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.

Interactive map of Maine for the ten ranked lesser-known swimming-related stops on this page. Marker numbers match the list; tap a pin for a preview and a link to open the full guide.

#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