Waterfront: Beaches, Swimming, Boating, & Fishing

 

Maine is unique in it’s phenomenal coastline and abundance of beautiful clean lakes.  What better way to experience this than in a boat!  Take a look at the beautiful, little-known places to do this! These places offer great getaways for boating, swimming, or just nice walks on the beach!

Here is a tracker of the tides:

• Tides and Weather

Aroostook County

• Arnold Brook Lake and Recreation Area Presque Isle, ME 04769
  • Man-made lake great for trout fishing and small craft boating. There is also a nice picnic area.
• Aroostook River Aroostook River Boat Launch, 32-62 River Side Ave, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
  • This river goes through Fort Fairfield and much of Aroostook County. There are various access points, including at the Riverside Pavilion Park located on the river and the Aroostook River Boat Launch.
• Aroostook River Reservoir Caribou, ME 04736
  • Location with plenty of shoreline opportunities, trout fishing, and canoeing.
• Aroostook State Park 87 State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769
  • Great for great camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
• Boat Launch and Picnic Area Old Patten Rd, Island Falls, ME 04747
  • Check out this beautiful area!
• Caribou Mill Pond Dam 3 Water St, Caribou, ME 04736
  • Built by the Army Corps of Engineers, the dam holds back Collins Pond.
• Crystal Bog Cow Team Rd, Crystal, ME 04747
  • Also known as the 1000 Acre Bog and recognized as a Focus Area of Statewide Ecological Significance, this wilderness area can be reached and explored via the multi-use, 6-mile Cow Team Road!
• Deboullie Pond Eagle Lake, ME 04739 | (207) 435-7963
  • Great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing for salmon and trout!
• Deboullie Public Reserved Land Off of Rte 161 in St. Francis, ME 04774
  • 21,871-acre lands with remote campsites on 17 crystal clear trout ponds surrounded by rugged mountains. It is east of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and 30 miles from the Canadian border.
• Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land Eagle Lake, ME 04739
  • “Eagle Lake is a 23,000-acre unit including most of Eagle Lake in northern Maine. The unit abuts Square Lake to the east with a thoroughfare connecting the two lakes.”
• East Grand Lake Weston, ME 04424
  • On the border of Maine and Canada, this lake is great for fishing, swimming, and boating and has many options of cabins and camps to stay at.
• Fish River Byway Rte 11, Fort Kent, ME 04743
  • 38-mile-long river with beaches and swimming holes, canoeing, kayaking, historical landmarks, and wildlife with beautiful scenery and fall foliage.
• Madawaska Boat Landing Public Works Ave, Madawaska, ME 04756
  • Boat launching ramp on the St. John River is great for canoes or small boats. Overnight campers are allowed for a small fee as well.
• Meduxnekeag River Riverfront Park, 49 North St, Houlton, ME 04730
  • This river flows through Houlton, and a great access point is at the Riverfront Park. It is in a beautiful, scenic location, great for fishing, birdwatching, and swimming.
• Mile Brook Caribou, ME 04736
  • Great fishing spot just outside of town.
• Monson Pond Near the Fort Fairfield Frontier Fish and Game Club, 550 Dorsey Rd, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
  • Monson Pond has public access near the Fort Fairfield Frontier Fish and Game Club with a boat landing and spots great for swimming and fishing.
• Municipal Swimming Pool 18 Community Center Dr, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 | (207) 472-3883
  • Pool open during the summer, accessible to all residents that also has lessons and a swim team.
• Nadeau Lake Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
  • Olof Nylander discovered this lake in 1925 as a lime deposit.
• Nickerson Lake Nickerson Lake Rd, Linneus, ME 04730
  • Lovely lake and park with a boat launch. This is a great place for a swim (or snowshoe walk in the winter!) and a picnic.
• Northern Forest Canoe Trail Runs through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine ending in Fort Kent, ME  | (802) 496-2285
  • 740-mile waterway great for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The river ranges from flat, slow-moving water all the way to whitewater sections, making it great for all ages. There are also campsites along the river.
• Old Mill Marina 88 Old Main St, Eagle Lake, ME 04739 | (207) 444-7529
  • Boat and e-bike rentals!
• Portage Lake Public Beach & Playground W Rd, Portage Lake, ME 04768
  • Popular public beach located near the center of town.
• St. John River North Maine Woods and St. John Valley
  • Good spot for fishing and canoeing.
• Trafton Lake 88 Lake Rd, Limestone, ME 04750
  • Wonderful little beach with a park area and playground, where all the locals hang out in the summer!
• Warren Falls Rock Crusher Rd, Island Falls, ME 04747
  • To find the falls, you may need the assistance of local guide George Berry (207) 694-0261.

DownEast Maine

• Amherst Mountains Community Forest Rte 9, Amherst, ME 04605 | (207) 941-4412
  • If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further! Here you can find recreation trails, wildlife, remote camping, and more!
• Bold Coast Charter Company 2687-2699 Cutler Rd, Cutler, ME 04626
  • Puffin tours from Cutler to Machias Seal Island, which is the largest puffin colony on the coast of Maine.
• Carter’s Beach Carters Beach Rd, Hancock, ME 04640
  • Beautiful paved walkway containing spots great for bird-watching!
• Castine Kayak Adventures 17 Sea St, Castine, ME 04421 | (207) 866-3506
  • If you are looking for an awesome ocean adventure guided by professional guides with top-of-the-line equipment, check out Castine Kayak Adventures. Explore Maine’s gorgeous coastline and observe the beautiful natural rock formations that define New England seascapes and local landmarks that Maine holds dear.
• Coastal Cruises 117 Kelley Point Rd, Jonesport, ME 04649 | (207) 598-7473
  • Tour cruises provided through two boats, great views of the local wildlife and ecosystem!
• Cobscook Bay State Park 40 South Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628 | (207) 853-4644
  • At this state park, various activities are available all year long, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, hiking, and biking.
• Coburn Mountain Trail Jackman, ME 04945
  • This strenuous hike goes up 3,718 feet high on the tallest mountain in the area. At the top are great views of the Moose Valley River.
• Donnell Park Public Reserved Land Schoodic Beach Rd, Franklin, ME 04634 | (207) 941-4412
  • Water access campsites can be found on Donnell Pond, the southern end of Tunk Lake, and Spring River Lake. Walk-in access to campsites is available from the Schoodic Beach access trail. This area is a great spot for long hikes and beautiful views.
• Downeast Charter Boat Tours 31 Johnson St, Lubec, ME 04652 | (207) 733-2009
  • Whale-watching tours where you can explore the Cobscook, Fundy, and Passamaquoddy Bays.
• Driftwood Kayak 17 Hardy’s Hill Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627 | (617) 957-8802
  • “Bring a sense of adventure; we provide the rest! All-inclusive trips include kayaking gear, safety equipment, camping equipment, organic meals, and snacks. Trips are appropriate for solo paddlers or groups of up to 4 people, ages 14 and up. All experience levels welcome; we tailor our trips to you!”
• Duck Lake Public Reserved Land Lakeville Twp, ME 04487 | (207) 941-4412
  • Visitors enjoy camping and fishing in this semi-remote area surrounded by lakes. Duck Lake, the Unknown Lakes, and Gassabias Lake offer fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and snowmobiling.
• Eastport Windjammers 104 Water St, Eastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-2500
  • Go on one of their cruises to see whales, seals, eagles, and more.
• Fundy Breeze Charters 109 Water St, Eastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-4660
  • Whale watching, puffin tours, and more on a 33-foot sport fishing boat that takes up to six passengers, allowing for a close and personalized experience.
• Gardner Lake East Machias, ME 04630
  • A classic lake with prestige views, incredible fishing, and access to docks and shore.
• Hadley Lake East Machias, ME 04630
  • Essentially a wide spot in the East Machias River, it provides fisheries for the typical assemblage of warm water sport fish.
• Hamilton Cove Boot Cove Rd, Lubec, ME 04652
  • “This 1,225-acre preserve in Lubec provides people of all ages opportunities to experience a rugged coastal landscape of cobble beaches, sheer cliffs, and rocky promontories.” There are great hiking trails, bird-watching spots, and picnicking as well.
• Indian Lake Whiting, ME 04691
  • This lake’s shoreline is developed with camps and boat launches and is a great spot for fishing and swimming.
• Isle au Haut Boat Services 27 Seabreeze Ave, Stonington, ME 04681 | (207) 367-6516
  • Provides year-round scheduled passenger, freight, and mail service between Stonington and the Island au Haut Town Landing, along with seasonal service to the Acadia National Park Landing at Duck Harbor.
• Jasper Beach Machiasport, ME 04655
  • Also known as the “Singing Beach,” this is a great spot to explore as “the waves crash against what looks like billions of colorful smooth stones of all colors, sizes, and shapes.”
• Machias River Corridor Machias River, Machias, ME 04654 | (207) 941-4412
  • This corridor envelopes the Machias River, which features the country’s largest self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon run. This spot is great for camping, birding, fishing, and hunting and is particularly popular with experienced paddlers.
• Mowry Beach Preserve 86-78 Pleasant St, Lubec, ME 04652 | (207) 255-4500
  • 1.2-mile-long beach is overlooking the Lubec Channel and Campobello Island. There is also a 1,700-foot wooden boardwalk which is a great walk.
• Oceanville Boat Tours Stonington, ME 04681 | (207) 367-2991
  • “Enjoy a private boat tour of the Deer Isle coast and waters with Captain Steve and Boo, the Australian Shepherd, where Steve will show you the island way of life with lighthouse tours, seal-watching trips, sunset cruises, or all-day boat trips to local islands for hiking and picnicking.”
• Pocomoonshine Lake Princeton, ME 04668
  • This is a beautiful lake where people can fish and swim.
• Rocky Lake Public Reserved Land Rocky Lake, ME 04691 | (207) 941-4412
  • “With 11,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands bordering three lakes near East Machias, the Rocky Lake Public Lands provide opportunities for boating, camping, and fishing in a wildlife-rich setting.”
• Schoodic Maine Guide & Hancock Point Kayak Tours 58 Point Rd, Hancock, ME 04640 | (207) 266-4449
  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife that Maine has to offer!
• Shackford Head State Park Eastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-4644
  • “The Shackford Head and Overlook Trails (1.2-mile round-trip) provide fantastic views of Cobscook Bay and surrounding peninsulas.”
• Sipp Bay Preserve Burby Rd, Perry, ME 04667 | (207) 259-5040
  
  • Great spot for kayaking with a hand-carry boat launch, 1.5 miles of hiking trails with great views of the rugged coastline, pleasant picnic spots, and bird watching with sightings including bald eagles, migrating shorebirds, and more.
• Smoking Rivers Canoe Expeditions PO Box 491, Hampden, ME 04444 | (303) 725-2533
  • Take a canoe trip on the St. Croix River with Smoking Rivers! This company takes trips on many rivers throughout Maine, including the river between Calais, ME, and Vanceboro, Canada, which is great for all experience levels.
• Wadsworth Cove Beach Wadsworth Cove Rd, Castine, ME 04421
  • Wadsworth Cove Beach offers the perfect diversion from the stresses of life. Enjoy the serene landscape surrounding Castine’s peninsula, such as the beautiful farmland nearby and Maine’s famous rocky coast. Wadsworth Cove Beach is the quintessential New England beach.

Western Maine

• Acadian Seaplanes LLC 2640 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970 | (207) 864–5307
  • Specializing in convenient seaplanes to various locations, air taxis, air tours, and more.
• Androscoggin River Jay, ME 04239
  • The Androscoggin River is a popular spot for fishing and paddling in the summer months and passes through Jay.
• Angel Falls Bemis Rd, Township D, ME 04275
  • Angel Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state and is no slouch in the beauty department; the waterfall forms the shape of an angel’s wings during high water! After a short 1-mile hike, accompanied by multiple stream crossings, you’ll come across Angel Falls.
• Attean Lake Jackman, ME 04945 | (207) 668-3792
  • Great location for fishing, swimming, and boating. Also located on the lake are lodgings and dining locations.
• Bemis Mountain Rangeley, ME 04970
  • Also, part of the Appalachian Trail, just southwest of Rangeley, is known for having spruce grouse, boreal chickadee, gray jay, and other northern species of birds to watch.
• Bethel Outdoor Adventures Campground 121 Mayville Road, Bethel, ME 04217
  • Campground on a river with activities including canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, fishing, hiking, and more in one of Maine’s most beautiful locations. Seasonal!
• Bigelow Preserve W Flagstaff Rd, Stratton, ME 04982 | (207) 287-3200
  • Swimming, fishing, camping, and of course, hiking! These are all things you can do at Bigelow Preserve! The preserve encompasses the entire Bigelow Range, which includes seven summits and Flagstaff Lake. West Peak, the highest summit, is 4,10 feet and is one of only ten Maine summits over 4,000 in elevation.
• Big Wood Lake Jackman, ME 04945 | (207) 668-4171
  • A great place for seeing ducks. There is also an eagle’s nest resting in a large tree at the end of the lake near Wood Stream, and it will show the baby eagles taking their first flights from mid-June to early August.
• The Bow Trip Jackman, ME 04945
  • Outstanding canoe trip through Holeb and Attean Ponds.
• Burnt Meadow Pond Brownfield, ME 04010
  • This lovely pond has two public access points – a boat launch on the south side, off Spring Street, and a public beach on the north side, off of Swan Road.
• Carrabassett Valley Town Pool 1001 Carriage Rd, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 | (207) 235-2233
  • Carrabassett Valley’s Town Pool is only a $5 admission fee, even for non-residents! Seasonal!
• Cascade Stream Gorge Trail Townhall Rd, Sandy River Plt, ME 04970
  • This easy, 1-mile loop offers beautiful views of a series of waterfalls along Cascade Stream and includes a nice picnic area.
• Cathedral Pines 945 The Arnold Trail, Eustis, ME 04936 | (207) 246-3491
  • A campground with a free public beach and dock for swimming.
• Chain of Ponds Carrabassett Valley, Eustis, ME 04947
  • As the name implies, this is a lovely series of ponds great for kayaking/canoeing/fishing.
• Chesterville Wildlife Management Area Chesterville, ME 04938
  • This beautiful tract of preserved land, accessible from the center of Chesterville, is a great location for some wilderness paddling, fishing, and waterfowl hunting.
• Clearwater Lake Industry Rd, Industry, ME 04938
  • This beautiful lake is a great location for boating, paddling, and fishing in the summer months. Boat access is available from Industry Road, and a public beach is nearby in New Vineyard.
• Cold Stream Falls Mountain Brook Rd, Northeast Somerset, ME
  • Cold Stream Falls, near West Forks, is a beautiful waterfall at the end of a 1.2-mile-long trail along the stream. In December 2020, the falls gained some attention when local hikers noticed water bubbling up through ice along the stream, forming several vertical tubes and making for a unique site. Read more about these unique ice tubes from the Bangor Daily News article.
• Coos Canyon 472 Swift River Rd, Byron, ME 04275 | (207) 364-3880
  • While this is a little out of the way, Coos Canyon is worth the hour’s drive. This hidden gem has beautiful falls, swimming spots, and gold panning opportunities.
• Crabapple White Water 3 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985 | (800) 553-7238
  • Offering whitewater rafting adventures in Maine on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers since 1983! They also have riverside lodging, a pub and restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
• Dead River 2502 Rte 201, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 663-4466
  • Limited release river, meant for more experienced rafters.
• Dead River Expeditions 2502 US Route 201, The Forks, ME 04985
  • Whitewater rafting on the Dead and Kennebec rivers is great for families and groups. Other activities include kayaking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and more.
• Denmark Town Beach 101 Denmark Rd, Denmark, ME 04022
  • Located at the southern end of Moose Pond near central Denmark, this public beach is well-maintained and open all day during the summer.
• Dummer’s Beach 9 Dummer’s Beach Rd, Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 585-2200
  • Dummer’s Beach is located along Webb Lake with campsites available and also located near Mount Blue State Park and Tumbledown Public Lands. Visit the Hatchery for kayak and paddleboard rentals!
• Dunn Falls North Oxford, ME 04261
  • Scenic hike with views of the Upper and Lower Dunn Falls, pools, and a loop hike along the Appalachian Trail.
• Ellis Pond Public Beach Main St, Roxbury, ME 04275
  • This fabulous public beach, providing access to the gorgeous Ellis Pond, is maintained by the town and residents of Roxbury.
• Flagstaff Lake Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 | (207) 265-2400
  • Man-made lake that is great for fishing, camping, scenic viewing, and more. Underneath the lake is the old Flagstaff Village, flooded in the mid-1900s by CMP building a hydroelectric dam, forcing everyone to move. On some days, the remains of the town can be seen through the water, and there are boat tours for those interested in exploring the lake. Read more about the history of Flagstaff Lake here.

    

• Four Ponds Public Reserve Land ME-17 in Township D or Rte 4 in Sandy River, ME
  • This 6,000-acre expanse of public land has a lot to offer! The Appalachian Trail winds through the property, passing the beautiful Sabbath Day Pond and its lean-to, as well as the Little Swift River Pond and its primitive campsite. This is a great destination for hiking a section of the Trail, swimming, and snowmobiling in the wintertime.
• Frenchman’s Hole Bull Branch Rd, Newry, ME 04261
  • Popular local waterfall with a swimming hole and some nearby trails.
• Greater Lovell Land Trust Trails Lovell, ME, 04051 | (207) 925-1056
  • The Greater Lovell Land Trust maintains public hiking trail networks across the town, offering a wide variety of trail lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery, from lakeside to mountaintop!
• Greenwood Town Beach 424 Greenwood Rd, Greenwood, ME 04255
  • Greenwood’s nicely maintained public beach on South Pond is a great place to get into the water and have a picnic!
• Holeb Pond Attean Twp, Holeb Twp, Somerset, ME | (207) 778-8231
  • This pond has recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. It also has a great three-day canoe trip.
• Honey Run Beach & Campgrounds 456 E Shore Rd, Peru, ME 04290 | (207) 562-4913
  • This expansive campground along Worthley Pond offers tent and RV sites, cabins, activities and games, and boat rentals.
• Kennebec River Old Canada Rd Scenic Byway, 1771 Rte 201, The Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 663-4466
  • Maine’s most popular white water rafting trip, great for beginners and experts.
• Kezar Falls Gorge 5 Kezars Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
  • This unique swimming hole is a little hard to find but well worth the effort for those up for an adventure!
• Kezar Lake Marina 219 West Lovell Rd, Lovell, ME 04051 | (207) 925-3000
  • Offering water access, boat rentals and service, and a store and a delicious restaurant, this marina will help you access the beautiful Kezar Lake!
• Lake Pennesseewassee Park Rte 118, Norway, ME 04286
  • This public park, maintained by the Town of Norway, offers a beach and boat launch, volleyball and basketball courts, and a great playground and picnic area right alongside Lake Pennesseewassee!
• Lakeside Park Main St Rangeley, ME 04970
  • Located on Route 4, this park has a sandy beach, dock, slide, lifeguards, boat launch, and swings.
• Little Big Wood Pond Dennistown Plt, Attean Twp, Somerset, ME  | (207) 783-7733
  • Great spot for fishing and viewing wildlife.
• Littlefield Beaches Campground 13 Littlefield Ln, Greenwood, ME 04255 | (207) 875-3290
  • This lovely campsite offers tent and RV sites, cabin and RV rentals, a general store, a variety of onsite games and activities, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards!
• Long Pond Jackman, Long Pond Twp, Somerset, ME | (207) 668-4872
  • Great spot for fishing, canoeing, and more.
• Maine Huts & Trails Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947| (207) 265-2400
  • There is so much to explore and activities take part in, such as paddling, swimming, and fishing!
• Maine Moose Watching 155 Greenville Rd, Shirley Mills, ME 04485 | (207) 695-0151
  • Even in western Maine (where moose can outnumber people!), you need a little help finding the elusive Maine moose. The Northeast Whitewater has moose-watching tours, private moose safaris, and photography tours.
• Maine Scenic Byway Old Canada Rd, Rte 201 (through Kennebec and Moose River Valley) | (207) 672-3971
  • This 78-mile road is a great scenic trip traveling through various towns, including Jackman. It is great for viewing scenery and wildlife, camping, hiking, fishing, and more.
• Mt. Blue State Park Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 585-2347
  • Open year-round, Mt. Blue State Park is a beautiful attraction, including all sorts of outdoor activities like hiking, trail riding, biking, swimming, and picnicking.
• Mount Tire’m Plummer Hill Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
  • This short-and-sweet 1.2-mile hike steeply ascends Mount Tire’m and offers great views of Keuka Lake and the surrounding countryside. There is also a small cave hidden near the summit!
• Moxie Falls 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 624-6077
  • “”Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s highest waterfalls, including a single vertical drop of nearly 90 feet and other plunges and pools. A relatively easy walk of a little under one mile brings visitors to this scenic destination.”
• Northern Forest Canoe Trail Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 | (802) 496-2285
  • 740 miles of marked canoe trails stretching from New York to Fort Kent in Maine.
• Northern Outdoors Rafting 1771 Rte 201, West Forks, ME 04985  | (207) 663-4466
  • Whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and more with a cozy lodge, cabin, or condo, and craft beer from the Kennebec River Brewery.
• Norway Lake Marina 295 Lake Rd, Norway, ME 04268 | (207) 595-2242
  • This marina offers boat and watercraft rentals, cleaning, repairs, and storage, all right on Pennesseewassee Lake.
• Otisfield Beach Beach Rd, Otisfield, ME 04270
  • Beloved by locals, Otisfield’s town beach is well-maintained and features picnic tables and a boat launch on-site.
• Oxford Pismo Beach 74 Pismo Beach Rd, Oxford, ME 04270
  • This lovely public beach is maintained by the town of Oxford and provides a great spot to cool off right in town!
• Penobscot River 135 Basecamp Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462 | (207) 663-4466
  • Goes through the Katadhin wilderness.
•  Phillips Falls 15-39 River Rd, Phillips, ME 04966
  • This series of cascades conveniently located just off Route 4 is a great place to take a break, sit on the rocks, and have a picnic or just enjoy the falls’ beauty.
• Rafting on the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers Jackman, ME 04945
  • White water rafting on three popular rivers.
• Rangeley Lake Rangeley Lake, ME 04970
  • Rangeley Lake offers a large western Maine lake perfect for fishing, boating, water sports, and swimming during the summer and ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling during the winter months.
• Rangeley Lake State Park 1 State Park Rd, Rangeley Plt, ME 04970 | (207) 864-3858
  • Rangeley Lake State Park offers a large campsite, picnic area, playground, as well as beach and boat access to the stunning Rangeley Lake. This is a beloved destination all year round and a great base for exploring all the Rangeley area has to offer.
• Rattlesnake Flume & Pool Shell Pond Rd, Stow, ME 04037
  • This crystal-clear, icy-cold swimming hole and beautiful flume are accessible by a 2.1 mile round-trip hike from the popular Stone House Trail.
• Robinson Marina 293 King St, Oxford, ME 04270 | (207) 784-5438
  • Offering seasonal boat slips, storage, and gas for land and water vehicles on beautiful Thompson Lake.
• Rumford Falls Bridge Street, Rumford, ME 04276
  • Easy loop trail with views of the falls, the Old Rumford Dam, and the Androscoggin River.
• Saco River 20 Main St, Hiram, ME 04041
  • The Saco River winds its way across Hiram, and is a great location for canoes, kayaks, fishing, and swimming. There is a small boat launch and swimming area close to the intersection of Routes 113 and 117 in East Hiram.
• Saco River Canoe & Kayak 1009 Main St, Fryeburg, ME 04037 | (207) 935-2369
  • Local business offering kayak, canoe, and tube rentals for trips on the Saco River. They manage trips on different portions of the river with different lengths, so they have something for everyone!
• Saddleback Mountain Rangeley, ME 04970
  • Part of the Appalachian Trail, just east of Rangeley is known for having many warblers, black-backed woodpeckers, gray-cheeked thrush, and other northern species of birds to watch.
• Sally Mountain Trail Attean Rd, Jackman, ME 04945
  • 4.8-mile trail of moderate difficulty with seasonal blueberry picking available.
• Sand Pond Public Beach Sand Pond Rd, Chesterville, ME 04938
  • This small sandy beach with a nice dock provides access to the lovely Sand Pond!
• Sandy River Rte 145, Strong, ME 04983
  • The stretch of the Sandy River from Phillips to Farmington, passing through Strong, is excellent for canoe trips, providing scenic views and a mix of calm and moderately swift water. Parking and river access from the south side of the Route 145 bridge.
• Sarampus Falls Rte 27, North Franklin, ME 04936
  • This lovely roadside waterfall offers a nice, kid-friendly swimming hole, picnic and grilling area, and public restrooms.
• Screw Auger Falls Rte 26, Grafton Notch State Park, Newry, ME 04261
  • One of Maine’s most popular waterfalls. There is a relatively short trail to the waterfall, which is a beautiful 25-foot plunge into the Bear River that goes into more shallow pools. Past this, also in Grafton Notch, is the smaller Mother Walker Falls.
• Smalls Falls Main St, East Central Franklin, ME 04970
  • This excellent rest stop offers a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole, great picnic spots, and a nice walking trail.
• Step Falls Newry, ME 04261
  • “Spectacular long chain of descending horsetails and cascades… Wight Brook, a wide mountain stream, meanders its way down several hundred feet of sunny granite slabs.” One thing to keep in mind is that during the spring it is filled with water but later in the summer it mostly dries up.
• Strong Beach Westshore Ln, Strong, ME 04983
  • This public beach and boat launch provides access to the beautiful Porter Lake, popular for swimming and fishing in the summer.
• Swan’s Falls Campground & Canoe Access 198 Swan’s Falls Rd, Fryeburg, ME 04037 | (207) 935-3395
  • Swan’s Falls includes a small campground run by the Saco River Recreational Council and a public river access for putting in canoes, kayaks, and tubes.
• Three Rivers Rafting 2265 Rte 201, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 663-2104
  • Featuring a variety of exciting rafting adventures, accommodating lodging options, excellent fining services, and rentals.
• Tumbledown Public Lands Weld to Byron Rd, Weld, ME 04285
  • The Tumbledown Brook Trail located in the Tumbledown Public Lands is a 4.7-mile long, moderately difficult trail featuring a beautiful lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail as long as they are kept on a leash.
• Westons Beach River St, Fryeburg, ME 04037
  • This public beach stretches down a long, sandy bank of the Saco River, with plenty of space for everyone. It is also a popular starting/ending point for tubing on the river.

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