Maine sure does have a lot of coastline. If you’ve been reading for a while, you already know that because it’s pretty much our favorite fact around here. More coastline than California? How could it be true?! Well, it’s all those sneaky inlets and harbors and crags that, when stretched out, really add up! But, the coastline isn’t the subject of today’s article. Today we’re telling you how to find some new places to swim in Maine – from rivers to lakes to waterfalls. And, for good measure, we’ve thrown in just a few coastal beaches. Because, well, there’s just so much coastline to talk about!
- Fowler Beach, Long Island
Jim Fowler / Flickr Getting to this beach will take a bit of effort, but we think it’s worth it. Take the Casco Bay Ferry from Portland to Long Island to enjoy Fowler Beach. It’s a wonderful little beach in Maine with lovely views of Peaks Island across Hussey Sound. If you take the ferry, you’ll need to walk or bike down Island Avenue to Jerrys Point Road to get to the actual beach. Long Island, ME, USA
- Parson’s Beach, Kennebunk
topazz1963 / Flickr Kennebunk’sParson’s Beach made this list based on its beauty and lack of obvious directions. The Inn at English Meadows says, “Bordered on the north-east end by the Mousam River, this small beach is open to the public but the access that crosses land is privately owned.” The road to the beach, Parsons Beach Road, is directly off of Rt. 9/Western Avenue. Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
- Outlet Beach at Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester
Outlet Beach at Sabbathday Lake / Facebook Outlet Beach has been a beloved staple to the community since 1930. The small, family-owned beach can be found on the northern side of Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, and is easily one of the best places to swim in Maine. This wonderful spot is equipped with all the things you need for fun water activities without the lines that come with the commercial spots. Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA
- Lake George Beach, Caanan
justinrussell / Flickr This is another example of a lovely lakeside beach in Maine. Found just off Route 2 tucked between Skowhegan and Canaan, the Lake George Park goes around the entire lake. The overall area was once a camp for kids, so you’ll find it to be very manicured feeling. Hitting the beach in the morning means plenty of shade, but by mid-afternoon the sun hits the sandy area full-on. So, come prepared. Canaan, ME, USA
- 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, and then you’ll some to this epic waterfall swimming hole in Maine. Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
- Birch Point Beach State Park, Owls Head
Dennis P / TripAdvisor On the shores of Penobscot Bay, on a little peninsula in Owls Head, you’ll find this mostly-local beach. If you’re looking for a place to stroll the beach, fish from the shore or simply relax, make the effort to get to Birch Point. The sandy beach, known as Lucia Beach, has great views of offshore islands and is truly a beautiful place to swim in Maine. Birch Point Beach State Park, 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
- Gulf Hagas, Piscataquis County
thomascook / Flickr Located in Katahdin Iron Works State Park in central Maine, Gulf Hagas is known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” After hiking the 8.6-mile loop, you can jump in to cool off at the base of some of the falls. Gulf Hagas Brook, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414, USA
- Cobbosseecontee Lake, Kennebec County
chrisgold / Flickr What it lacks in pronounce-ability, it makes up for in beauty and fun. One of the best swimming lakes in Maine, it is known for the many coves, inlets, and more than 20 islands that surround the peaceful lake. It also has Ladies Delight Light, the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state. The lighthouse marks the Northern part of the underwater reef running through the lake. Cobbosseecontee Lake, Maine, USA
- Sebago Lake, Cumberland County
whisperwolf / Flickr Okay, so perhaps not quite a secret, Sebago Lake just couldn’t be left off a list of fun places to swim in Maine. Sebago is the deepest lake in Maine and we think it’s one of the most fun. Enjoy boating, swimming and exploring unexepected inland islands. Frye Island is located in the center of the lake and is accessible only by boat during the summer months. Alternately, you can re-enact “Frye’s Leap” based on the legend of Captain Frye. While trying to escape a Native American tribe in Portland, he came to a rock that he was unable to go around. Instead, he decided to leap into the waters of the lake and swim across. Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
- Reid State Park, Georgetown
snakegirlproductions / Flickr Reid State Park bears the distinct honor of being Maine’s first State-owned Saltwater Beach. In 1946, prosperous businessman and Georgetown resident Walter E. Reid donated land to the State of Maine to be preserved forever, and a few years later Reid State Park became a reality. Today, thousands of visitors enjoy the park’s long, wide sand beaches like Mile and Half Mile, which are rare in Maine. Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
- Megunticook Lake, Knox County
Fyn Kynd / Flickr We know, we know. You’ve definitely heard about this lake before, but it’s another we felt deserved being included in a list of places to swim in Maine. Megunticook is a great option year-round. In the summer, hike up Maiden’s Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters. Megunticook Lake, Maine, USA
- Laudholm Beach, Wells
nhoulihan / Flickr Not only is Laudholm Beach a bit of a secret, it also requires some effort to reach. Make your way through The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and you’ll eventually reach this stretch of beach that will likely be deserted. The wooded trails to get there are beautiful and the view at the end is just as lovely. Laudholm Beach, Maine 04090, USA
- Coos Canyon, Oxford County
georgikeith / Flickr This swimming hole in Maine is easily accessed by simply pulling off of the Route 17 Scenic Highway. The swimming area is a deep area within the Swift River and is nestled between two fairly steep sections of rock. It can sometimes be slippery to access, so exercise extreme caution when heading in. Then, once you’re in, soak up the sun! Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
- Hermit Island, Phippsburg
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook It’s located on 255 acres of the peninsula in Small Point at the south end tip of Phippsburg. Contrary to the name, Hermit Island is not actually an island. It’s actually connected to Phippsburg via a small, sandy causeway. The northern area is where you’ll find lots of hiking trails, beaches and the (small!) marina and wharf. Hermit Island, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
- Sandy Point Beach, Stockton Springs
Amy A. / Foursquare Sandy Point Beach is nestled between two rocky headlands and surrounded by lots of nature. A day spent here means you’ll have a view of the area where the Penobscot River widens into Penobscot Bay, giving sweeping, lovely and very “Maine” vibes to anyone lucky enough to find it. This area of river gets fairly large. Stockton Springs, ME, USA
Want to see more hidden gems in Maine? Check out another little-known spot in Maine with a visit to this butterfly garden.
Jim Fowler / Flickr
Getting to this beach will take a bit of effort, but we think it’s worth it. Take the Casco Bay Ferry from Portland to Long Island to enjoy Fowler Beach. It’s a wonderful little beach in Maine with lovely views of Peaks Island across Hussey Sound. If you take the ferry, you’ll need to walk or bike down Island Avenue to Jerrys Point Road to get to the actual beach.
Long Island, ME, USA
topazz1963 / Flickr
Kennebunk’sParson’s Beach made this list based on its beauty and lack of obvious directions. The Inn at English Meadows says, “Bordered on the north-east end by the Mousam River, this small beach is open to the public but the access that crosses land is privately owned.” The road to the beach, Parsons Beach Road, is directly off of Rt. 9/Western Avenue.
Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
Outlet Beach at Sabbathday Lake / Facebook
Outlet Beach has been a beloved staple to the community since 1930. The small, family-owned beach can be found on the northern side of Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, and is easily one of the best places to swim in Maine. This wonderful spot is equipped with all the things you need for fun water activities without the lines that come with the commercial spots.
Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA
justinrussell / Flickr
This is another example of a lovely lakeside beach in Maine. Found just off Route 2 tucked between Skowhegan and Canaan, the Lake George Park goes around the entire lake. The overall area was once a camp for kids, so you’ll find it to be very manicured feeling. Hitting the beach in the morning means plenty of shade, but by mid-afternoon the sun hits the sandy area full-on. So, come prepared.
Canaan, ME, 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, and then you’ll some to this epic waterfall swimming hole in Maine.
Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
Dennis P / TripAdvisor
On the shores of Penobscot Bay, on a little peninsula in Owls Head, you’ll find this mostly-local beach. If you’re looking for a place to stroll the beach, fish from the shore or simply relax, make the effort to get to Birch Point. The sandy beach, known as Lucia Beach, has great views of offshore islands and is truly a beautiful place to swim in Maine.
Birch Point Beach State Park, 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
thomascook / Flickr
Located in Katahdin Iron Works State Park in central Maine, Gulf Hagas is known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” After hiking the 8.6-mile loop, you can jump in to cool off at the base of some of the falls.
Gulf Hagas Brook, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414, USA
chrisgold / Flickr
What it lacks in pronounce-ability, it makes up for in beauty and fun. One of the best swimming lakes in Maine, it is known for the many coves, inlets, and more than 20 islands that surround the peaceful lake. It also has Ladies Delight Light, the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state. The lighthouse marks the Northern part of the underwater reef running through the lake.
Cobbosseecontee Lake, Maine, USA
whisperwolf / Flickr
Okay, so perhaps not quite a secret, Sebago Lake just couldn’t be left off a list of fun places to swim in Maine. Sebago is the deepest lake in Maine and we think it’s one of the most fun. Enjoy boating, swimming and exploring unexepected inland islands. Frye Island is located in the center of the lake and is accessible only by boat during the summer months. Alternately, you can re-enact “Frye’s Leap” based on the legend of Captain Frye. While trying to escape a Native American tribe in Portland, he came to a rock that he was unable to go around. Instead, he decided to leap into the waters of the lake and swim across.
Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
snakegirlproductions / Flickr
Reid State Park bears the distinct honor of being Maine’s first State-owned Saltwater Beach. In 1946, prosperous businessman and Georgetown resident Walter E. Reid donated land to the State of Maine to be preserved forever, and a few years later Reid State Park became a reality. Today, thousands of visitors enjoy the park’s long, wide sand beaches like Mile and Half Mile, which are rare in Maine.
Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Fyn Kynd / Flickr
We know, we know. You’ve definitely heard about this lake before, but it’s another we felt deserved being included in a list of places to swim in Maine. Megunticook is a great option year-round. In the summer, hike up Maiden’s Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters.
Megunticook Lake, Maine, USA
nhoulihan / Flickr
Not only is Laudholm Beach a bit of a secret, it also requires some effort to reach. Make your way through The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and you’ll eventually reach this stretch of beach that will likely be deserted. The wooded trails to get there are beautiful and the view at the end is just as lovely.
Laudholm Beach, Maine 04090, USA
georgikeith / Flickr
This swimming hole in Maine is easily accessed by simply pulling off of the Route 17 Scenic Highway. The swimming area is a deep area within the Swift River and is nestled between two fairly steep sections of rock. It can sometimes be slippery to access, so exercise extreme caution when heading in. Then, once you’re in, soak up the sun!
Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
It’s located on 255 acres of the peninsula in Small Point at the south end tip of Phippsburg. Contrary to the name, Hermit Island is not actually an island. It’s actually connected to Phippsburg via a small, sandy causeway. The northern area is where you’ll find lots of hiking trails, beaches and the (small!) marina and wharf.
Hermit Island, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
Amy A. / Foursquare
Sandy Point Beach is nestled between two rocky headlands and surrounded by lots of nature. A day spent here means you’ll have a view of the area where the Penobscot River widens into Penobscot Bay, giving sweeping, lovely and very “Maine” vibes to anyone lucky enough to find it. This area of river gets fairly large.
Stockton Springs, ME, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Places to swim in maine July 10, 2022 Jackie Ann What’s the most beautiful hike in Maine? Maine is abundant with hiking trails that showcase the raw beauty of The Pine Tree State. If you’re up for an adventure, you can explore the 221 acres of Jewell Island, but you’ll have to find your own way to get there since there are no ferry rides to the island. Most people take their own boat, but kayaking is an option too. If that’s too much of a commitment, there are plenty of short and sweet hikes in Maine that don’t compromise on scenery, like the trail to Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. What are the best beaches in Maine? There’s nothing better than spending a day on a beach in Maine. Jasper Beach might just be one of the most beautiful beaches in Maine, it’s certainly one of the most unique. Instead of the sandy shores most beaches are known for, Jasper Beach is peppered with millions of smooth stones which sound like they’re singing when the waves move them around. When you’re ready to sink your toes in the sand, pay a visit to Sandy Point Beach, one of the best places to swim in Maine. Where can I find the bluest water in Maine? While there are certainly no shortage of places to swim in Maine, there’s one little spot that has some of the bluest water in the state. Located in Evans Notch, Rattlesnake Pool will make you do a double take when you see it in person, the water rivals the Caribbean! While the water may be cold, it’s crystal clear and will feel incredibly refreshing to swim around a waterfall hidden in the Blueberry Mountain Area.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places to swim in maine
July 10, 2022
Jackie Ann
What’s the most beautiful hike in Maine? Maine is abundant with hiking trails that showcase the raw beauty of The Pine Tree State. If you’re up for an adventure, you can explore the 221 acres of Jewell Island, but you’ll have to find your own way to get there since there are no ferry rides to the island. Most people take their own boat, but kayaking is an option too. If that’s too much of a commitment, there are plenty of short and sweet hikes in Maine that don’t compromise on scenery, like the trail to Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. What are the best beaches in Maine? There’s nothing better than spending a day on a beach in Maine. Jasper Beach might just be one of the most beautiful beaches in Maine, it’s certainly one of the most unique. Instead of the sandy shores most beaches are known for, Jasper Beach is peppered with millions of smooth stones which sound like they’re singing when the waves move them around. When you’re ready to sink your toes in the sand, pay a visit to Sandy Point Beach, one of the best places to swim in Maine. Where can I find the bluest water in Maine? While there are certainly no shortage of places to swim in Maine, there’s one little spot that has some of the bluest water in the state. Located in Evans Notch, Rattlesnake Pool will make you do a double take when you see it in person, the water rivals the Caribbean! While the water may be cold, it’s crystal clear and will feel incredibly refreshing to swim around a waterfall hidden in the Blueberry Mountain Area.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine is abundant with hiking trails that showcase the raw beauty of The Pine Tree State. If you’re up for an adventure, you can explore the 221 acres of Jewell Island, but you’ll have to find your own way to get there since there are no ferry rides to the island. Most people take their own boat, but kayaking is an option too. If that’s too much of a commitment, there are plenty of short and sweet hikes in Maine that don’t compromise on scenery, like the trail to Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s highest waterfalls.
What are the best beaches in Maine?
There’s nothing better than spending a day on a beach in Maine. Jasper Beach might just be one of the most beautiful beaches in Maine, it’s certainly one of the most unique. Instead of the sandy shores most beaches are known for, Jasper Beach is peppered with millions of smooth stones which sound like they’re singing when the waves move them around. When you’re ready to sink your toes in the sand, pay a visit to Sandy Point Beach, one of the best places to swim in Maine.
Where can I find the bluest water in Maine?
While there are certainly no shortage of places to swim in Maine, there’s one little spot that has some of the bluest water in the state. Located in Evans Notch, Rattlesnake Pool will make you do a double take when you see it in person, the water rivals the Caribbean! While the water may be cold, it’s crystal clear and will feel incredibly refreshing to swim around a waterfall hidden in the Blueberry Mountain Area.
