Franklin MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Franklin, Maine.
1. Hog Bay
SCENIC COASTAL VIEWS
Hog Bay is a beautiful waterfront area on the north side of Franklin offering stunning coastal views and water access. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of this quiet New England bay. The shoreline provides opportunities for beachcombing, photography, and enjoying the classic Down East Maine scenery.
2. Taunton Bay
TRANQUIL TIDAL WATERS
Taunton Bay borders Franklin and provides scenic waterfront access with its calm tidal waters. The bay features beautiful views and is perfect for kayaking, wildlife watching, and relaxing by the water. Its protected location makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful waterfront experience in Down East Maine.
3. Abrams Pond
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Abrams Pond is a natural retreat located near Franklin in the neighboring town of Eastbrook. The pond offers visitors a chance to commune with nature and explore the great outdoors through activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. Its serene setting makes it popular with locals and visitors seeking water recreation without coastal crowds.
4. Schoodic Beach
HIDDEN COASTAL GEM
Schoodic Beach is a lesser-known waterfront destination accessible from the Franklin area. The beach offers a more secluded experience than some of the region's more popular coastal spots. Visitors appreciate its natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy the Maine coastline without the crowds typically found at more touristy locations.
5. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land
PRISTINE WILDERNESS LAKE
Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land features a crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains and forests near Franklin. The area includes sandy beaches, clear water for swimming, and hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. This pristine wilderness destination combines water recreation with mountain exploration for a complete outdoor experience.
6. Emery Cove Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORELINE
Emery Cove Beach provides a welcoming waterfront experience for visitors to the Franklin area. The cove's protected position creates a family-friendly environment with relatively calm waters ideal for swimming and wading. Its accessible location makes it a convenient option for those looking to enjoy Maine's coastal waters without venturing too far.
7. Hulls Cove Beach
GATEWAY TO ACADIA
Hulls Cove Beach is a charming waterfront area located near Acadia National Park, a short drive from Franklin. The beach serves as a perfect introduction to the dramatic coastline that makes this region of Maine famous. Visitors can enjoy swimming, tidepooling, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands.
8. Sands Beach
CLASSIC MAINE SHORE
Sands Beach offers a quintessential Maine coastal experience near Franklin. The beach features a mix of sand and smooth stones characteristic of the region's shorelines, perfect for beachcombing and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy views of the water while experiencing the authentic character of a Down East Maine beach.
9. Acadia National Park
ICONIC COASTAL WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park is a world-renowned coastal destination just a short drive from Franklin, featuring multiple beaches and waterfront areas. The park's Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach offer contrasting swimming experiences with ocean and freshwater options respectively. Visitors can combine beach activities with hiking, biking, and scenic drives for a complete Maine coastal experience.
10. Holbrook Island Sanctuary
SECLUDED ISLAND RETREAT
Holbrook Island Sanctuary provides a peaceful waterfront destination within driving distance of Franklin. The sanctuary features protected shoreline, hiking trails, and opportunities to observe wildlife in a natural coastal setting. Visitors can explore the varied ecosystems while enjoying spectacular views of Penobscot Bay and its islands.