Between our amazing beaches and beautiful inland lakes, there is no shortage of places to swim during the summer. Some of our favorite spots are waterfalls and swimming holes in Maine – the little, unexpected places to jump in after a sweaty hike or the perfect picnic. What could possibly make a day spent at a swimming hole better? How about a day spent at a swimming hole that’s actually fed by a waterfall?!
While we love all of the little waterfall swimming holes in Maine, there’s something a bit more exciting about the ones that come with a built-in slide or jumping platform. Here are just a few examples of what we’re talking about.
- 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. There’s nothing better than a waterfall you can swim in after a big hike! The water is fed by the multiple falls that run throughout the area, which only adds to the incredible beauty of the area.
Read more about Gulf Hagas. Katahdin Iron Works State Park, MEKatahdin Iron Works State Park ME
- The Cataracts, Oxford County
The B’s / Flickr To fully appreciate the waterflow at The Cataracts, a visit in spring is best. The individual falls leading to the various pools are collectively about 100’ in height. Enjoy swimming, splashing and sliding around the rocks here.
Learn more about The Cataracts. The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
- Rattlesnake Pool, Oxford County
logicalrealist / Flickr We hate playing favorites, but in this case we must. This is the best swimming hole in Maine! Possibly because it requires a bit of a small trek to get here. This just might be the most magical of all the swimming holes on this list. The water is completely clear and taking a dip almost feels tropical. As long as you can ignore the absolutely frigid temps that come with it. The pool is fed by Rattlesnake Brook and a mossy slide leads to it. The pool is actually on privately owned land, but the public is permitted to access it via a fairly easy hike very near Blueberry Mountain. Take the Stone House Trail in Evans Notch and veer off to hit the pool.
Check out more about Rattlesnake Pool. Blueberry Mountain, Stoneham, ME 04217, USA
- Coos Canyon, Oxford County
georgikeith / Flickr This swimming hole 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!
Find out more about Coos Canyon. Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
- Step Falls Pools, Newry
The B’s / Flickr The fact that this isn’t a proper swimming hole in the way you might imagine doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the falls make a beautiful natural slide that will give you a fun ride until you hit the bottom and begin running up again for your next!
Read more about Step Falls. Step Falls Preserve, Newry, ME 04261, USA
- Frenchman’s Hole, Bethel
fenris / Flickr Frenchman’s Hole is exactly what comes to mind when you imagine waterfall swimming holes in Maine. Its high rocky ledges and deep, crystal water allow for some epic dives and 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 quite dangerous.
Learn more about Frenchman’s Hole. Frenchman’s Hole, Bethel, ME
- Ledge Falls Pools, Medway
starre / Flickr These falls are actually primarily swimming holes made more fun by the presence of rock slides. Located on the west side of Baxter State Park, you can see the area directly from the main road in the park. Bring flotation devices to make the slides even more fun!
Check out more about Ledge Falls Pools. Ledge Falls, Medway, ME 04460, USA
- Houston Brook Falls Pools, Bingham
Andrew King / Flickr This area boasts many pools along the network of Houston Brook Falls. You’ll find the falls near Wyman Lake, where Houston Brook empties along the Kennebec River.
Find out more about Houston Brook Falls Pools. Houston Brook Falls, Bingham, ME 04920, USA
- Smalls Falls, Franklin County
The B’s / Flickr The swimming holes throughout Smalls Falls are fun for kids as well as adventurous grownups. The lowest pool can be accessed via the parking lot and the rest are just a short scramble up the rocks. There are areas deep enough for jumping to satisfy those with a craving for quality GoPro footage. And, the best part is the falls that feed it!
Read more about this Maine waterfall loop that will take you through Smalls Falls. Smalls Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04970, USA
- Three Pools, Swift River, Roxbury
The B’s / Flickr Three Pools is a part of the Swift River and is located at the base of a small set of falls. Accessing it means parking along the road and walking towards the river. As you get close, you’ll find yourself at the ledge. Once you’re there you’ll love splashing around. Here’s a video that highlights the area:
Check out more about Three Pools and other swimming holes in Maine. Swift River Road, Swift River Rd, Roxbury, ME, 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. There’s nothing better than a waterfall you can swim in after a big hike! The water is fed by the multiple falls that run throughout the area, which only adds to the incredible beauty of the area.
Read more about Gulf Hagas.
Katahdin Iron Works State Park, MEKatahdin Iron Works State Park ME
The B’s / Flickr
To fully appreciate the waterflow at The Cataracts, a visit in spring is best. The individual falls leading to the various pools are collectively about 100’ in height. Enjoy swimming, splashing and sliding around the rocks here.
Learn more about The Cataracts.
The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
logicalrealist / Flickr
We hate playing favorites, but in this case we must. This is the best swimming hole in Maine! Possibly because it requires a bit of a small trek to get here. This just might be the most magical of all the swimming holes on this list. The water is completely clear and taking a dip almost feels tropical. As long as you can ignore the absolutely frigid temps that come with it. The pool is fed by Rattlesnake Brook and a mossy slide leads to it. The pool is actually on privately owned land, but the public is permitted to access it via a fairly easy hike very near Blueberry Mountain. Take the Stone House Trail in Evans Notch and veer off to hit the pool.
Check out more about Rattlesnake Pool.
Blueberry Mountain, Stoneham, ME 04217, USA
georgikeith / Flickr
This swimming hole 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!
Find out more about Coos Canyon.
Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
The fact that this isn’t a proper swimming hole in the way you might imagine doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the falls make a beautiful natural slide that will give you a fun ride until you hit the bottom and begin running up again for your next!
Read more about Step Falls.
Step Falls Preserve, Newry, ME 04261, USA
fenris / Flickr
Frenchman’s Hole is exactly what comes to mind when you imagine waterfall swimming holes in Maine. Its high rocky ledges and deep, crystal water allow for some epic dives and 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 quite dangerous.
Learn more about Frenchman’s Hole.
Frenchman’s Hole, Bethel, ME
starre / Flickr
These falls are actually primarily swimming holes made more fun by the presence of rock slides. Located on the west side of Baxter State Park, you can see the area directly from the main road in the park. Bring flotation devices to make the slides even more fun!
Check out more about Ledge Falls Pools.
Ledge Falls, Medway, ME 04460, USA
Andrew King / Flickr
This area boasts many pools along the network of Houston Brook Falls. You’ll find the falls near Wyman Lake, where Houston Brook empties along the Kennebec River.
Find out more about Houston Brook Falls Pools.
Houston Brook Falls, Bingham, ME 04920, USA
The swimming holes throughout Smalls Falls are fun for kids as well as adventurous grownups. The lowest pool can be accessed via the parking lot and the rest are just a short scramble up the rocks. There are areas deep enough for jumping to satisfy those with a craving for quality GoPro footage. And, the best part is the falls that feed it!
Read more about this Maine waterfall loop that will take you through Smalls Falls.
Smalls Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04970, USA
Three Pools is a part of the Swift River and is located at the base of a small set of falls. Accessing it means parking along the road and walking towards the river. As you get close, you’ll find yourself at the ledge. Once you’re there you’ll love splashing around. Here’s a video that highlights the area:
Check out more about Three Pools and other swimming holes in Maine.
Swift River Road, Swift River Rd, Roxbury, ME, USA
We’d love to know what your favorite waterfall swimming hole in Maine is! Looking for more swimming options? Check out our recent article on secret Maine beaches.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Maine May 16, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the most beautiful hikes in Maine? There are lots of incredible hikes in Maine, so you might need help picking which one to try first! Our suggestions for two of the most visually striking hikes in Maine are Daggat Rock Hike in Phillips and Reid State Park in Georgetown. You’ll get two very different but equally beautiful experiences. At Daggat Rock, you’ll see amazing stone formations that you won’t find anywhere else. And at Reid State Park, you can take in the gorgeous ocean views that Maine is known for having in spades. What are the best beaches in Maine? When the weather warms up in our Northeastern state and it’s finally time to return to beach life, you can’t go wrong with any of the gorgeous beaches in Maine. A couple of our favorite beaches in Maine are Birch Point Beach State Park in Owlhead, if you like quieter local favorites, and Popham Beach, if you’re looking for a great choice for a family day out. You can even horseback ride on Popham Beach! What are the most beautiful lakes in Maine? Be prepared to make a long list when deciding which lakes to visit when you’re here. There are lots of amazing Maine lakes to go to, so get excited for the summertime! Some of the most stunningly beautiful lakes in Maine are Saddleback Lake in Rangeley, Sebago Lake in Cumberland County, and Cobbosseecontee Lake in Kennebec County. Get ready for a fun-filled summer season exploring lakes that you’ll never forget!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Maine
May 16, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the most beautiful hikes in Maine? There are lots of incredible hikes in Maine, so you might need help picking which one to try first! Our suggestions for two of the most visually striking hikes in Maine are Daggat Rock Hike in Phillips and Reid State Park in Georgetown. You’ll get two very different but equally beautiful experiences. At Daggat Rock, you’ll see amazing stone formations that you won’t find anywhere else. And at Reid State Park, you can take in the gorgeous ocean views that Maine is known for having in spades. What are the best beaches in Maine? When the weather warms up in our Northeastern state and it’s finally time to return to beach life, you can’t go wrong with any of the gorgeous beaches in Maine. A couple of our favorite beaches in Maine are Birch Point Beach State Park in Owlhead, if you like quieter local favorites, and Popham Beach, if you’re looking for a great choice for a family day out. You can even horseback ride on Popham Beach! What are the most beautiful lakes in Maine? Be prepared to make a long list when deciding which lakes to visit when you’re here. There are lots of amazing Maine lakes to go to, so get excited for the summertime! Some of the most stunningly beautiful lakes in Maine are Saddleback Lake in Rangeley, Sebago Lake in Cumberland County, and Cobbosseecontee Lake in Kennebec County. Get ready for a fun-filled summer season exploring lakes that you’ll never forget!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are lots of incredible hikes in Maine, so you might need help picking which one to try first! Our suggestions for two of the most visually striking hikes in Maine are Daggat Rock Hike in Phillips and Reid State Park in Georgetown. You’ll get two very different but equally beautiful experiences. At Daggat Rock, you’ll see amazing stone formations that you won’t find anywhere else. And at Reid State Park, you can take in the gorgeous ocean views that Maine is known for having in spades.
What are the best beaches in Maine?
When the weather warms up in our Northeastern state and it’s finally time to return to beach life, you can’t go wrong with any of the gorgeous beaches in Maine. A couple of our favorite beaches in Maine are Birch Point Beach State Park in Owlhead, if you like quieter local favorites, and Popham Beach, if you’re looking for a great choice for a family day out. You can even horseback ride on Popham Beach!
What are the most beautiful lakes in Maine?
Be prepared to make a long list when deciding which lakes to visit when you’re here. There are lots of amazing Maine lakes to go to, so get excited for the summertime! Some of the most stunningly beautiful lakes in Maine are Saddleback Lake in Rangeley, Sebago Lake in Cumberland County, and Cobbosseecontee Lake in Kennebec County. Get ready for a fun-filled summer season exploring lakes that you’ll never forget!
