Paris MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Paris, Maine.
1. Pennesseewassee Lake
NORWAY'S BELOVED WATERFRONT
Pennesseewassee Lake, also known as Norway Lake, is a five-mile-long lake that serves as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation in the area. The lake hosts an annual triathlon each July with proceeds supporting the Western Foothills Land Trust. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and other water activities while taking in the scenic beauty of western Maine's foothills.
2. Range Pond State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SWIMMING DESTINATION
Range Pond State Park offers a pristine sandy beach and clear water perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park provides picnic areas, changing rooms, and lifeguards during the summer season for visitor safety. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boat launches for non-motorized watercraft.
3. Sebago Lake State Park
PREMIER LAKEFRONT RECREATION
Sebago Lake State Park features one of Maine's finest beaches on the shore of the state's second-largest lake. The park offers extensive facilities including campgrounds, boat launches, picnic areas, and a swimming beach with lifeguards. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters while taking advantage of nearby hiking trails and recreational opportunities.
4. Eagle Island State Historic Site
HISTORIC ISLAND GETAWAY
Eagle Island State Historic Site combines history with natural beauty as the former summer home of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert Peary. The island features rocky beaches, swimming opportunities, and hiking trails with stunning views of Casco Bay. Visitors must arrive by boat, making this a unique waterfront escape with both historical significance and natural splendor.
5. Point Sebago Resort
ALL-INCLUSIVE LAKE RESORT
Point Sebago Resort offers a mile-long sandy beach on Sebago Lake with various water activities including swimming, boating, and water sports. The resort features accommodation options ranging from campsites to vacation homes, all with access to the waterfront amenities. Visitors can enjoy organized activities, dining options, and entertainment while basking in the natural beauty of Sebago Lake.
6. Roberts Farm Preserve
SCENIC LAKESIDE TRAILS
Roberts Farm Preserve provides hiking, biking, and seasonal recreational activities overlooking Lake Pennesseewassee. The preserve, part of the Western Foothills Land Trust, offers access points to the lake for swimming and water activities. Visitors can enjoy the Witt's End Trail, a 4.4-mile loop through wetlands and woods with spectacular lake views.
7. Little Androscoggin River
HISTORIC FLOWING WATERS
The Little Androscoggin River flows through South Paris, offering fishing spots, paddling opportunities, and scenic riverside relaxation. Historically important as a source of water power that helped develop the region in the 1800s, the river now serves recreational purposes. Visitors can access the river at various points for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying the peaceful waterfront atmosphere.
8. Crooked River
PRISTINE PADDLING PARADISE
The Crooked River winds through the western Maine region near South Paris, offering one of the most pristine paddling experiences in the state. The river features calm waters perfect for canoeing and kayaking, with several access points and sandy beaches along its course. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, and swimming in the clean, clear waters as the river meanders through the scenic countryside.
9. Bear Pond
TRANQUIL SWIMMING DESTINATION
Bear Pond provides a peaceful waterfront escape near the South Paris region with its clear waters and swimming beach. The pond features public access areas where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Surrounded by forests and hills, Bear Pond offers a quintessential Maine lake experience without large crowds.
10. Thompson Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Thompson Lake is renowned for its exceptional water clarity and quality, making it a premier swimming destination in the region. The lake features several access points and beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the pristine waters. Thompson Lake's scenic beauty is complemented by surrounding mountains and forests, creating a picturesque waterfront escape near South Paris.