Posted in Maine
June 15, 2019
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 these hikes to swimming spots in Maine. They all lead to some of the best swimming in the state!
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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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
