Frenchman's Hole
Newry · Western Maine
Frenchman's Hole is a Newry swim-hole classic on public land with a short hike, clear mountain water, and a deep pool below a low cascade. It feels earned rather than overbuilt, but slick ledges, cold water, and variable depth still make it a scout-first stop.
Key facts
Swimming
Deep mountain pool below a low cascade. Swim only after checking depth, current, and your exit options
Access
Short forest path from public land access
Parking
Limited
Current conditions
Trip profile
Difficulty
Reward
Risk
Good fit, skip if, before you go
Good fit
Photogenic western Maine swim-hole days
Short-hike mountain-water stops
People comfortable with rocky entries and exits
Skip
The river is pushy after rain or runoff
You need a lifeguarded swim area
You do not want a rocky hike-in approach
Before you go
- Start at the public access pull-off and confirm the current trail approach on arrival.
- Respect posted rules and day-of closures if they exist.
- Check footing, depth, current, and exit options before entering the water.
- Pack out trash and leave access points cleaner than you found them.
- If the stop feels wrong in person, make it a look-only visit.