enlarge 2006 Press Herald file

Outlet Beach on Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester has pristine water and a great snack bar. The whole area has a retro, family friendly feel to it.

enlarge 2003 Press Herald file

Gulf Hagas is a classic wilderness waterfall, and requires a 2-mile hike.

enlarge 2003 Telegram file

Big Niagara Falls on Nesowadnehunk Stream in Baxter State Park is a bit more than a mile from Daicey Pond Campground. It has good picnic spots and a large pool.

Bring on the heat and humidity. We've highlighted a variety of watering holes sure to have you coming back again and again to cool off. Some you can drive to, others involve hikes. We have identified the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map number for each area, and Gate Fee or Free status.

Sand Beach on Lower Jo-Mary Lake near Millinocket

When you conjure up an ideal swimming spot, this one is hard to beat. But you earn this one. Nestled deep within the 100-Mile Wilderness on Maine's Appalachian Trail, this spot has brought back to life many a backpacker bedeviled with aching knees and blisters. A dazzling white sand beach boldly juts out into the clear waters on the northern shoreline of the lake. The elongated mass of Potywadjo Ridge rises above the beach. Loon calls echo up and down the lake. Maybe you'll see a moose or black bear on the trail.

You can tent out at historic Antlers Campsite on the south side of the lake – a 4-mile flat hike in from the gravel Jo-Mary Road. From Antlers it is a 2-mile walk around the western end of the lake to Sand Beach. Antlers Point is a fabulous spot to swim as well. The wind singing in the grove of red pine soothes the soul. (Delorme map #42, gate fee)

Tumbledown Pond near Weld

For spectacular alpine scenery this high-altitude pond is hard to beat. Surrounded by three rugged peaks, and with a boulder-strewn islet in the middle to swim out to, you just may have found paradise.

There are plenty of smooth granite ledges on the southeastern edge of the pond for hauling out and soaking up the warmth of the sun. The 2.2-mile hike up the Parker's Ridge Trail provides jaw-dropping views down to Tumbledown Pond from the open ledges of the ridge. Look for blueberries along the trail and on the island.

We have often backpacked whole watermelon up to the pond to surprise our friends. There is no finer way to wash sticky watermelon juice off your tummy then a plunge into Tumbledown Pond. (Delorme map 19 – free)

Emerald Pool near Evans Notch

OK, this one is not in Maine technically, but close enough. This is the classic mountain stream pool. Yes, it is emerald green, and for sure the water is cold! Easy to reach, it's only a 0.8-mile walk in from New Hampshire Route 113.

It is a popular spot, try to avoid it on weekends. Fed from the icy waters hidden deep within the craggy Baldface massif, the pool generates lots of surprised yells and gasps upon contact. Don't dip your toe in first; the rest of your body will never make it in.

If you are looking for one of the "best of the best" you have to test your nerve and verve at Emerald Pool at least once in your lifetime. (ME Delorme map #10 and NH Delorme map #45 – free)

Big and Little Niagara Falls in Baxter State Park

Bask on sun-splashed ledges, spread out your red-checkered tablecloth and feast on sumptuous picnic goodies, cool off in your choice of two deep pools of water all within the vast wilds of Maine's iconic state park.

From Daicey Pond Campground it is a 1.2-mile walk down to Big Niagara Falls on Nesowadnehunk Stream, the larger of the two pools. On the way, stop to observe the ruins of Toll Dam, built in 1879 to facilitate the driving of logs down the stream, and line the pockets of an enterprising local lumberman. As you approach the pools, proceed quietly, otter are often seen on the margins of the pools.

You'll hear Big Niagara well before you get there, as it plunges 15 feet over pink Katahdin granite. And of course there is always the inspiring view of Katahdin towering over Daicey Pond as you conclude your day. (Delorme map #50. Non-resident Baxter State Park fee)

Booths Quarry on Vinalhaven

Bring back the kid in you with a plunge into a historic Maine granite quarry.

Vinalhaven granite was used in the...