The Dennys River is rich in superlatives. Among all the Downeast salmon rivers that are rated as “outstanding” for their water quality and wildlife values, the Dennys has the richest wildlife, the most diverse riverine and riparian plant communities, and the longest stretch of river without road crossings or camps. Thanks to the efforts of Read More
Swimming
Do you have a favorite summer swimming hole? A place that you like to spend warm summer days in Maine? Here are some great spots to visit for a swim with your family and friends to enjoy Maine's clean, refreshing waters.
Dodge Point
Dodge Point slopes gently down from a 240-foot height of land to the Damariscotta River, where the land drops off precipitously in places–offering views downriver that extend for miles. The property is rich in ecological and historical values as well as scenic beauty. The 508-acre peninsula has old growth trees, several important plant communities, Native Read More
Ducktrap Preserve
The Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program has helped an ambitious effort to protect all the lands bordering the Ducktrap River, buffering critical salmon spawning and rearing habitat in one of the last eight rivers in Maine with runs of native Atlantic salmon. This land protection project has met with remarkable success, thanks to the Read More
Ferry Beach State Park
Ferry Beach State Park, named for the site where passengers were once ferried across the Saco River, offers local residents and visitors sweeping views of white sand beaches between the Saco River and Pine Point. The 117-acre day-use park has picnic tables, guided nature programs, and nature trails (that introduce visitors to the park’s special Read More
Frenchman’s Hole
In hot, summer weather, Bethel and Rumford area residents seek out Frenchman’s Hole to swim in a clear and powerful mountain stream. The only other options for public swimming are at lakes more than 16 miles away that have minimal public access. The unspoiled stretch of stream at Frenchman’s Hole, rushing down through steep terrain Read More
Grand Lake Stream
For many sporting camp owners and business people in the small community of Grand Lake Stream, the swift-moving and beautiful stream just south of town defines their identity and provides their livelihoods. For more than a century people have come from around the world to experience the pools and rips of Grand Lake Stream, ranked Read More
Jacob Buck Pond
With support from the Land for Maine’s Future program and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) acquired an undeveloped parcel bordering Jacob Buck Pond to provide permanent boat access. The new site, on a Great Pond that had no previous public access, provides a launch Read More
Jamies Pond
In the conservation of Jamies Pond, everyone involved came out ahead. The former landowner, the Hallowell Water District, was able to get needed funds to develop a deep well-water source for its customers. By selling its land for less than the appraised value, the District helped make it affordable to those who sought to protect Read More
Lake George Regional Park
In periodic surveys of recreational resources throughout Maine, the Department of Conservation (DOC) repeatedly identified a deficiency in west-central Maine where residents clearly needed more resources for water-based recreation. Seeking to fill this need, the Department searched for12 years before an ideal property came on the market–a former summer camp at the southern end of Read More
