Andover MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Andover, Maine.
1. Ellis Pond
SCENIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
Ellis Pond offers a peaceful lakeside beach experience just a short drive from Andover. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the clear waters surrounded by forested hills. The public beach and boat launch make it a popular spot for summer outings and family gatherings.
2. Richardson Lakes – South Arm Campground
REMOTE WATERFRONT ADVENTURE
Richardson Lakes provide a pristine wilderness setting with sandy beaches perfect for swimming and launching boats. South Arm Campground offers direct access to the lake, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing along the tranquil shoreline. The area is known for its expansive views and peaceful atmosphere.
3. Ellis Falls
WATERFALL SWIMMING HOLE
Ellis Falls is a picturesque series of cascades along the Ellis River in Andover, attracting swimmers and photographers alike. The naturally formed swimming holes provide a refreshing place to cool off during the summer months. Surrounded by lush forest, it's also a tranquil spot for picnics and relaxation.
4. Step Falls Preserve
NATURAL WATER SLIDES
Step Falls Preserve features one of Maine's tallest waterfalls, with a series of natural pools and slides carved into the granite. Families come to climb the rocky cascades and swim in the cool, clear water. The surrounding preserve offers hiking trails and stunning mountain views.
5. Screw Auger Falls
ICONIC RIVER GORGE
Screw Auger Falls, located in Grafton Notch State Park, is a stunning granite gorge on the Bear River with cascading waterfalls and natural swimming holes. Visitors love wading in the pools, exploring the rocks, and enjoying the shaded picnic areas. The site is especially popular during the summer and fall foliage seasons.
6. Lower Dam
HISTORIC LAKEFRONT SITE
Lower Dam is a well-known spot along the Rapid River, where it flows out of Upper Richardson Lake, offering excellent swimming and boating in a classic Maine wilderness setting. The area is famed for its historic sporting camps and fly fishing traditions. Visitors enjoy scenic views, tranquil waters, and a sense of remoteness.
7. Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground
FAMILY LAKESIDE BEACH
Cupsuptic Lake Park features a sandy lakeshore beach perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sun. The campground provides easy access to the water, canoe and kayak rentals, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a favorite summer destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Rangeley Lake State Park
EXPANSIVE WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Rangeley Lake State Park offers a large, sandy beach on the lake, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and launching boats. The park's campsites and picnic areas are shaded by tall pines, and the waters are popular for fishing and paddling. Wildlife sightings and stunning sunsets add to the park's appeal.
9. Kennebunk Beach
CLASSIC OCEANFRONT PLAYGROUND
Kennebunk Beach, also known as Gooch's Beach, is a beloved oceanfront spot on Maine's southern coast. The beach features long stretches of sand, gentle waves, and great swimming conditions, drawing locals and visitors alike. With plenty of space for walking, sunbathing, and water activities, it's a quintessential Maine beach experience.
10. Hazel's Cove
HIDDEN OCEAN COVE
Hazel's Cove is a small, secluded beach nestled below Ocean Avenue, featuring rocky outcrops and a narrow strip of sand revealed at low tide. This quiet spot is ideal for peaceful contemplation, tide-pooling, and watching boats pass offshore. Its intimate setting makes it a favorite for those seeking a more private oceanfront escape.