Best Swimming Holes From Bethel
Bethel is the cleanest base for a Route 26 swim day because the good stops stack up fast. This list starts with Frenchman's Hole and Step Falls, then moves into the broader western Maine waterfalls that still belong on a swim-planning day.
Use the map first, then open each guide for parking, footing after rain, and whether the stop is a real swim or more of a scenic water break. For the fuller Route 26 mix, see Bethel & Grafton Notch.
Rank 1: Frenchman's Hole — Bethel
Classic Bull Branch swim hole off Sunday River Road north of Bethel, Maine, with deep pool, ledge, and cliff jumps.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 2: Step Falls — Newry
Multi-tiered cascade and ledge pools on Wight Brook in Newry, Maine. Short walk from a preserve lot off Route 26.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 3: Screw Auger Falls (Grafton) — Grafton Township
Gulf Hagas Screw Auger Falls: slot-canyon chute on the West Branch Pleasant River in T7 R9 NWP, Piscataquis County (T7 R9 NWP, Maine).
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 4: Coos Canyon — Byron
A short gorge on the Swift River in Byron, Maine, on Route 17. Pools, low jumps, and a classic rest-area swim and…
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 5: Dunn Falls — Andover
A tall multi-tier waterfall on the West Branch of the Ellis River in Andover, Maine. AT access from East B Hill Road.
- Walk
- 0-5 min
Rank 6: Mother Walker Falls — Grafton
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A deep gorge cascade on Bear River in Grafton Notch State Park, Oxford County, Maine.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 0-5 min