9 midcoast swimming spots the place you may cool off this summer time 

This story was initially revealed in August 2024.

Many Mainers know that, on sizzling summer time weekends, the parking tons refill shortly at two of the midcoast’s most well-known swimming locations: Popham Beach and Reid State Park.

But with summer time in full swing, the area has loads of different pure swimming areas past these two sandy seashores, and most of them are extra beneath the radar.

We did some analysis to seek out a number of various locations to take a dip within the midcoast, together with seashores alongside the shore and inland swimming holes. In a pair instances, some climbing is required to achieve them.

Mitchell Field, Harpswell

Down the neck of one in every of Harpswell’s peninsulas is Mitchell Field, an open house that was once a U.S. Navy fuel depot property. At the tip of the highway is a small seaside, hidden away in a cove that retains the waves delicate. There are some binocular-style viewers that you should use to look out over the ocean. On clear days, you may see Mt. Washington 80 miles to the west.

Clark Island Preserve, St. George

If you’re a fan of cliff leaping, that is the place. A brief hike away from the Craignair Inn by the Sea is a decommissioned rock quarry crammed with saltwater. The quarry was mined for granite starting in the 1830s, however operations wound down after World War II as metal and concrete changed stone as constructing supplies. Lounge beneath shady bushes, and in the event you’re courageous, plunge off the rocks into the quarry under. Parking is restricted, so put together to stroll to the island from overflow parking on crowded days.

Center Point Preserve, Bowdoinham

Nestled off a dust highway in Bowdoinham is the small parking zone for Center Point Preserve, protected by the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust. A 1.5-mile stroll subsequent to an previous stone wall from the parking zone results in a wonderful rocky level that juts into the Androscoggin River, and proper subsequent to it, a small cove that’s good to chill off in.

The swimming gap at Bristol Mills, Bristol

On the highway to Pemaquid Point, the placement of one in every of Maine’s most well-known lighthouses, is locals’ favourite place to chill off. The water is recent and hotter than the ocean, and a few geese could even be part of within the swim. There are a number of parking spots on the facet of the highway, and the city advises swimmers to not bounce off the bridge into the water.

Booth’s Quarry, Vinalhaven

Booth’s Quarry is one other former granite quarry turned swimming spot. There are flat rocks to put down and relaxation on, and the spring water tends to be cool. Like Clark Island, it’s a preferred spot for cliff jumpers, however achieve this at your individual threat. It’s one of two swimming quarries on the island, with Lawson’s Quarry down the highway.

Birch Point Beach/State Park, Owls Head

A brief stroll from the parking zone in Birch Point State Park results in a crescent-shaped, sandy seaside that’s protected against bigger waves. It’s an ideal picnic space too, with tables and grills nearer to the forest. At low tide, the rocky outcroppings on both facet reveal tide swimming pools.

Peters Pond Preserve, Waldoboro

This is one other space that requires some gentle climbing to achieve. The path system, protected by the Midcoast Conservancy, leads via marshes and purple pines to achieve the pond, which is bordered by steep granite cliffs. At low tide, an previous stone bridge leads throughout the marsh, however at excessive tide, hikers should take a route across the marsh to achieve the pond.

Lake St. George State Park, Liberty

This lake and state park are positioned within the city of Liberty, 16 miles west of Belfast. In addition to swimming, guests can lease canoes, paddleboats and kayaks to discover the lake. The park additionally has a campground the place guests can spend a weekend on the water.

Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake, Camden

For lovely views of Camden Hills, this favorite of locals is a freshwater seaside. On the shore, there are picnic tables, grills and a playground. Visitors can put their boat in at a launch, or loosen up within the swimming space and take a bounce off the diving platform. Sheer cliffs rising up on the edges of the lake full the scene.