DIRECTIONS

All directions are from Rumford:



SWIFT RIVER FALLS [SWIF]: Also known as Three Pools, this large swimming hole is at base of small falls in the Swift River. Can be crowded. The former parking area has been closed off by the landowner who became weary of picking up trash. He lives in the house adjacent to the parking area, and keeps a close eye on the property. To access the falls, park along the road and walk to the river side near the house. follow the path along the river to the ledge. LAT, LON lat=44.6422, lon=-70.5881 (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Exact) To get there: From Rumford, go northwest on RT 17 for about 8 miles (past Frye, before Roxbury.) Very Confident. Not verified. Updated 3/16/2003 Link to Google Map.



COOS CANYON [COOS]: A very deep place in the Swift River between cliffs on both sides. It is very difficult to get to the water as there are many smooth and slippery rocks. This IS NOT a place for small children. BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU JUMP HERE. DO NOT DIVE . There is access from the picnic/rest area, which also has ample parking. There is also a nearby campground and a store just across the street where you can get gold-panning equipment (yes, there is gold in the area, but not much) and food (very good hot dogs). LAT, LON lat=44.7211, lon=-70.6286 (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Exact) . To get there: From Rumford, go northwest on RT 17 past Frye, past Roxbury and past "SWIFT RIVER FALLS" (above). Near Byron, on RT 17, park at the Coos Canyon Rest Area on the left and walk to the river. Or, south of the rest area, turn east (right) off RT 17 onto Byron Village Rd. which runs along the river and park along here. Very Confident. Not verified. Updated 3/16/2003 Link to Google Map



ELLIS FALLS [ELLI]: Locally popular swimming place in large pool at bottom of falls in the Ellis River. LAT, LON lat=44.644, lon=-70.706 (Source: Topozone ) (Accuracy: Approximate) To get there: From Rumford, go northwest on RT 17 to Frye then go west on RT 120. A couple of miles before you get to Andover, RT 120 crosses the Ellis River. The falls and swimming hole are here. Pretty Confident. Not verified. Link to Google Map



ANASAGUNTICOOK [ANAS]: Spring fed lake, 3 miles long, 1 mile wide, clean, cool, clear water. Also called "Canton Lake". Southern shore, called "The Beach" is great swimming. To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on RT 108 to Canton. Lake Anasagunticook is on the southern border of Canton. The Beach is on the south shore of the lake. Pretty Confident. Not verified. Be advised that there is a local ordinance restricting use of the beach to residents.



FRENCHMANS HOLE [FREN]: PLEASE TREAT THIS AREA GENTLY This area is now under the Maine Public Reserve Land program, which sets aside parcels of land to be preserved from development. As the name suggests, the land is available for use, but we still ask that you use proper etiquette. Please make an effort to leave no trace of your visit and to remove the traces left by others. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE at this swimming hole and at any others that you may visit. Be brave. Be a leader. Set the example. Fairly secluded spot in the Sunday River where the river coming off the mountain has made an astonishing basin, an outstanding swimming spot. Waterfall with very deep pool, crystal clear water. Upper and lower holes. On skinny dipping: use discretion in upper hole, suits optional in lower pool. LAT, LON lat=44.5119, lon=-70.9194 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact. To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles through Newry to North Bethel. In North Bethel, turn right (northwest) on Sunday River Rd.. Set your odometer and proceed up Sunday River Rd., keeping to the right at any forks. (At about 5.5 miles there is a nice swimming place by the road, called "The S".) To continue to Frenchman's, pass the (historic, picturesque) covered bridge until you come to twin logging bridges. Cross the bridges and take the first right turn. Proceed until you see parking area on your right. To access the lower hole, climb down the ledge and walk downstream. PHOTO1 Very Confident. Verified. Updated 3/13/2004. Link to Google Map



SCREW AUGER FALLS [SCRE]: Not really a swimming area, more of a sit in the pool and splash area. (There is another Screw Auger Falls in Maine, see "GULF HAGAS AREA") Falls are in the Grafton Notch State Park. All facilities at the State Park but apparently no camping. A fee is requested (unattended.) Be very careful near the edge of the gorge. It is especially not advisable to attempt to jump over the gorge, regardless of what superpowers you think you have. A happy reader reports : We've been there. This is a very beautiful area, and lots of fun for kids. No real swimming but you can walk/climb along/through the river, through a "cave" where river flows under overhanging boulders and along ledges, etc. There is also a paved walkway upstream from the falls this is considered handicapped accessible hiking alongside the more level section of the river. LAT, LON lat=44.5711, lon=-70.9064 (Source: Topozone) (Accuracy: Exact). To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles to Newry. In Newry, turn northwest (right) on RT 26. Screw Auger Falls are in Grafton Notch State Park on RT 26. Very Confident. Not verified. Updated 3/16/2003. Link to Google Map. STEP FALLS [STEP]: Just south of Grafton Notch State Park is Step Falls Preserve. None of the pools here are very deep, however, there are plenty of natural waterslides, wide pools for swimming. It is a bit of a hike to get to the better pools it not a good place to bring small children. LAT, LON lat=44.57555, lon=-70.86567 Source: Map Point Accuracy: Exact To get there: From Rumford, go southeast on RT 2 about 16 miles to Newry. In Newry, head north/northwest on RT 26 for approximately 7.5 miles. Step Falls will be on the right just before Grafton Notch State Park. Watch carefully for the sign- it's not very big. Park under the large trees. Additional parking is available in the adjacent field if necessary. It's pretty easy to tell where to park. Very Confident. Not Verified. Updated 02/06/2005 Link to Google Map

