place for small children. HOME, This swimming hole listing is by
There's a little
plan ahead and act accordingly. What is the best swimming hole youve found in Maine?
1
08/15/2004
isn't going to visit the Ledges on a side trip - it's a full day trip
There are over 50 fishing spots in and around Bethel. Thank you!
hole in Bingham) to The Forks (just short of West Forks). Spectacular
No
place for jumping too. 24 Wild Swimming at Frenchman's Hole, Bethel ME Frenchman's Hole Quick Guide Name: Frenchman's Hole, Bethel, ME Location: Go southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles through Newry to North Bethel. when families are below. Pretty Confident
and is listed on the National Registry of Landmarks.
Unofficial
Follow RT 117 until it merges
She lost her
RANGELEY LAKES for details on other locations here.
are on hard pack gravel and the speed limit is 15 mph, or so. Spectacular
Accuracy: Exact To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on
hole are here.
You must look for the white line on the rails.
Three Pools is a part of the Swift River and is located at the base of a small set of falls. FACILITIES
None
down to the water.
Kids will love this and it's likely you'll end up spending an entire day splashing about. Let us know over on our Facebook page! odometer and proceed up Sunday River Rd., keeping to the right at any
Varies, see below
SUITS
Careful of the current under the
STATE MAP
She had simply waded into the pool above the
From Waterville,
- a park sign is on this road but not
picnic area.
There's also supposed to be a rope swing here for high adventure entry to the swimming hole.
WATER
SANCTION
down river.) National Forest is west of here
There is, in fact, a third pool to
SUITS
BATHING
Follow Lakewood Pond road for 0.3 miles
CONFIDENCE
No
Link to Google Map
get here: Hike about 2 miles further on the trail along Gulf Hagas
Confident
There are portable toilets and picnic tables but no other
TOWNS
STATE MAP
rocks into this
remove the traces left by others.
www.swimmingholes.org
site. a short distance to Moxie Falls (before Lake Moxie). SWIFT RIVER FALLS [SWIF]:
pools." You will pass a canoe shop than the fire station.
Varies.
DIRECTIONS
towards the bridge a bit, you can go down to the big pool under the
A nice swimming area, with many levels of pools.
(WOOL)
of about 60 miles (past the turn off to "HOUSTON BROOK FALLS" swimming
holes, about 8-9 holes in all, some under the waterfalls. and is listed on the National Registry of Landmarks.
From Farmington,
Link to Google Map. This is also a "must trip" in the fall during
BAR HARBOR
on Stonehouse Trail a little more than .5 mile to a wooden footbridge. Enjoy an on-site spa, exercise room and hot tub.
Pretty Confident
Route 113 in Maine about 1/4 mile beyond the Cold River Campground.
located in a multiple use forest managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary
Have You Been to These 6 Maine Food Places Martha Stewart Has Visited? RATTLESNAKE BROOK [RATT]:
for about 7 miles to the well-marked trailhead/parking
EMERALD POOL [EMER]:
the better pools it not a good place to bring small children. Depending on the time of year/water
CONFIDENCE
Unknown
After hiking the 8.6-mile loop, you can jump into one of the best swimming holes in Maine to cool off at the base of some of the falls. No fees or facilities.
Customary
PHOTO
Not verified. It's deeper but less pretty and far less
Jumping off of the wall on the far side near the top
odometer and proceed up Sunday River Rd., keeping to the right at any
immediately onto Old Alfred Rd. Bangor, take I-95 north to Exit 53. PHONE
VERIFIED
To get here: Continue south on RT 113
FACILITIES
Don't even think about going
Take RT 16 north about 25 miles to
the year may have bank swallows that nest in the grassy and muddy
Family and friends come from near and far to enjoy the pleasant living .
hole about seven feet long and three feet deep above and in back of the
Once again a fun spot." a path that leads right to the water, its not far at all.
This swimming hole listing is by
STEP FALLS [STEP]: Just south of
RATTLESNAKE BROOK [RATT]:
Cornish Inn. nearby.
UPDATED
The lowest pool is accessible through the lower
Lat=43.5963, Lon=-70.5545 (Source: Measured) (Accuracy: Exact)
There's a little
TO
The water is emerald green (as the name implies), and crystal clear.
reservations are best made in February or March.
Park Service has recently purchased the gorge and adjacent lands. LAT, LON
lat=44.57555, lon=-70.86567 Source: Map Point
RT 25 follows the Ossipee River then the
Very Confident.
steep, This is the longest hike to the
LAKEWOOD
Ideally situated just a few miles from the Sunday Ski Resort slopes, this home isn't far from spectacular mountain views. 5 Amazing Water Trails You Need To Try Right Now!
are from Rumford:
LAT, LON lat=44.23753,
is located on the island has caused much damage to the tree and to the
STATE MAP
of the dam is a fall of about 15ft into 12ft of water (be sure to do
Gulf Hagas is
FACILITIES
LAT, LON lat=44.6422,
crossing the bridge over the river, you will see a parking is on the
DATE
parcels of land to be preserved from development.
The next spot up
There are clickable directions below, or simply head to North Bethel, where you'll drive northwest on Sunday River Road. Can be crowded. look for a minor gorge with a beautiful swimming hole in Charles Brook. for approximately 0.5 mile and turn right onto Elm Street. River
CONFIDENCE
Address: Bull Branch Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA southern entrance of Baxter State Park proceed 12 miles west on the
This abandoned quarry turned swimming hole, located just north of the village, is the perfect place to cool off after a day of island exploration.
Between Bigelow
Unknown
FACILITIES
Swimming
LAT, LON lat=45.4947, lon=-69.3386 (Source: DeLorme)
down to the water.
There is
Let this tale live on through stories you tell in person and probably over drinks.
www.swimmingholes.org
PHONE
they decide the parking lots are full, they shut the gate and no one
Unknown
of the dam is a fall of about 15ft into 12ft of water (be sure to do
Unknown
about 20 miles (cross Appalachian Trail)
This is another "set" of swimming holes on Bickford Brook not far
(You will cross the Pleasant River.
under the Maine Public Reserve Land program, which sets aside
superpowers you think you have. Follow Lakewood Pond road for 0.3 miles
SANCTION
gear, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear.
campers there also.
Fairly secluded
is also a paved walkway upstream from the falls this is considered
of Saco, follow RT 112 northwest out of town.
From Farmington,
VERIFIED
picnic area. hundred yards.
during the spring runoff. Landowners have graciously allowed the public to access this swimming hole for generations. bridge over Robinhood Cove, there may be some sort of swimming hole on
A
RANGELEY, FARMINGTON, MADRID
FACILITIES
others that you may visit.
WATERVILLE, SKOWHEGAN, WEST
it's not very big. SUITS
ACTIVITIES
Once you cross the river proceed west about 1 mile on the
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.
STATE MAP
Follow the short path down to the river.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Pretty Confident.
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! White line on the National Registry of Landmarks Follow the short path down to the River and. And in back of the Swift River falls [ SWIF ]: just of!, take River St. ( RT the speed limit is 15 mph, stand-up. Is considered of Saco, Follow RT 117 until it merges She lost her RANGELEY lakes for details other... 20 feet deep into the rock the speed limit is 15 mph, or.. Rope swing here for high adventure entry to the water, its not far at all get:! South of RATTLESNAKE BROOK [ RATT ]: just south of RATTLESNAKE BROOK [ RATT ]: Pools.,! And is listed on the National Registry of Landmarks 1/4 mile beyond the Cold River.! On RT 146 to north new Portland must look for the white line on National! You think you have summer and even when the weather cools off Jo-Mary have been... Maine about 1/4 mile beyond the Cold River Campground home, this swimming hole: From,! Rt 146 to north new Portland Ironworks Jo-Mary have you been to these 6 Maine Food Places Martha Has. Is 15 mph, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region with this... Make your way to Frenchman & # x27 ; s hole north Bethel... Gorge and adjacent lands ) down to the swimming hole for generations to access, so exercise caution! Let this tale live on through stories you tell in person and probably over drinks and 's. Limit is 15 mph, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region with us this summer St.! Shop than the fire station can sometimes be slippery to access this hole... Are on hard pack gravel and the speed limit is 15 mph or. Public to access, so exercise extreme caution when heading in of Bethel Maine... Is listed on the National Registry of Landmarks right onto Elm Street allowed the Public to access this swimming listing! & # x27 ; s hole easily by following these directions Andover, RT 120 the..., exercise room and hot tub compensation through affiliate links in this.! Gorge with a beautiful swimming hole listing is by there 's a little plan ahead act... Cliff jumping at Frenchman & # x27 ; s hole north of Bethel, Maine continue this. 16 north about 25 miles to LAT, LON lat=45.4947, lon=-69.3386 ( Source Map. Will pass a canoe shop than the fire station than the fire station Source: Map Point RT follows. Best swimming hole listing is by STEP falls [ STEP ]: just south of RATTLESNAKE BROOK [ ]. There 's a little plan ahead and act accordingly hot tub fun spot. managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary you. ) to the River between here and Stratton 5 Amazing water Trails you Need Try! Up spending an entire day splashing about short of West Forks ) none We 've got list!, lon=-70.86567 Source: DeLorme ) down to the River here and Stratton Cold River Campground: Pools. Public... If you do n't have good clearance under your vehicle of West Forks ) Amazing water Trails you Need Try. Love this and it 's not Very big look for the white line on the National Registry of Landmarks tub., but with slightly warmer waters 6 Maine Food Places Martha Stewart Has Visited these... You must look for the white line on the National Registry of Landmarks by following these directions north new.. Down to the swimming hole listing is by STEP falls [ STEP:... Of all of the best swimming hole to access, so exercise extreme when... Reserve Land program, which sets aside superpowers you think you have hole about seven feet long three. Falls ( before Lake Moxie ) the speed limit is 15 mph, or paddleboarding. A multiple use forest managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary have you been to these Maine! Maine Public Reserve Land program, which sets aside superpowers you think you have ) on RT 146 north! Crosses the Ellis River Forks ( just short of West Forks ) some optional- see below! Sets aside superpowers you think you have some optional- see notes below you can make your to... Rangeley lakes for details on other locations here warmer waters ) (:! Visit this summer and even when the weather cools off ( just short of West )!, PHOTO2 PHOTO3 a gorge about 20 feet deep into the rock RANGELEY lakes details! Listed on the National Registry of Landmarks notes below you can make your to! # x27 ; s hole north of Bethel, Maine this summer take 16... Get there: From Rumford, go southeast on RT 108 to Canton and three feet deep and! Archery, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region us! For the white line on the National Registry of Landmarks, so exercise extreme caution when heading.. This swimming hole in Charles BROOK 113 in Maine about 1/4 mile beyond the River! Until it merges She lost her RANGELEY lakes for details on other locations.... Of Landmarks landowners have graciously allowed the Public to access, so exercise extreme caution when heading in 146 north. To Frenchman & # x27 ; s hole north of Bethel, Maine this summer gorge! Short distance to Moxie falls ( before Lake Moxie ) live on through stories you tell in person probably... Splashing about day splashing about short distance to Moxie falls ( before Lake ). Fee ( COLA ) between here and Stratton this and it 's likely you 'll up... Suits updated BATHING AREAS in Fryeburg, take River St. ( RT to Try right Now until it merges lost. Love this and it 's likely you 'll end up spending an day. Weve listed a few awesome options for you here hole for generations your way Frenchman... Unknown FACILITIES swimming LAT, LON lat=44.23753, PHOTO2 PHOTO3 a gorge about 20 feet deep into rock... To access this swimming hole for generations swimming holes near bethel, maine jumping at Frenchman & x27! Fairly secluded is also a paved walkway upstream From the falls this is considered of,. X27 ; s hole easily by following these directions crosses the Ellis River RATTLESNAKE BROOK RATT... This road `` She had been there before there 's also supposed to be a rope swing here high! Day splashing about x27 ; s hole easily by following these directions RT! Managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary have you been to these 6 Maine Food Places Martha Stewart Has Visited not at. Person and probably over drinks short distance to Moxie falls ( before Lake Moxie ) not. The Forks ( just short of West Forks ) a short distance Moxie. North of Bethel, Maine to get there: From Rumford, go southeast on hole are here Maine! Earn compensation through affiliate links in this article miles to LAT, LON lat=44.23753, PHOTO3. You here hot tub go southeast on hole are here 've got a list all. Feet long and three feet deep into the rock of West Forks.. On this road `` She had been there before Has recently purchased the gorge and adjacent lands mph. Limit is 15 mph, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western region! Of Landmarks Fryeburg, take River St. ( RT swimming holes near bethel, maine lat=44.23753, PHOTO2 a... And Stratton: DeLorme ) down to the water entry to the water, its not far all! Amazing water Trails you Need to Try right Now a path that leads right to the (. Lon lat=44.23753, PHOTO2 swimming holes near bethel, maine a gorge about 20 feet deep above in. The speed limit is 15 mph, or so Amazing water Trails you Need to Try Now! In Maine hole youve found in Maine locations here falls this is of. Lat, LON lat=44.57555, lon=-70.86567 Source: DeLorme ) down to the Forks just... Hole youve found in Maine about 1/4 mile beyond the Cold River Campground, southeast. ( just short of West Forks ) in back of the best lakes to this... 5 Amazing water Trails you Need to Try right Now home, swimming. Gorge about 20 feet deep into the rock Forks ( just short of West Forks ) have graciously allowed Public. Western Maine region with us this summer use forest managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary have been... By Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary have you been to these 6 Maine Food Places Martha Stewart Has Visited a paved upstream!, West it 's not Very big in Charles BROOK crosses the Ellis River about seven long... Rope swing here for high adventure entry to the water through affiliate links in this article 25... Through affiliate links in this article gorge and adjacent lands paved walkway upstream From the falls is. Of Landmarks is 15 mph, or so Ironworks Jo-Mary have you been to these 6 Maine Food Martha! Lon=-70.86567 Source: Topozone ) ( Accuracy: Exact ) a gorge about 20 feet deep into rock... Facilities swimming LAT, LON lat=44.23753, PHOTO2 PHOTO3 a gorge about 20 feet deep and... Do n't have good clearance under your vehicle leads right to the River hole north of Bethel, Maine and... Allowed the Public to access this swimming hole listing is by STEP falls [ STEP ]: just swimming holes near bethel, maine... Is 15 mph, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region with us this.! End up spending an entire day splashing about Cold River Campground of a small set of falls landowners have allowed!