(L to R: Lakeside Park; Mt. Blue St. Park; Cathedral Pines Campground)

LAKESIDE PARK: Located on Main Street (Route 4) in Rangeley, this park is free and features a sandy beach, dock with a slide, lifeguards (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permiting during the summer months), boat launch area, swings, covered picnic tables a changing/restroom building and a large, newly landscaped lawn area. For more information, call the Director of Parks and Recreation at 207-864-3326.

RANGELEY LAKE STATE PARK: A small day-use fee is charged at the state park, where visitors can enjoy a sandy swim area, children's play area, picnic tables and short trails hugging the shore. Lifeguards are provided, and restrooms are available. No dogs are allowed in the beach area.

CLEARWATER LAKE: Located in Industry on Route 43, this clear, clean lake features a soft, sandy bottom and beautiful views.

DUMMER'S BEACH: This beautiful sandy beach with shallow water is perfect for children. A campground and playground is also on the premises. There is a fee for swimming. Follow Route 156 to Weld, turn left in the village, and follow the signs to the beach.

HERMAN'S POND: Located off Route 142, at the bottom of the Baker Hill Road in the town of Salem. Follow the road next to the cemetery for a half mile, and you'll see the pond on the right. The pond offers a small dock and a wonderful view of Mt. Abraham.

MT. BLUE STATE PARK: Wide areas of shallow water and well marked swimming areas make this a great spot for children. A lifeguard is on duty during the height of the summer season. The park also offers a nice sandy beach, lawn area with picnic tables and canoe rentals. Small entrance fee charged. Located off Route 156 in the Weld area. Follow the signs to the Park.

PORTER LAKE: Strong Public Beach is a sandy beach with two docks (one with a high diving board), boat launching ramp, picnic tables and grills. Follow Route 234 out of Strong towards New Vineyard, then make a left turn one house after Northwood Crafts. Look for the Beach Road sign, 1/2 mile on the right.

SANDY RIVER: Located near the University of Maine athletic fields in Farmington on Front Street are several sandy swimming beaches, along with some picnic areas.

WILSON LAKE: Located in the town of Wilton off the High Street entrance, Kineowatha Park offers swimming with some small beaches located along some of the hiking trails. Visitors can also use the picnic and barbeque areas. A lodge on the premises offers food, drinks and indoor games.

WOOLEN MILL SWIM HOLE: Located off Route 142 between Phillips and Salem. Going towards Salem, cross the bridge and park on the right hand side of the road. There is a footpath leading down to the water. A rocky shoreline offers lots of nice spots from which to jump into the water.

CARRABASSETT RIVER: The river along Route 27 (Stratton to New Portland) offers many pools where you can take a cool dip on a hot day. One of the more popular spots is located by the historic 145 year-old wire suspension bridge. This area offers a sandy beach, grills and picnic tables. Take Route 146 off Route 27 in New Portland. follow this road until it turns left onto a dirt road, then bear right to the bridge.

Another popular spot is located by the Carrabassett Valley's Riverside Park off Route 27. This spot features a natural water slide, small beach area, and lots of good wading spots. The maximum water depths are three to four feet. The bottom is somewhat rocky, so it is recommended that one wear water shoes when in this area.

Several other spots along the Carrabassett are also worth checking out. They include Spring Farm, The Ledges and "White Railing". Spring Farm is the largest and deepest swimming hole in the area. Even during long periods of dry weather, this spot is at least seven to eight feet deep, and is safe for diving. There is also a shallow end for wading. Spring Farm is located just one-half mile south of Valley Crossing on Route 27. The path leading from the "Spring Farm" sign to the swimming hole can be seen from the road.

The Ledges, an area with deep water and climbing ledges, is located in the Kingfield area, 1.5 miles south of Ayotte's Store on Route 27. A short hiking path through the woods leads to this swimming hole and is located on the left hand side of the road. (The river cannot be seen from the road.)

Located on the west branch of the Carrabassett River, yet another popular swimming hole called "White Railing". It can be reached by traveling Route 142, 1.5 miles from the center of Kingfield. Look for the area where the river and road meet and you will see this 10' deep swimming hole, surrounded by a number of shallow spots. A beach is located across the river, but be careful when wading as the current can be fast after a heavy rainfall. Another west branch spot, the "Girl's Swimming Hole" is located behind Winter's Mill in Kingfield.

CATHEDRAL PINES CAMPGROUND: The best swimming in the Flagstaff Lake area is the Cathedral Pines Campground's public beach with a sandy beach, dock, changing rooms and a playground for the children. Please be careful as there are no lifeguards on duty. No fee charged. Located approx. 4 miles north of Stratton on Route 27.

CHAIN OF PONDS: Approximately 15 miles north of Eustis on Route 27 there are a couple of spots near the State Campground where you can swim.

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