Posted in Maine June 14, 2018 by

This 1-Mile Hike In Maine Leads To The Dreamiest Swimming Hole

Summer days in Maine mean being outside. There are few better ways to enjoy being outside than splashing around in a hidden swimming hole. While this is one of Maine’s best, it certainly feels like a secret. We love that it comes with a short hike that gives you an opportunity to work up a sweat before plunging into the many pools. The next time you want to feel adventurous without climbing a 4,000-foot peak, set off on this short hike to a swimming hole in Maine.

The Cataracts Falls are located along the Frye Brook in Oxford County.
Robert Ratford / mainetrailfinder.com
It's made up of two major falls as well as a flume.
binkley27 / Flickr
The lower falls is larger and can be seen from a fenced area from the trail at the top, while the other falls are slightly smaller and lead to fun pools.
digstravel33 / YouTube
To access the falls and the swimming hole, you'll follow a short trail following the Frye Brook in the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
You'll find the trailhead at the bridge where East B Hill Rd. goes across Frye Brook. From here, it runs along the east side of the brook.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
The trail is well marked, though rocky, and there are lots of areas to see the brook and small sections of falls.
digstravel33 / YouTube
At the end of the maintained trail is a picnic area with a wonderful view and a smaller pool to swim in.
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands / mainetrailfinder.com
The area is quite rocky and can be wet depending on the season.
Jennifer Wilson / mainetrailfinder.com
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Swimming in some of the pools will make you feel as though you've landed in Ferngully.
Robert Ratford / mainetrailfinder.com
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Other areas are great for folks who just want to get their feet wet and explore a bit.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
The falls are best seen in spring, but as all Mainers know, you're probably not going to want to swim until the summer.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
To get to the trailhead, follow these directions, courtesy of Maine Trail Finder:

"From the junction of ME Routes 5 and 120 in Andover, take the Upton Road/East B Hill Road 5.4 miles until you reach a wide gravel spot on the right (north) side of the paved road. The gravel spot is located just before crossing Frye Brook and is opposite Cataracts Road, a steeply climbing logging road leaving from the other (south) side of the main road. The trailhead is located next to the bridge."

To see the falls in action check out these two fun videos made by folks who took the hike:

We absolutely love this swimming hole as well. Visiting will remind you of the slower summers from your youth. No cell phones, no video games. Just a whole lot of time spent jumping in! For a few other swimming hole options, check these out.