Fort Popham is a coastal fort that was used during the Civil War, and is currently open seasonally as a tourist attraction. You are allowed to explore the fort on your own, and it has some interesting architecture. It would be fun for kids as it isn’t really a museum, but more like a castle you […]
Monhegan Island is famous for its beauty, and it is a popular destination for artists. To get to the island most people take the mailboat, which departs from Port Clyde. The beach where people swim is a little cove close to the arrivals dock. Coming from the dock, walk straight up Wharf Hill Road to […]
This is a decent sized beach, but provides only a small swimming area (which they are strict about). When we were there, only one lifeguard was on duty, so they cut the already small swimming area down to half. The water was clean and clear and there are some nice views from the beach.
This isn’t a swimming location, but the falls are gorgeous. The water is very clear and refreshing, and on a hot day the bottom of the falls will be cool since it’s surrounded by high cliffs trapping the cold mist. We found this location online, and we didn’t see any signs prohibiting access, but we […]
This is an unusual entry, as it is a private campground, but they do allow you to purchase a day pass to explore their waterfall trail, and they don’t prohibit swimming in the falls. The entire trail is basically a creek walk through the falls, so this hike is moderate for adults, but slippery and […]
This is a gorgeous park with a series of waterfalls and creeks to explore. There is an official swimming area where they have dammed off a part of the river. The walk along the falls is easy, and very picturesque, with stone bridges and staircases. http://nysparks.com/parks/118/details.aspx
This is a lovely beach with a hilly approach and expansive view. There were no lifeguards or buoys when we were there, but swimming is allowed according to their website, and there is a sign saying no swimming when lifeguards are off duty. http://nysparks.com/parks/129/amenities-activities.aspx
There is a small parking area with picnic tables, and a little bridge that you take over the river to follow the path to the fall. You can also go through the creek, as you’ll have to eventually any way. Upstream from the bridge there is a little pool that small children could play in […]
This park has very pretty facilities, and they host weddings and other events. There is a large swim area with multiple lifeguards, and a large beach. The water is turquoise in color, and seems very clear and clean. http://nysparks.com/parks/56/details.aspx
If you scuba dive, there are a number of shipwrecks to explore in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. http://www.seawaytrail.com/dive/