Many Mainers know that, on hot summer weekends, the parking lots fill up quickly at two of the midcoast’s most famous swimming destinations: Popham Beach and Reid State Park.
But with summer in full swing, the region has plenty of other natural swimming areas beyond those two sandy beaches, and most of them are more under the radar.
We did some research to find a few alternative places to take a dip in the midcoast, including beaches along the shore and inland swimming holes. In a couple cases, some hiking is required to reach them.
Mitchell Field, Harpswell
Down the neck of one of Harpswell’s peninsulas is Mitchell Field, an open space that was once a U.S. Navy fuel depot property. At the end of the road is a small beach, hidden away in a cove that keeps the waves mild. There are some binocular-style viewers that you can use to look out over the ocean. On clear days, you can see Mt. Washington 80 miles to the west.
Clark Island Preserve, St. George
If you’re a fan of cliff jumping, this is the place. A short hike away from the Craignair Inn by the Sea is a decommissioned rock quarry filled with saltwater. The quarry was mined for granite starting in the 1830s, but operations wound down after World War II as steel and concrete replaced stone as building materials. Lounge under shady trees, and if you’re brave, plunge off the rocks into the quarry below. Parking is limited, so prepare to walk to the island from overflow parking on crowded days.
Center Point Preserve, Bowdoinham
Nestled off a dirt road in Bowdoinham is the small parking lot for Center Point Preserve, protected by the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust. A 1.5-mile walk next to an old stone wall from the parking lot leads to a beautiful rocky point that juts into the Androscoggin River, and right next to it, a small cove that’s perfect to cool off in.
The swimming hole at Bristol Mills, Bristol
On the road to Pemaquid Point, the location of one of Maine’s most famous lighthouses, is locals’ favorite place to cool off. The water is fresh and warmer than the ocean, and some ducks may even join in the swim. There are a few parking spots on the side of the road, and the town advises swimmers to not jump off the bridge into the water.
Booth’s Quarry, Vinalhaven
Booth’s Quarry is another former granite quarry turned swimming spot. There are flat rocks to lay down and rest on, and the spring water tends to be cool. Like Clark Island, it’s a popular spot for cliff jumpers, but do so at your own risk. It’s one of two swimming quarries on the island, with Lawson’s Quarry down the road.
Birch Point Beach/State Park, Owls Head
A short walk from the parking lot in Birch Point State Park leads to a crescent-shaped, sandy beach that’s protected from larger waves. It’s a perfect picnic area too, with tables and grills closer to the forest. At low tide, the rocky outcroppings on either side reveal tide pools.
Peters Pond Preserve, Waldoboro
This is another area that requires some light hiking to reach. The trail system, protected by the Midcoast Conservancy, leads through marshes and red pines to reach the pond, which is bordered by steep granite cliffs. At low tide, an old stone bridge leads across the marsh, but at high tide, hikers must take a route around the marsh to reach the pond.
Lake St. George State Park, Liberty
This lake and state park are located in the town of Liberty, 16 miles west of Belfast. In addition to swimming, visitors can rent canoes, paddleboats and kayaks to explore the lake. The park also has a campground where visitors can spend a weekend on the water.
Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake, Camden
For beautiful views of Camden Hills, this favorite of locals is a freshwater beach. On the shore, there are picnic tables, grills and a playground. Visitors can put their boat in at a launch, or relax in the swimming area and take a jump off the diving platform. Sheer cliffs rising up on the sides of the lake complete the scene.
