When the weather gets warmer, you’ll know that it’s time to get outside and explore the lakes in Maine again. Take a look at these lakes and consider heading out to one – the journey is part of the fun! But, don’t forget to bring a map. These are some of Vacationland’s lesser-known bodies of water. Some are hidden in forests, others are hidden in plain sight. But they all have one thing in common – lots of fun!

  1. The Bowl, Acadia National Park

dave-a-roni / Flickr The Bowl is a beautiful high-altitude Maine lake that’s perfect for swimming on a hot Maine day. You’ll find it near the summit of The Beehive, but the lake can actually be reached very easily. The trail is well-marked and only about 1.5 miles roundtrip. It’s not difficult, but it does go slightly uphill. Upon arriving you’ll be met with some of the clearest water in the area, along with the opportunity for a relaxing swim.

Read more about Acadia National Park. The Bowl, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USAThe Bowl, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

  1. The Belgrade Lakes Area, Central Maine

lightsamples / Flickr For lots of Maine lake options, head for the hills to the Belgrade Lakes Region. The quaint little Main Street is alive with local flavor. If you miss it this summer, don’t worry. Autumn is lovely as well. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Harvest Festival in early October - you’ll feel like you’re stuck in a Norman Rockwell painting.

Check out more about TheBelgrade Lakes Area. Belgrade Lakes, Belgrade, ME, USA

  1. Big Lake, Washington County

suckamc / Flickr Those who love Washington County will be well acquainted with this wonderful lake. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but with its hefty smallmouth bass population, it is well-known among freshwater fishermen.

Learn more about Big Lake. Big Lake, Maine 04668, USA

  1. Lake St. George, near Liberty

J We / Flickr We love this lake for the state park located on its shores, but it’s also one of the more unique in Maine. It’s about 1,000 acres and spring fed. Being spring fed makes tit one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in Maine. But it also makes the water very, very cold! Be prepared!

Read more about Lake St. George State Park. St. George Lake, St George Lake, Liberty, ME 04949, USA

  1. Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester

Close Outlet Beach at Sabbathday Lake / Facebook While Sabbathday Lake is well-known to many, the fun beach on the shores might not be. Outlet Beach has been a beloved place for kids and adults alike since 1930. The small, family-owned beach is located on the northern side of the lake. It’s equipped with all the things you need for fun water activities without all the crowds. It pays to be a little bit hidden!

Learn more about the Sabbathday Lake area. Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA

  1. Frenchman’s Hole, Bethel

fenris / Flickr Okay, okay. Again, we know this one isn’t exactly a lake, but how could we leave it off! You can jump into it and have a swim, giving it the qualities we love in a lake. It has high rocky ledges and deep, crystal water, allowing for some epic dives. The shallower upper pool is great for kids and taking a dip with your dog. If the water is running heavily, be very careful as it can be very dangerous.

Check out more about Frenchman’s Hole. Frenchman’s Hole, Sunday River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA

  1. Umbagog Lake, Oxford County

christine4nier / Flickr The word “Umbagog” comes from the Abenaki word for “shallow water.” This lake is also shared with New Hampshire, but it’s still a lovely one to visit if you’re in the area. It runs about 11 miles north to south, making it the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border.

Learn more about Umbagog Lake. Umbagog Lake, United States

  1. Duckpuddle Pond, Nobleboro & Waldoboro

nhoulihan / Flickr This pond might have the best name of all those on this list! In addition to its cute name, it’s also great for those who love kayaking, canoeing and other calm-water activities.

Take a look at this fun waterfall road trip that includes Duckpuddle Pond. Duckpuddle Pond, Maine, USA

  1. Bear Pond, Waterford Township

lisadonoghue / Flickr You’ll find Bear Pond near Oxford, Waterford and the Crooked River. It’s at the intersection of Route 35 and 37 where you can park. You can swim, kayak and canoe, but do a little bit of searching and you’ll find a fun rope swing which will take up most of your day.

Want to stay and enjoy Bear Pond for a couple of days? Read about The Bear Mountain Inn. Bear Pond, Waterford, ME 04088, USA

  1. Rattlesnake Pool, Evans Notch

logicalrealist / Flickr Plan for a hot day of hiking Blueberry Mountain in Evans Notch and make sure you stop off at Rattlesnake Flume and Pond near the end. The crystal clear pool is located just off Stone House Trail. You’ll see a marker showing you the way via a small detour. For more information on this spot, check out this article! Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA

  1. Megunticook Lake, Knox County

Fyn Kynd / Flickr Before everyone gets upset, let us admit that this lake is not at all one of the hidden lakes in Maine. However! It IS often overlooked. People often stick to the waterfront city of nearby Camden, forgetting that this is worth the trip outside of the town. In the summer, hike up Maiden’s Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters. In the fall, enjoy the foliage as well as boating.

Read more about Megunticook Lake. Megunticook lake, 584 Hope Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA

One of Maine’s greatest lakes is Moosehead Lake. Learn more about it here.

dave-a-roni / Flickr

The Bowl is a beautiful high-altitude Maine lake that’s perfect for swimming on a hot Maine day. You’ll find it near the summit of The Beehive, but the lake can actually be reached very easily. The trail is well-marked and only about 1.5 miles roundtrip. It’s not difficult, but it does go slightly uphill. Upon arriving you’ll be met with some of the clearest water in the area, along with the opportunity for a relaxing swim.

Read more about Acadia National Park.

The Bowl, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USAThe Bowl, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

lightsamples / Flickr

For lots of Maine lake options, head for the hills to the Belgrade Lakes Region. The quaint little Main Street is alive with local flavor. If you miss it this summer, don’t worry. Autumn is lovely as well. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Harvest Festival in early October - you’ll feel like you’re stuck in a Norman Rockwell painting.

Check out more about TheBelgrade Lakes Area.

Belgrade Lakes, Belgrade, ME, USA

suckamc / Flickr

Those who love Washington County will be well acquainted with this wonderful lake. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but with its hefty smallmouth bass population, it is well-known among freshwater fishermen.

Learn more about Big Lake.

Big Lake, Maine 04668, USA

J We / Flickr

We love this lake for the state park located on its shores, but it’s also one of the more unique in Maine. It’s about 1,000 acres and spring fed. Being spring fed makes tit one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in Maine. But it also makes the water very, very cold! Be prepared!

Read more about Lake St. George State Park.

St. George Lake, St George Lake, Liberty, ME 04949, USA

Close Outlet Beach at Sabbathday Lake / Facebook

While Sabbathday Lake is well-known to many, the fun beach on the shores might not be. Outlet Beach has been a beloved place for kids and adults alike since 1930. The small, family-owned beach is located on the northern side of the lake. It’s equipped with all the things you need for fun water activities without all the crowds. It pays to be a little bit hidden!

Learn more about the Sabbathday Lake area.

Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA

fenris / Flickr

Okay, okay. Again, we know this one isn’t exactly a lake, but how could we leave it off! You can jump into it and have a swim, giving it the qualities we love in a lake. It has high rocky ledges and deep, crystal water, allowing for some epic dives. The shallower upper pool is great for kids and taking a dip with your dog. If the water is running heavily, be very careful as it can be very dangerous.

Check out more about Frenchman’s Hole.

Frenchman’s Hole, Sunday River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA

christine4nier / Flickr

The word “Umbagog” comes from the Abenaki word for “shallow water.” This lake is also shared with New Hampshire, but it’s still a lovely one to visit if you’re in the area. It runs about 11 miles north to south, making it the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border.

Learn more about Umbagog Lake.

Umbagog Lake, United States

nhoulihan / Flickr

This pond might have the best name of all those on this list! In addition to its cute name, it’s also great for those who love kayaking, canoeing and other calm-water activities.

Take a look at this fun waterfall road trip that includes Duckpuddle Pond.

Duckpuddle Pond, Maine, USA

lisadonoghue / Flickr

You’ll find Bear Pond near Oxford, Waterford and the Crooked River. It’s at the intersection of Route 35 and 37 where you can park. You can swim, kayak and canoe, but do a little bit of searching and you’ll find a fun rope swing which will take up most of your day.

Want to stay and enjoy Bear Pond for a couple of days? Read about The Bear Mountain Inn.

Bear Pond, Waterford, ME 04088, USA

logicalrealist / Flickr

Plan for a hot day of hiking Blueberry Mountain in Evans Notch and make sure you stop off at Rattlesnake Flume and Pond near the end. The crystal clear pool is located just off Stone House Trail. You’ll see a marker showing you the way via a small detour. For more information on this spot, check out this article!

Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA

Fyn Kynd / Flickr

Before everyone gets upset, let us admit that this lake is not at all one of the hidden lakes in Maine. However! It IS often overlooked. People often stick to the waterfront city of nearby Camden, forgetting that this is worth the trip outside of the town. In the summer, hike up Maiden’s Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters. In the fall, enjoy the foliage as well as boating.

Read more about Megunticook Lake.

Megunticook lake, 584 Hope Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakes in Maine May 23, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the most well-known lakes in Maine? If you like having company on your trips to enjoy the great outdoors, check out these well-known lakes in Maine! One of the most well-known lakes in Maine is Moosehead Lake in Greenville, which is the biggest lake in Maine, and the second-biggest in the whole New England area. Another famous lake for you to check out is Sebago Lake in Standish. This area is a fantastic spot to go if you’re looking for autumn foliage. What are the best hikes with a view in Maine? Maine is the place to go for beautiful hikes, and it can be a challenge to pick just one! We’ve got a whole list of suggestions for the best hikes in Maine that you should go to this summer. Some of our favorites include Lily Bay State Park Trails, South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond in Acadia State Park, and The Coastal Trail in Quoddy Head State Park. What are the best waterfall hikes in Maine? You’ll find an amazing array of waterfalls in Maine if you take this loop through the best water features in the state. A couple of the highlights are Smalls Falls in Oxford County and Angel Falls in Franklin County.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakes in Maine

May 23, 2022

Danielle Schwartz

What are the most well-known lakes in Maine? If you like having company on your trips to enjoy the great outdoors, check out these well-known lakes in Maine! One of the most well-known lakes in Maine is Moosehead Lake in Greenville, which is the biggest lake in Maine, and the second-biggest in the whole New England area. Another famous lake for you to check out is Sebago Lake in Standish. This area is a fantastic spot to go if you’re looking for autumn foliage. What are the best hikes with a view in Maine? Maine is the place to go for beautiful hikes, and it can be a challenge to pick just one! We’ve got a whole list of suggestions for the best hikes in Maine that you should go to this summer. Some of our favorites include Lily Bay State Park Trails, South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond in Acadia State Park, and The Coastal Trail in Quoddy Head State Park. What are the best waterfall hikes in Maine? You’ll find an amazing array of waterfalls in Maine if you take this loop through the best water features in the state. A couple of the highlights are Smalls Falls in Oxford County and Angel Falls in Franklin County.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

If you like having company on your trips to enjoy the great outdoors, check out these well-known lakes in Maine! One of the most well-known lakes in Maine is Moosehead Lake in Greenville, which is the biggest lake in Maine, and the second-biggest in the whole New England area. Another famous lake for you to check out is Sebago Lake in Standish. This area is a fantastic spot to go if you’re looking for autumn foliage.

What are the best hikes with a view in Maine?

Maine is the place to go for beautiful hikes, and it can be a challenge to pick just one! We’ve got a whole list of suggestions for the best hikes in Maine that you should go to this summer. Some of our favorites include Lily Bay State Park Trails, South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond in Acadia State Park, and The Coastal Trail in Quoddy Head State Park.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Maine?

You’ll find an amazing array of waterfalls in Maine if you take this loop through the best water features in the state. A couple of the highlights are Smalls Falls in Oxford County and Angel Falls in Franklin County.