Waterfront: Beaches, Swimming, Boating, & Fishing

Maine is unique in its phenomenal coastline and abundance of beautiful, clean lakes, rivers, and, of course, the beautiful ocean! Have fun boating, swimming, fishing, and any other way to play in the water, or even just a walk along the beach. Take a look at the beautiful, little-known places to do this!

This page probably represents only a few across the state, but you can find a few more paddling places on the .

Here is a tracker of the tides:

Aroostook County

  • Presque Isle, ME 04769
    • Man-made lake great for trout fishing and small craft boating. There is also a nice picnic area.
  • 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.
  • Caribou, ME 04736
    • Location with plenty of shoreline opportunities, trout fishing, and canoeing.
  • 87 State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769
    • Great for great camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
  • Old Patten Rd, Island Falls, ME 04747
    • Check out this beautiful area!
  • 3 Water St, Caribou, ME 04736
    • Built by the Army Corps of Engineers, the dam holds back Collins Pond.
  • 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!
  • Eagle Lake, ME 04739 | (207) 435-7963
    • Great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing for salmon and trout!
  • 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, 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.”
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 18 Community Center Dr, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 | (207) 472-3883
    • The pool is open during the summer, accessible to all residents, and has lessons and a swim team.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Caribou, ME 04736
    • Great fishing spot just outside of town.
  • 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.
  • Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
    • Olof Nylander discovered this lake in 1925 as a lime deposit.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 88 Old Main St, Eagle Lake, ME 04739 | (207) 444-7529
    • Boat and e-bike rentals!
  • Rd, Portage Lake, ME 04768
    • Popular public beach located near the center of town.
  • ,North Maine Woods, and St. John Valley
    • Good spot for fishing and canoeing.
  • 88 Lake Rd, Limestone, ME 04750
    • Wonderful little beach with a park area and playground, where all the locals hang out in the summer!
  • Rock Crusher Rd, Island Falls, ME 04747
    • “The falls reflect the Native American heritage of the region, situated near areas where Wolastoqiyik communities maintained connections to water resources.”

DownEast Maine

  • 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 fishing.
  • 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.
  • Carters Beach Rd, Hancock, ME 04640
    • Beautiful paved walkway containing spots great for bird-watching!
  • 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.
  • 117 Kelley Point Rd, Jonesport, ME 04649 | (207) 598-7473
    • Tour cruises provided through two boats, great views of the local wildlife and ecosystem!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 31 Johnson St, Lubec, ME 04652 | (207) 733-2009
    • Whale-watching tours where you can explore the Cobscook, Fundy, and Passamaquoddy Bays.
  • 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!”
  • 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.
  • 104 Water St, Eastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-2500
    • Go on one of their cruises to see whales, seals, eagles, and more.
  • 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.
  • East Machias, ME 04630
    • A classic lake with prestige views, incredible fishing, and access to docks and shore.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Machiasport, ME 04655
    • Also known as the “,” 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, 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.
  • 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.
  • Princeton, ME 04668
    • This is a beautiful lake where people can fish and swim.
  • 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.”
  • 58 Point Rd, Hancock, ME 04640 | (207) 266-4449
    • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife that Maine has to offer!
  • 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.”
  • 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.
  • 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 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

  • 2640 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970 | (207) 864–5307
    • Specializing in convenient seaplanes to various locations, air taxis, air tours, and more.
  • 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.
  • Jackman, ME 04945 | (207) 668-3792
    • Great location for fishing, swimming, and boating. Also located on the lake are lodgings and dining locations.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • Jackman, ME 04945
    • Outstanding canoe trip through Holeb and Attean Ponds.
  • 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 Swan Road.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 945 The Arnold Trail, Eustis, ME 04936 | (207) 246-3491
    • A campground with a free public beach and dock for swimming.
  • Carrabassett Valley, Eustis, ME 04947
    • As the name implies, this is a lovely series of ponds, great for kayaking/canoeing/fishing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 2502 Rte 201, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 663-4466
    • Limited release river, meant for more experienced rafters.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 for kayak and paddleboard rentals!
  • North Oxford, ME 04261
    • Scenic hike with views of the Upper and Lower Dunn Falls, pools, and a loop hike along the Appalachian Trail.
  • 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.
  • Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 | (207) 265-2400
    • This 27-mile lake, located in the Bigelow Preserve, 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 .
      Serenity on Flagstaff Lake
      Serenity on Flagstaff Lake
  • 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.
  • Bull Branch Rd, Newry, ME 04261
    • Popular local waterfall with a swimming hole and some nearby 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!
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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!
  • 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!
  • Main St Rangeley, ME 04970
    • Located on Route 4, this park has a sandy beach, dock, slide, lifeguards, boat launch, and swings.
  • ,Dennistown Plt, Attean Twp, Somerset, ME | (207) 783-7733
    • Great spot for fishing and viewing wildlife.
  • 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!
  • Jackman, Long Pond Twp, Somerset, ME | (207) 668-4872
    • Great spot for fishing, canoeing, and more.
  • Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947| (207) 265-2400
    • There is so much to explore and activities take part in, such as paddling, swimming, and fishing!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.”
  • Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 | (802) 496-2285
    • 740 miles of marked canoe trails stretching from New York to Fort Kent in Maine.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 135 Basecamp Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462 | (207) 663-4466
    • Goes through the Katadhin wilderness.
  • 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.
  • Jackman, ME 04945
    • White water rafting on three popular rivers.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bridge Street, Rumford, ME 04276
    • Easy loop trail with views of the falls, the Old Rumford Dam, and the Androscoggin River.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • Attean Rd, Jackman, ME 04945
    • Reaching the base of Sally Mountain involves canoeing or kayaking across Attean Pond to the trail. 4.8-mile trail of moderate difficulty with seasonal blueberry picking available.
  • Sand Pond Rd, Chesterville, ME 04938
    • This small sandy beach with a nice dock provides access to the lovely Sand Pond!
  • 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.
  • Rte 27, North Franklin, ME 04936
    • This lovely roadside waterfall offers a nice, kid-friendly swimming hole, picnic and grilling area, and public restrooms.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 2265 Rte 201, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 663-2104
    • Featuring a variety of exciting rafting adventures, accommodating lodging options, excellent fine dining services, and rentals.
  • , Weld, ME 04285
    • Swimming is a popular activity at Webb Lake in Weld, Maine. It’s a great spot for swimming, with a sandy beach and clear, cold water, especially within Mount Blue State Park. The park also offers a picnic area and a nearby campground. Boating and fishing are also popular.
  • 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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Kayaker on Aroostook river