Lesser-Known Maine Swimming Holes
“Lesser-known” here means quieter alternatives to the busiest marquee stops, not a promise of empty parking or a secret you should chase. Every row still links to a full guide with access notes.
Use the map to see how spread out these are, then open each guide for swim notes, hazard callouts, and seasonal reality. For the core statewide swim list, use Best Maine swimming holes.
#1 The Honey Hole (Sunday River) — Newry
Freshwater stop in Newry, Upstream pools on Sunday River branch. local name per Bethel/Mahoosuc guides . cold mountain…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical
#2 Swift River Falls — Mexico (swim guide)
Freshwater stop in Mexico, Maine. Natural swim access and Limited parking.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical
#3 Ellis Falls — Andover
Waterfall in Andover. 4.6 and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#4 Frenchman's Hole — Bethel
Waterfall in Bethel, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#5 Mad River Falls — Batchelders Grant
Waterfall in Batchelders Grant. 3.8 and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#6 Poplar Stream Falls — Carrabassett Valley
Waterfall in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. 3.8 and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#7 Gulf Hagas — Bowdoin College Grant East
Waterfall in Bowdoin College Grant East, Verify Head vs Pleasant River ford trailheads on northmainewoods.org map before…
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#8 Rattlesnake Pool — Lovell
Waterfall in Lovell, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#9 Wight Brook (Step Falls context) — Newry
Freshwater stop in Newry, Brook feeding Step Falls Preserve . listed with Mahoosuc Land Trust context. Public and Limited…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical
#10 Emerald Pool — Lovell
Freshwater stop in Lovell, Maine. Natural swim access and Limited parking.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical