Alton MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Alton, Maine.
1. Pushaw Lake
LAKESIDE RECREATION SPOT
Pushaw Lake offers a classic Maine lakeside experience with sandy beaches and calm waters. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in a peaceful setting surrounded by picturesque forested shoreline. The lake is a popular escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a relaxing day by the water.
2. Old Town Riverfront Park
PENOBSCOT RIVER ACCESS
Old Town Riverfront Park features a scenic stretch along the Penobscot River with grassy lawns and easy water access. The park is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and launching kayaks or canoes. It provides a peaceful riverside setting just minutes from Alton.
3. Sandy Beach on Pushaw Lake
PUBLIC SWIM AND PICNIC
Sandy Beach on Pushaw Lake is a favorite summer destination for locals looking to swim and sunbathe. The beach area is ideal for families, offering picnic tables, gentle water access, and beautiful lake views. It is just a short drive from Alton, making it a convenient lakeside getaway.
4. University of Maine Riverfront Trail
RIVERSIDE WALKING AND FISHING
The University of Maine Riverfront Trail runs along the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers, offering access to several small swimming holes. The trail is popular for walking, biking, and fishing, with scenic river views and wildlife sightings. It provides several tranquil spots to dip into the water or relax on the riverbank.
5. Mattanawcook Pond
SWIMMING AND BOATING LAKE
Mattanawcook Pond is known for its clean water and inviting shoreline, making it a choice spot for swimming and kayaking. Public beach access allows families to enjoy a day in the sun or launch watercraft for exploration. The pond is surrounded by woods, adding to its relaxing, natural atmosphere.
6. Penobscot River Walkway
URBAN WATERFRONT PATH
The Penobscot River Walkway follows the river in downtown Bangor, with spots to sit, fish, or enjoy the water views. The path offers several access points for dipping your toes or launching a kayak. It is an urban escape where visitors can experience riverfront recreation in a city setting.
7. Indian Trail Park
RIVERBANK NATURE TRAILS
Indian Trail Park features miles of walking trails along the Penobscot River, giving visitors access to quiet water views and riverside relaxation. There are several secluded spots ideal for a riverside picnic or cooling off in the river. The park is shaded by mature trees and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
8. Eddington Salmon Pool
RIVERSIDE FISHING AND SWIMMING
The Eddington Salmon Pool is a historic and scenic spot on the Penobscot River, popular for both fishing and casual river swimming. The area is part of Maine's storied salmon fishing tradition, but swimmers also enjoy shallow spots during warm months. Its natural, rocky riverbanks provide a rustic experience close to Alton.
9. Fields Pond Audubon Center
NATURE PRESERVE WITH LAKE
Fields Pond Audubon Center offers a lakeside beach, nature trails, and opportunities to swim or paddle in a serene environment. The preserve is known for its wildlife viewing and birdwatching, complementing the recreational water access. It is a great spot for families and nature lovers to explore lakefront Maine.
10. Penobscot River Trails
WILDERNESS RIVER RECREATION
Penobscot River Trails provides miles of maintained trails along one of Maine's most scenic stretches of river, with designated swimming areas and picnic spots. The area is managed for conservation, recreation, and wildlife observation, drawing hikers, bikers, and paddlers. It's a favorite for those seeking a wilder waterfront escape.