The Best Swimming in Maine
Looking for the best swimming in Maine? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Maine. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top swimming spots in and near Maine
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Bar Harbor, Maine
Relax at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park
4.5Sand Beach is located off the Park Loop Road on the east side of Mt. Desert Island. Signs for the beach will make it difficult to miss. Once there you can park your car and walk down some steps to the beach. There are restrooms and changing areas close by. On the beach you will be able to la...Read more -
Byron, Maine
Swim in Coos Canyon
5.0Coos Canyon is right off of route 17 in Byron, ME. It's almost impossible to miss but if you're worried about it you can type "coos canyon" or "coos canyon rock and gift" into google maps and it will take you right there. There is a gravel parking lot to the right side of the road (heading north)...Read more -
Stow, Maine
Hike to Rattlesnake Pool
1.5 mi / 0 ft gainThe best place to start your hike is from Route 113 near Gilead, head towards Stone House Road. This becomes Shell Pond Road. A few miles in, you'll find a gated area where you can park. This trail, and Rattlesnake Pool, are both on private land - so be sure to practice leave no trace principles.Read more -
Mount Desert, Maine
Camp at Mount Desert Campground on Somes Sound
5.0Being in the center of Mt. Desert Island, you are just a quick drive to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.This campground offers waterfront and off-waterfront sites. The waterfront is right along Somes Sound and offers amazing views at anytime of the day. We went during off season (no reserva...Read more -
West Forks, Maine
Hike to Moxie Falls
5.00.6 miThe trail begins at the Moxie Falls trailhead. Continue along the trail until you cross an access road. Cross the access road and keep going. The trail is unmarked, but wide and distinct enough to make it easy. You will hear the falls before you see them. Your walk will take you to the top of the...Read more -
Bingham, Maine
Explore Houston Brook Falls
4.70.25 miFrom the parking lot there is a small trail to the left. The trail is unmarked, but visible and easy enough to follow. You can hear the falls from the trail which aids in direction. The trail takes you to the base of the falls, but you can also reach the top by climbing over some rocks along the ...Read more -
Trailhead: Cutler Bold Coast Trail, Maine
Backpack Cutler Coast
9.6 mi / 0 ft gainThis is a great hike for beginner backpackers! We were able to successfully complete it with our 4month old puppy! At the trailhead, there is plenty of parking and an outhouse. We took the coastal trail to the ocean and continued along the Fairy Head Loop: This trail provides the most extensive s...Read more -
Brownville, Maine
Hike the Grand Canyon of Maine (Gulf Hagas)
8.6 mi / 1000 ft gainFind the trailhead by turning left at the Brownville junction and then turning left onto Katahdin Ironworks Rd. This is a well maintained dirt road (had no trouble getting down it with a Corolla). There is a checkpoint where you need to pay a day use fee. When I went summer 2018 it was $9 per per...Read more -
Newry, Maine
Hike to Frenchmen's Hole
The highlight of this swimming hole is a waterfall into a giant pothole 10 feet below, with lots of great spaces for cliff jumping. Always remember to scout an area before cliff jumping. Make sure your landing space is clear of rocks.Read more -
Weld, Maine
Hike Tumbledown Mountain
5.6 mi / 2300 ft gainTo keep the hike as short as possible, the hike can be an out and back at 5.6 miles, but if you wanted to make it a loop that is possible and adds only an additional 2 miles or so. We took the Brook Trail up to the summit (which passes by the alpine lake) and then followed it back down. To hike t...Read more -
Monhegan, Maine
Explore Monhegan Island
4.4 mi / 538 ft gainNearly 10 miles off the coast of Maine, Monhegan Island is accessible by your choice of three ferry lines. Each vary in terms of length of stay on the island and time spent on the water. Be sure you do your research prior to reserving your tickets. Below you can find more information : Monheg...Read more -
Southwest Harbor, Maine
Swim at Echo Lake
Take a dip at Echo Lake in Acadia National Park! It's a small beach that's best driven to and easily park-able once you arrive. It's a refreshing stop for swimming that's right off of the beat and path. There are many campgrounds that rest upon the shores of Echo Lake if you want to be right on t...Read more
