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Nine Freshwater Swimming Holes are Inviting Places to Beat the Summer Heat

July 01, 2009 - Bring on the heat and humidity. We've highlighted a variety of watering holes sure to have you coming back again and again to cool off. Some you can drive to, others involve hikes. We have identified the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map number for each area, and Gate Fee or Free status.

Sand Beach on Lower Jo-Mary Lake near Millinocket

When you conjure up an ideal swimming spot, this one is hard to beat. But you earn this one. Nestled deep within the 100-Mile Wilderness on Maine's Appalachian Trail, this spot has brought back to life many a backpacker bedeviled with aching knees and blisters. A dazzling white sand beach boldly juts out into the clear waters on the northern shoreline of the lake. The elongated mass of Potywadjo Ridge rises above the beach. Loon calls echo up and down the lake. Maybe you'll see a moose or black bear on the trail.

You can tent out at historic Antlers Campsite on the south side of the lake – a 4-mile flat hike in from the gravel Jo-Mary Road. From Antlers it is a 2-mile walk around the western end of the lake to Sand Beach. Antlers Point is a fabulous spot to swim as well. The wind singing in the grove of red pine soothes the soul. (Delorme map #42, gate fee)

Tumbledown Pond near Weld

For spectacular alpine scenery this high-altitude pond is hard to beat. Surrounded by three rugged peaks, and with a boulder-strewn islet in the middle to swim out to, you just may have found paradise.

There are plenty of smooth granite ledges on the southeastern edge of the pond for hauling out and soaking up the warmth of the sun. The 2.2-mile hike up the Parker's Ridge Trail provides jaw-dropping views down to Tumbledown Pond from the open ledges of the ridge. Look for blueberries along the trail and on the island.

We have often backpacked whole watermelon up to the pond to surprise our friends. There is no finer way to wash sticky watermelon juice off your tummy then a plunge into Tumbledown Pond. (Delorme map 19 – free)

Emerald Pool near Evans Notch

OK, this one is not in Maine technically, but close enough. This is the classic mountain stream pool. Yes, it is emerald green, and for sure the water is cold! Easy to reach, it's only a 0.8-mile walk in from New Hampshire Route 113.

It is a popular spot, try to avoid it on weekends. Fed from the icy waters hidden deep within the craggy Baldface massif, the pool generates lots of surprised yells and gasps upon contact. Don't dip your toe in first; the rest of your body will never make it in.

If you are looking for one of the "best of the best" you have to test your nerve and verve at Emerald Pool at least once in your lifetime. (ME Delorme map #10 and NH Delorme map #45 – free)

Big and Little Niagara Falls in Baxter State Park

Bask on sun-splashed ledges, spread out your red-checkered tablecloth and feast on sumptuous picnic goodies, cool off in your choice of two deep pools of water all within the vast wilds of Maine's iconic state park.

From Daicey Pond Campground it is a 1.2-mile walk down to Big Niagara Falls on Nesowadnehunk Stream, the larger of the two pools. On the way, stop to observe the ruins of Toll Dam, built in 1879 to facilitate the driving of logs down the stream, and line the pockets of an enterprising local lumberman. As you approach the pools, proceed quietly, otter are often seen on the margins of the pools.

You'll hear Big Niagara well before you get there, as it plunges 15 feet over pink Katahdin granite. And of course there is always the inspiring view of Katahdin towering over Daicey Pond as you conclude your day. (Delorme map #50. Non-resident Baxter State Park fee)

Booths Quarry on Vinalhaven

Bring back the kid in you with a plunge into a historic Maine granite quarry.

Vinalhaven granite was used in the construction of the State Department building in Washington D.C., the Washington Monument and countless other federal buildings.

A bonus is the unforgettable one-hour ferry ride out from Rockland to Vinalhaven. Hundreds of colorful lobster buoys dot the bay, and the hills of Camden provide a majestic backdrop.

The quarry is 1.5 miles from the ferry terminal. You can acquire a map of the island and rent one-speed bikes at the Tidewater Motel opposite Carvers Harbor Market. Why not book a cozy seaside room and spend the night on the island? The quarry water is surprisingly warm, a far cry from the nearby ocean waters. You'll also meet a fascinating array of people, from local lobstering families to Fortune 500 CEOs. (Delorme map #9 – free)

Tunk Lake near Cherryfield

One of our favorites for many reasons. Crystal clear water, sparkling diamonds of sunshine dancing over the lake, sandy bottom, rolling ridgelines of unbroken forest surrounding the lake. This is one of Hancock County's best places to spend a summer day.

There are always a few local families here having a splash in the water or enjoying a picnic in the shady grove of trees at the boat launch facility just off Route 182. The cove is shallow so you can walk out 30 yards and bask on some small boulders on the left and swim in earnest from there. Route 182, with it tight twisting turns, is scenic. Check out some of the beautiful historic homes in Cherryfield a few miles to the east. When we think of summer in Maine we think of this place. (Delorme map #25 – free)

Screw Auger Falls in Gulf Hagas

This is the classic Maine wilderness waterfall you'll see featured on glossy regional magazine covers every few years. Below a 25-foot silvery drop sits a deep circular pool that will tame any form of oppressive heat.

Gulf Hagas, often referred to as "The Grand Canyon of Maine," features many other pools, but this one on Gulf Hagas Brook is the showstopper. Access it via the Appalachian Trail and Gulf Hagas Loop Trail. You'll pass through a majestic stand of white pines on your way in. Not for children – the 2-mile hike to the falls begins with a challenging knee-deep 150-foot ford of the West Branch of the Pleasant River.

For access details consult the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. (Delorme map #42 – gate fee)

Swift River, Coos Canyon in Byron

Whether splashing, wading, or swimming, a series of deep pools up to 15 feet deep provide enough cooling power to have you shivering on the hottest of summer days.

The twisting Swift River provides a scenic drive up through Byron, especially so if you continue north on Route 17 for 11 miles to Height of Land, which many consider to be the finest view from any highway in Maine. Park at the State of Maine Coos Canyon Rest Area, complete with picnic tables, and find a spot to hang out.

The Swift is also one of the best areas in Maine to pan for gold. Across the road the friendly staff of Coos Canyon Rock and Gift will be happy to show you how. Check out their magnificent gem shop as well.

This is a popular area, but there are many pools to explore. For fishing enthusiasts who prefer wetting flies instead of skin, the trout fishing is pretty good, too. (Delorme map #18 – free)

Outlet Beach on Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester

A small sandy beach located on pristine Sabbathday Lake provides the perfect spot for a family outing. The swimming is outstanding in the clear, spring-fed waters.

From the Outlet the Royal River begins its 30-mile meander to the sea. A snack bar provides a wide array of goodies, including generous portions of pulled pork on homemade sweet potato rolls and fresh strawberry shortcake. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats can be rented.

The whole area has a bit of a retro feel to it, as if you had traveled back into the 1950s. Before returning home stop in at the nearby Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the only remaining active Shaker Village in the world. Combine a day of swimming with a dash of education. (Delorme map #5 – beach use fee)

By MICHAEL PERRY, Special to the Maine Sunday Telegram June 28, 2009


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