These 10 Magnificent Hikes All Lead To Maine’s Most Fun Swimming Spots
When the weather gets warm, most Mainers know to maximize their outside time. Even in the summer, we just can’t be sure the sunshine will last. That’s why you’ll often find us with a long list of must-do activities that ensures we won’t need to spend too much time coming up with a plan. Just check the weather, pack the car and get out there! The list includes a number of hiking options, but it also has a fair few swimming choices. But the best things on our summer-must list are the best swimming hole hikes in Maine. They all lead to some of the best swimming in the state! We have each and every one on our bucket list.
Peaks-Kenny State Park, 401 State Park Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, USA
We love parks that come with multiple hiking options and Peaks-Kenny is one of the best. You can take the Cove Trail, which is less than a mile, for an easy option. While this one ends at the beach it also happens to start there, making your re-arrival a the beach only slightly less exciting. The Birch Mountain Ledge Trail is just over 2 miles and it also leads to the beach. In fact, now that we think about it, they all lead to the beach!
If you love getting off the beaten path, check out all of these 8 Lesser-Known State Parks In Maine That Will Absolutely Amaze You.
Katahdin Lake, North Penobscot, ME 04462, USA
Baxter State Park might be Maine's most notable state park for a good reason. Katahdin towers over everything in this neck of the woods. But what we love is the route along the Katahdin Lake Trail. It's about 3.5 miles beginning at Roaring Brook Road. At the end of the trail, you'll be at the campground of the same name where you can access the little path to the lake. We definitely would call this one of the best swimming hole hikes in Maine.
Looking for more great trails that bring you to a lake? We think .The Largest Lake In Maine Is One Of The World’s Last Great Places
Fernald's Neck Preserve, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
There are a few fun trails in this preserve area, but there are two specifically great options for reaching a wonderful area for swimming. The easier one, White Trail, is less than a mile. The other, Orange Trail, is just slightly more challenging and a bit longer at nearly two miles. To really build up that sweat, do them both!
Fernald’s Neck Preserve in Maine is absolutely gorgeous, and well worth spending a day exploring.
Read more about This Exhilarating Hike Takes You To a Crystal Blue Lake In Maine.
Swan Island, 7 Swan Island Landing, Richmond, ME 04357, USA
Head to Richmond to take the short ferry ride to this little island in Merrymeeting Bay. Or, grab yourself a paddle and get yourself there under your own steam. Either way, you'll love the trails that range from a half-mile to 2 miles. They're all fairly simple and given that the island is small they all lead to a chance for swimming. It’s a unique, kid-friendly hike in Maine.
Looking for more hidden spots in Maine? Even Most Locals Don’t Know About These 10 Awesome Hidden Spots In Maine.
Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
Head to the boat launch at Rangeley Lake State Park to find the trailhead for the Shoreline Trail. This will lead you on a leisurely walk of about a half mile to the water. Or, do the entire route which is just under a mile and enjoy the water as your last activity. Whichever you choose, you're going to love how relaxing this is. Rangeley Lake State Park in Maine offers wonderful activities to enjoy all year long.
Find out why The One State Park In Maine That Stands Out From The Rest.
Morse Mountain, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
There's nothing like coming across something that feels like a secret and, for us, that's Seawall Beach. The out and back trail to get to the beach itself will take you up Morse Mountain, which is about 180 feet in elevation. Round trip, you're looking at about 4 miles of completely worth-it hiking! It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Maine, offering stunning coastline views.
Read more about why .Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach Is An Easy Hike In Maine That Still Offers Breathtaking Scenery
Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
Not only does this little hidden spot in Maine have the bluest water in the state, but it's also where you'll need it the most. After a hike up Blueberry Mountain, you'll wind your way back down to find the swimming hole. But, be warned! The water here is as cold as can be! There's a chance you won't notice with all the incredible beauty, though.
There are so many reasons why You’ll Want To Spend The Entire Day At The Gorgeous Natural Pool In Maine’s Evans Notch.
Schoodic Beach, East Hancock, ME 04634, USA
Sure, there's a half-mile trail leading right to Schoodic Beach at the Donnell Pond Public Lands area. But take the time to enjoy the Beach Trail which will take you to the top of Schoodic Mountain for that summit view. Schoodic Beach in Maine is a wonderful place to take a dip!
Head out in the early evening because The Sunsets At This Peninsula In Maine Are Worth Staying Up For.
Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
The Shore Trail will lead you to one of the most wonderful summer lakes in Maine to enjoy on a sunny day. Start your nearly 2-mile route at the Long Falls Dam Road Trailhead on Long Falls Dam Road. The trail is fairly flat, which makes this a great choice for kids. When you arrive at the lake, enjoy kayaking and other water-related perks of summer. Flagstaff Lake in Maine is a wonderful place to spend the day exploring.
Even more interesting? Flagstaff Lake Is One Of The Most Unusual Ghost Towns In Maine.
Tumbledown Mountain, West Central Franklin, ME 04285, USA
The loop trail is nearly 3 miles and includes lots of rock scrambling which means your swim will be well-earned. Or, you can always choose the Brook Trail which offers an easy and direct route straight to the summit pond. Tumbledown Mountain in Maine is a gorgeous, secluded spot that’s perfect for a picnic.
Read more about why This Epic Mountain In Maine Will Drop Your Jaw.
Have you visited any of the best swimming hole hikes in Maine? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re more of a swimmer than a hiker, there’s a good chance you just pack up the car and head to the coast. If that’s the case, at least try something new! These 10 secret beaches are a great way to explore Maine this summer.
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Swan Island, 7 Swan Island Landing, Richmond, ME 04357, USA
Address: Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
Address: Morse Mountain, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
Address: Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
Address: Fernald's Neck Preserve, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
Address: Schoodic Beach, East Hancock, ME 04634, USA
Address: Katahdin Lake, North Penobscot, ME 04462, USA
Address: Tumbledown Mountain, West Central Franklin, ME 04285, USA
Address: Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
Address: Peaks-Kenny State Park, 401 State Park Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, USA
Best Swimming Hole Hikes In Maine
May 06, 2022
Are there a lot of swimming holes in Maine?
Absolutely! There’s too many to count. Maine has over 30,000 rivers and lakes, and miles and miles of ocean coastline. There are thousands of perfect little swimming holes, probably one close to you right now!
When can you go swimming in Maine?
The best time of year to go swimming in Maine is during the summer, but adventurous swimmers may hit the water in in early or late spring. There are even some tough Mainers who swim in the ocean all winter long!
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Swan Island, 7 Swan Island Landing, Richmond, ME 04357, USA
Address: Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
Address: Morse Mountain, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
Address: Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
Address: Fernald's Neck Preserve, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
Address: Schoodic Beach, East Hancock, ME 04634, USA
Address: Katahdin Lake, North Penobscot, ME 04462, USA
Address: Tumbledown Mountain, West Central Franklin, ME 04285, USA
Address: Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
Address: Peaks-Kenny State Park, 401 State Park Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, USA
