Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Bethel & Grafton Notch
This hub is built around Bethel, Newry, and the Grafton Notch approach on Route 26 — a dense stretch of Maine where waterfall stops and a few swim pockets sit close together by car.
Compare the map first, then open each guide for parking, footing after rain, and where swimming is actually realistic. For a western Maine waterfall loop, see 1-day Maine waterfall itinerary.
#1 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
#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 Mother Walker Falls — Grafton
Waterfall in Grafton, Maine. Public and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#4 Moose Cave (Grafton Notch) — Newry
Freshwater stop in Newry, Grafton Notch State Park feature. chilly gorge . check park maps for trail access. Private and…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical
#5 Coos Canyon — Byron
Waterfall in Byron, Gold panning rest area parking on ME 17 Gold panning rest area parking on ME 17. 7.2 and Roadside or…
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#6 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
#7 Smalls Falls — Township E
Waterfall in Township E, Popular tiered waterfall stop south of Rangeley on Route 4. Public and Roadside lot.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#8 Cold River area — Bethel
Freshwater stop in BETHEL, Spectacular swimming holes near the Cold River campground in the White Mountain N.F. on the…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 0-15 min typical
#9 Abbott Brook Falls — Bethel
Waterfall in Bethel, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#10 Dunn Notch Cascades — Bethel
Waterfall in Bethel, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#11 Frenchman's Hole — Bethel
Waterfall in Bethel, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical
#12 Horseshoe Falls — Bethel
Waterfall in Bethel, Maine. Natural access and Roadside or trailhead parking.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 5-25 min typical