6 Maine summer time hikes the place you’ll be able to go swimming
This story was initially printed in July 2022.
If you happen to’ve ever been climbing on a scorching summer time day and needed to leap within the water to chill off, we now have nice information.
There are quite a few Maine climbing trails that both result in or previous swimming holes which might be sure to be extra stunning and fewer crowded than a lot of the public seashores.
Listed here are a few of our favourite choices.
Schoodic Mountain close to Sullivan
Technically, you don’t even have to do any climbing to get to Schoodic Seashore. It’s merely a brief stroll from the trailhead to the seaside. However if you happen to’re up for a little bit of a problem, take the reasonable 2.8-mile loop that begins on the Schoodic Mountain Path close to the outhouse. You’ll end on the gorgeous, sandy shore of Donnell Pond, a location often called Schoodic Seashore.
Tumbledown Mountain in Weld
Tumbledown is a difficult-moderate hike, however the simplest way up is the 1.8-mile lengthy Brook Path that leads from the Brook Trailhead to Tumbledown Pond, close to the east peak of the mountain. The problem of this path lies in crossing streams and brooks a number of instances, in addition to the rocky footing of the broader portion of the path close to the underside of the mountain.
Gulf Hagas close to Brownville
Generally known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine” or the “Grand Canyon of the East.” To go to the numerous waterfalls and swimming holes of Gulf Hagas, hikers should hike into the Rim Path, which travels over tough, rocky terrain alongside the sting of the river to many viewpoints. The Rim Path is 3 miles lengthy and visits (from east to west) Screw Auger Falls, Decrease Falls, Hammond Road Pitch, The Jaws, Buttermilk Falls, Stair Falls, Billings Falls and the Head of the Gulf.
Shore Path close to Flagstaff Lake
This can be a nice choice if you happen to’re seeking to exert minimal effort. The 1.8-mile Shore Path is pretty slender with no large adjustments in elevation, and following it would deliver you alongside the sting of the lake to Flagstaff Lake Hut, which is about again from the lake within the woods simply far sufficient to not be seen from the water. Earlier than reaching Flagstaff Lake Hut, the Shore Path involves a facet path that results in a vista on a degree — a pleasant place to observe the sundown or go swimming. As a bonus, the water of the Flagstaff Lake warms up shortly in the summertime as a result of the lake is comparatively shallow, and in lots of locations, the underside is sandy, making it a superb lake for swimming.
Morse Mountain and Seawall Seashore in Phippsburg
In Phippsburg you’ll be able to truly hike up and over a mountain, and are available out on a ravishing sandy seaside on the opposite facet. The stroll is about 2 miles, a technique, and travels to the summit of Morse Mountain — slightly below 180 ft above sea degree — then all the way down to Seawall Seashore. All the stroll is on an previous highway. If you happen to’re searching for a extra distant seaside expertise, this can be for you. There aren’t any canines, balls, frisbees, seaside umbrellas, radios or fires permitted. And there aren’t any bogs, both.
Tunk Mountain close to Franklin
The 1.8-mile Tunk Mountain Path is brief however efficient and options a number of steep sections, together with a spot the place hikers should climb up utilizing three iron rungs embedded into the rock. Spurring off this path, the simple 1-mile Hidden Ponds Path visits two distant ponds — Salmon and Little Lengthy Pond — on the base of the mountain. It’s a fantastic choice for these searching for a much less strenuous hike.
