The days of summer in Maine are here! There’s nothing like ’em…as long as the weather cooperates. There are plenty of beaches where we can soak up that northern sun, but sometimes it feels like everyone in Vacationland has that same idea. Instead of dealing with parking and lugging an umbrella out onto the sand, check out this wonderful swimming hole. Spending just a few hours here will remind you of your childhood summers – long days, cool nights and lots of scrambling to get home before dark and the wrath of grownups came down!
The Smalls Falls swimming hole can be found on the Sandy River, in the Rangeley Lakes Area.
Google Maps
spiercephotography / TripAdvisor
Dwight P / TripAdvisor
There are a number of falls here, but the 54 foot drop of the main one makes this place absolutely magnificent.
OldIrishCurmudgeon / TripAdvisor
Dwight P / TripAdvisor From the top of the falls, you can take a leap to land in the deep pool below.
OldIrishCurmudgeon / TripAdvisor If climbing to the top of the falls and plunging face first into the cold water isn’t your idea of fun, there are plenty of easier ways to enter the water for swimming.
Simply sit at the side and dip your toes in little by little.
Neucrew / TripAdvisor
Bostonstory / TripAdvisor After doing some of the local hikes, the water is refreshing, offering a great way to cool down.
You can still get in on the adventure by climbing on some of the smaller rocks near the bottom for a less-daunting jump.
LittlePaint / TripAdvisor
RoseDunmorePA / TripAdvisor In the summer, the leaves on the trees allow for lots of shade with some sunny areas for sun worshipers.
Climbing up from the main falls will reveal three other small falls.
OldIrishCurmudgeon / TripAdvisor Each of these is separated from the other by a small pool, which are all are great for swimming. The smaller pools are great for kids - there are lots of very shallow areas for mini-Mainers to build their courage.
Neucrew / TripAdvisor The area is serene near the end of the day, when most folks have gone home.
To find Smalls Falls head South from Rangeley on Route 4 for about 12 miles.
dougtone / Flickr
The parking area is located on the right.
dougtone / Flickr Remember to bring a towel, sunblock and whatever you use to ward off ticks. Plan on spending the day here - you won’t want to leave!
Nothing makes a swimming hole great the way a waterfall does. Check out these 9 other awesome waterfall swimming holes to enjoy in Maine this summer.
Google Maps
spiercephotography / TripAdvisor
Dwight P / TripAdvisor
OldIrishCurmudgeon / TripAdvisor
From the top of the falls, you can take a leap to land in the deep pool below.
If climbing to the top of the falls and plunging face first into the cold water isn’t your idea of fun, there are plenty of easier ways to enter the water for swimming.
Neucrew / TripAdvisor
Bostonstory / TripAdvisor
After doing some of the local hikes, the water is refreshing, offering a great way to cool down.
LittlePaint / TripAdvisor
RoseDunmorePA / TripAdvisor
In the summer, the leaves on the trees allow for lots of shade with some sunny areas for sun worshipers.
Each of these is separated from the other by a small pool, which are all are great for swimming. The smaller pools are great for kids - there are lots of very shallow areas for mini-Mainers to build their courage.
The area is serene near the end of the day, when most folks have gone home.
dougtone / Flickr
Remember to bring a towel, sunblock and whatever you use to ward off ticks. Plan on spending the day here - you won’t want to leave!
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