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.
#1 Frenchman's Hole — Bethel
Waterfall in Bethel, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#2 Step Falls — Newry
Waterfall in Newry, Waterfall coords on trail upstream of lot Roadside parking rules on Bear River Rd . do not block. 7.8…
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#3 Screw Auger Falls (Grafton) — Grafton Township
Waterfall in Grafton Township, Maine. 4 and Roadside pull-off, trailhead lot, or informal shoulder parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#4 Coos Canyon — Byron
Freshwater stop in Mexico, Maine. Natural swim access and Limited parking.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical
#5 Dunn Falls — Andover
Waterfall in Andover North Surplus. ANDOVER. 5.1 and Roadside or trailhead parking (Andover North Surplus; ANDOVER, Maine).
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#6 Mother Walker Falls — Grafton
Waterfall in Grafton, Maine. Public and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical