Strong MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Strong, Maine.
1. Porter Lake
SCENIC FRESHWATER LAKEFRONT
Porter Lake offers a peaceful lakeside escape with picturesque views and clear freshwater, perfect for swimming, paddling, and relaxing on its quiet shores. The lake is noted for its tranquil setting and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for family outings and picnics just minutes from Strong's town center. Anglers, kayakers, and beachgoers alike enjoy the gentle ambiance and refreshing waters of this cherished local gem.
2. Sandy River Beach
RIVERSIDE SWIMMING AREA
Sandy River Beach in Farmington features a classic riverside swimming hole where locals and visitors can cool off during the summer months. With sandy stretches along the riverbank and gentle current, it is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. Easy access and natural surroundings make this a longtime favorite for outdoor recreation.
3. Webb Lake
MOUNTAIN-BACKED LAKESIDE BEACH
Webb Lake is a pristine body of water nestled beneath the striking ridges of Mount Blue State Park, offering a gorgeous beach area for swimming and picnicking. The clear lake is a draw for kayakers, boaters, and families seeking panoramic views and shallow swimming areas. Its sandy swim beach is widely regarded as one of the finest in the western Maine mountains.
4. Mount Blue State Park Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKEFRONT
Mount Blue State Park features a popular sandy beach along Webb Lake, complete with lifeguards in summer, changing facilities, and picnic tables. The park's beach is known for its clean water, gentle slope, and stunning mountain backdrop, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors also enjoy easy access to hiking trails and campgrounds nearby.
5. Rangeley Lake State Park Beach
VAST LAKESIDE RECREATION
Rangeley Lake State Park offers a sweeping lakeside beach, perfect for swimming, boating, and relaxing against the scenic backdrop of the western Maine mountains. Its clean, gradually sloping beach area makes it a favorite for families and paddlers. The park is well-equipped with picnic facilities, restrooms, and boat launches for a full day of waterfront fun.
6. Wilson Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING LAKE
Wilson Lake is beloved for its clear waters and inviting public swim area near the town's center, making it a hub of summer activity. The lakeside beach boasts gentle entry, picnic spots, and easy access to the water for swimmers and kayakers. Local events and nearby amenities add to its charm as a family-friendly lakeside destination.
7. Echo Lake Beach
CLEAR WATER SWIMMING HOLE
Echo Lake Beach near Mount Vernon is renowned for its clear, refreshing waters and sandy lakeshore, attracting swimmers and sunbathers from across central Maine. Surrounded by forests, the beach provides a peaceful retreat with excellent water quality and a designated swimming area. With picnic tables and an easy slope into the water, it is a top pick for families.
8. Smalls Falls
WATERFALL SWIMMING HOLES
Smalls Falls offers a series of scenic waterfalls and deep swimming holes along the Sandy River, surrounded by picnic areas and wooded trails. Easily accessible from the main road, this natural wonder is a favorite for plunging into cool, clear pools and relaxing by cascading falls. The site is also popular with photographers and hikers.
9. Crescent Beach
OCEANFRONT SANDY RETREAT
Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth is a sweeping arc of golden sand and calm surf, renowned for its beauty and family-friendly amenities along the Atlantic Ocean. The gentle waves and gradual slope are ideal for swimming, wading, and beachcombing. Visitors enjoy a combination of sunbathing, kite flying, and scenic coastal walks at this popular southern Maine beach.
10. Old Orchard Beach
ICONIC OCEANFRONT BOARDWALK
Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine's most famous oceanfront destinations, featuring seven miles of sandy shoreline, a bustling pier, amusement rides, and vibrant nightlife. The family-friendly beach is a hotspot for sunbathers and swimmers, while the lively boardwalk offers entertainment and classic New England fare. Weekly summer fireworks and eclectic seaside events make it a favorite getaway for visitors of all ages.