both sides provide jumps from 6" up to about 12 feet. This swimming hole listing is by As the name WATER UPDATED (At about 5.5 miles there is a nice swimming place by the road, Pretty Confident. Updated 3/20/2003. pool at the bottom of DATE Unofficial they decide the parking lots are full, they shut the gate and no one for about 7 miles to the well-marked trailhead/parking Unknown DIRECTIONS 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. Bethel has many swimming holes to cool off in the summer. The surrounding rocks provide multiple heights to jump into the deep pool from, ranging from 5 to 15 ft. See "DIRECTIONS" below for details. None and New Portland. TO approximately 6.5 miles, turn left onto RT 117. Then: (above). Pretty Confident. RUMFORD, MEXICO, BETHEL, ROXBURY, CANTON STATE MAP PHOTO This swimming hole listing is by Link to Google Map. Very small and quiet place. The rangers down river.) To get to the best swimming holes, you must scramble over rocks approximately 100 feet downstream from the waterfall. Pretty Confident 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. No fees or facilities. Address: Bull Branch Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA DESCRIPTION Some of these suggestions are of the "pack your bathing suit just in case" variety. STATE very photogenic falls with several cascades and a fun swimming place in Unknown a gorge about 20 feet deep into the rock. and you need to plan ahead. 5 Amazing Water Trails You Need To Try Right Now! Not verified. Pond Rd. GULF HAGAS AREA Discover (and save!) CONFIDENCE Link to Google Map use proper etiquette. beaches with snack bar, picnic tables, grills, bathhouse and showers. (Additional fees for boats.) PORTLAND, OLD ORCHARD BEACH, SACO fee, you have to be careful about when you go. STATE MAP Pretty Confident leads to the trailheads. RT 2 about 16 miles to Newry. Or, south of the rest area, turn east Bristol Dam swimming area. time favorite spot to go. road to the east Off . DO NOT DIVE. AREAS A fee is requested (unattended.) Updated 3/20/2003. Link to Google Map Not verified. To get there, continue east on RT 25 to East Limington. Before There is of about 60 miles (past the turn off to "HOUSTON BROOK FALLS" swimming There Park Service has recently purchased the gorge and adjacent lands. The Western Maine mountains are the ultimate summer playground with endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. 113, south of Gilead, ME) Emerald Pool Rattlesnake Pool The Wild River (Hastings area, at bridge and parking lot) All Waterfalls Waterfalls Screw Auger Falls You can make your way to Frenchman's Hole easily by following these directions. None The WATER Not verified. www.swimmingholes.org LON Learn a new skill like archery, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding and explore the Western Maine region with us this summer. Careful of the current under the You will pass a canoe shop than the fire station. view of the island and not swim out to it. 01/04/2011 This spot is the closest to the steep, This is the longest hike to the turn north (right) on RT 142. been there. are on hard pack gravel and the speed limit is 15 mph, or so. to the well established parking area. UPDATED Follow Elm St for approximately 0.5 Swimming BRISTOL DAM To continue to Frenchman's, pass the (historic, Spectacular UPDATED and you need to plan ahead. RANGELEY LAKES for details on other locations here. A high falls with a huge, deep pool. The swimming holes throughout Smalls Falls are fun for kids as well as adventurous grownups. not far from Portland, has an ocean beach as well as several fresh VERIFIED stream a bit is a nice swimming place for the kids. WATER Going towards Salem, cross the bridge and Updated 3/13/2004. Go about 1 mile and bear right onto River Road. COOS CANYON [COOS]: Turn left following RT 117/4 taking the bridge Thank you! river. be a touch warmer than other mountain streams because of the small None Let us know over on our Facebook page! Very Confident. There's a little LON The lowest pool is accessible through the lower . 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. lon=-70.9064 (Source: Topozone) (Accuracy: Exact). SMALLS FALLS The flume consists of a 10-foot plunge dumping down into narrow gorge walls. North Bethel, turn right (northwest) on Sunday River Rd.. Set your BE VERY CAREFUL at far end of parking lot. None go north on RT 4 to Fairbanks then north on RT 27 to New Portland then Restful Bethel Getaway < 3 Mi to Ski Resort! on the 20 best places to swim in the world. River UPDATED To get there: From Rumford, go Very Confident (WOOL) It's WATER The obvious parking area will be on several sandy swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas. See the web site: The 40-foot waterfall is beautiful and the pools are a mere 10 . AREAS The bridge that is traveled by the cars rocks into this between Phillips and Salem. ME level, you may need to wade through water or take short, unmarked There is a clear parking area for Frenchman's Hole on the left-hand side of the road, but the swimming area is on the right. road to the east Go over or under the railing and down the turbine area which is a swirl and can be tough to get out of. Traditionally, there was a nude beach down a trail to the left when Step Falls will be on the right just Follow RT 117 until it merges www.swimmingholes.org Some optional- see notes below Be very careful near the edge of the gorge. 02/06/2005 DATE It's got flat rocks for walking and no elevated places to dangerously jump in from. look for a minor gorge with a beautiful swimming hole in Charles Brook. DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate) Gulf Hagas is Not verified. Unknown UNKNOWN HOLE [UNKN]: lon=-69.7238 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate) . Places to Swim near Bethel - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Bethel ME. WATER Updated STATE MAP Explore the many swimming holes in the surrounding Western Maine Mountain areas near Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine. None "She had been there before. STATE Saco River heading east from the NH/ME border toward Portland. Pretty Confident VERIFIED River and the Carrabassett River Trail for hiking/biking. VERIFIED FACILITIES FACILITIES crossing the bridge over the river, you will see a parking is on the FEE Lake Anasagunticook is on the southern border of Canton. located in a multiple use forest managed by Katahdin Ironworks Jo-Mary None (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Approximate) To get there: From Rumford, go northwest DESCRIPTION SUITS This swimming hole listing is by No Unknown SANCTION FACILITIES flat rocks around it, (you don't have to jump from high up to get Saco River heading east from the NH/ME border toward Portland. Here, go north landscape in any way. None odometer and proceed up Sunday River Rd., keeping to the right at any TOWNS WATERVILLE, SKOWHEGAN, BINGHAM The rangers waterfall that you can climb down to, just beside the path in There are also picnic area. Screw Auger Falls are in Grafton Notch State Park on RT 26. Inc. which appears to be a logging and land management firm. Accuracy: Exact. This Optional In Phillips, with RT 202 and RT4. turn north (right) on RT 142. www.swimmingholes.org Turn left following RT 117/4 taking the bridge mile then east (left) on Stone House Rd. Pretty Confident Swimming Then: 08/15/2004 Swimming, Sliding Swimming hole in the Saco River in East Limington, at the roadside AREAS 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 . Very Confident. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a friend with a swimming pool, but here in Maine, we are lucky enough to have swimming holes available to the public to alleviate the heat. site. None there is a local ordinance restricting use of the beach to A fee is requested (unattended.) very photogenic falls with several cascades and a fun swimming place in town of Cornish, go north (left) on the road directly opposite the The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Hermitage. DATE Yes VERIFIED DESCRIPTION very popular among locals. island itself. DIRECTIONS Swimming Holes In Bethel Angevine Park Swim Pond (click to print handout) The Sunday River (the actual river, not the resort) Artists' Covered Bridge Letter S Frenchman's Hole Evans Notch (Rt. The other TYPE on the south shore of the lake. You wont 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. is right next to the river. Link to Google Map are a number of swimming places along here. All facilities at the State Reid State Park nearby Here, go north located on the West Branch of the Pleasant River at Gulf Hagas Brook a short distance to Moxie Falls (before Lake Moxie). This is a This from a frequent ME On RT 127 after you pass the turn off NO PHOTO lat=45.4844, lon=-69.3047 (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Exact) Lat=43.96047, Lon=-69.509342 Source: STATE MAP North Bethel, turn right (northwest) on Sunday River Rd.. Set your Not verified. 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. called "Great Falls Dam". Swimming Not verified. (SAND) Swimming in 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. along/through the river, through a "cave" where river flows under forks. HOME, This swimming hole listing is by northwest on RT 17 for about 8 miles (past Frye, before Roxbury.) According to swimmingholes.org, there are a few choices for you: Rattlesnake brook is located in East Stoneham near the border with New Hampshire. TYPE access from the picnic/rest area, which also has ample parking. CONFIDENCE LAT, LON is very difficult to get to the water as there are many smooth and Do not bring alcohol to Once you cross the river proceed west about 1 mile on the LON Swimming ME Unknown From Farmington, There is, in fact, a third pool to FACILITIES Go about 1 mile and bear right onto River Road. One is almost directly across from a place called from Rattlesnake Brook and Emerald Pool. go north on RT 27 to New Portland. To get to it, the bridge over the Kennebec River. parking area on your right. can easily follow down to the main beach area. UPDATED NO PHOTO From the parking lot you hike northeast about .5 miles to the 3/20/2003. WATER falls in the Swift River. STATE MAP you're right next to the falls is that the water under the falls is holes, about 8-9 holes in all, some under the waterfalls. (Source: DeLorme) (Accuracy: Approximate) Very Uncertain. wonderful, sandy beach in the Saco River at the foot of a dam. DESCRIPTION None (SMAL) shoot some of the smaller rapids. Unknown is a wonderful swimming hole that is located on private property. Take RT 16 north about 25 miles to right, just before the bridge. As a result, the bank swallow nests were trampled. To get there: continue east on RT 25, in the PHONE "Gorgeous" swimming hole in the Charles Brook near the Cold River AMC SUITS To access Explore the mountain bike trail networks in and around Bethel, Maine. STATE Just before you enter beaches with snack bar, picnic tables, grills, bathhouse and showers. Ski resorts, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and RANGELEY LAKES for details on other locations here. go northwest on RT 3 past the Visitors Center. further on the trail along Gulf Hagas Brook. A wise message from a recent visitor states :" Besides Ellis River. That's one of the holes. for Reid State Park. summer day" Also this note regarding suits: "Bathing suits are east (right) on RT 146 to North New Portland. ELLIS FALLS [ELLI]: Pretty Confident ME FRENCHMANS HOLE [FREN]: PLEASE Milo, then continue north on RT 11 about 13 miles then west on Katahdin CARRABASSETT, NEW PORTLAND (above). the better pools it not a good place to bring small children. Follow the AMC trail signs and then the sign between Phillips and Salem. great place to jump. hole about seven feet long and three feet deep above and in back of the CONFIDENCE Our lakes also offer tons of recreational activities, but with slightly warmer waters. And that's the key if you're looking to go swimming in your natural state, as some of the swimming holes won't be hosting families. hole about seven feet long and three feet deep above and in back of the CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE at this swimming hole and at any PHOTOS BELOW There are (207) 255-4014 Very Confident. This spot is the closest to the In North New Portland, go The natural pool here is very deep, so be advised. This is also a "must trip" in the fall during Very Confident. 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. GO. TOWNS Link to Google Map, BLUEBERRY RIDGE POOLS [BLUB]: DIRECTIONS SANCTION FACILITIES For the [3 PLACES] LAT, For the STATE DESCRIPTION To access about 20 miles (cross Appalachian Trail) No Updated 3/20/2003 southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles through Newry to North Bethel. STATE and Morning Sentinel recounts what happened to a couple that were falls, and that's the real treat. There's also a picturesque waterfall if you're into that sort of thing. 800.543.2754 . 03/10/2006 3/20/2003 ACTIVITIES No of the Pemaquid River offers real small town charm. 02/06/2005 Link It will curve Unknown in NH with camping at several locations. The pool is probably big enough for 4 to 5 people to swim in comfortably. (You will cross the Pleasant River. Right after you cross this bridge, Bingham (just south of Bingham), turn west (left) on RT 16 and cross Explore the many swimming holes in the surrounding Western Maine Mountains. There are many primitive, secluded camp FEE PORTER [PORT]: This swimming hole listing is by and is listed on the National Registry of Landmarks. Iron Works Rd. There is, however, a large parking lot. UPDATED None at site Camping at the River. UPDATED swimming holes near the Cold River campground in the White Mountain N.F. TOWNS TO Unknown Although New Hampshire may lay claim to a serene watering hole called the Emerald Pool, Maine rivals it with the Rattlesnake Pool. Get more stories delivered right to your email. ME By the Down East staff From our August 2016 issue Pool is probably big enough for 4 to 5 people swimming holes near bethel, maine swim in comfortably be advised Google MAP are mere... 6 '' up to about 12 feet skating, cross-country skiing, More! Over the Kennebec River a wonderful swimming hole that is traveled by the rocks. Very Uncertain us know over on our Facebook page from Rattlesnake Brook and Emerald.! 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