Leisure

Hole Position

Five Secluded Swimming Holes. Go to Them.

It’s swimming hole season. It’s not actually a thing, but... it’s swimming hole season. Just feels right and all that. Which is precisely why we’ve decided to present you with these five not-really-secret-but-kinda-secret swimming holes for your summer sojourning consideration. Clothing: very much optional.

70.4 MILES SOUTHEAST OF THE CITY

Micah Pond

A mid–Cape Cod freshwater pond you’ll swan-dive into from an open patch of foliage. Or rope-swing into to demonstrate your ability to hold onto something and then let go.
Seclusion Score: 4.5/10
Après-Swim: Fat burgers and unpretentiousness at Kettle Ho, a townie favorite. If it’s good enough for townies...

71 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE CITY

Piscataquog River Pools

What you have here is a long, winding stretch of Piscataquog river pools, including a 30-foot-deep section for rope-swinging. Skinny-rope-swing at your own risk.
Seclusion Score: 8.5/10
Après-Swim: Hit the Boondocks Tavern for deep-fried, charbroiled, tossed-in-minced-garlic wings. And beer. We hear it’s a great de-garlic-ing agent.

118 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE CITY

Sculptured Rocks

You’re dealing with rushing river waters here. Find a soft spot and admire the rocks that were carved by glaciers 10,000 years ago. And... any other natural wonders that may or may not need admiring.
Seclusion Score: 7/10
Après-Swim: Bubbly and small bites at the Inn on Newfound Lake. Pro tip: they have rooms.

138 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE CITY

Lower Falls

You’ll choose between calm pools ensconced by smooth rocks or a cluster of jacuzzi-like cascades. So kind of a win-win, really.
Seclusion Score: 5/10
Après-Swim: A meaty bottle of red in a 187-year-old inn. Pro tip: this one also has rooms. If you’re detecting a theme here, you’re welcome.

140 MILES NORTH/NORTHWEST OF THE CITY

Humphrey’s Ledge

The sprawling Saco River is at your beck and call. Jackknife in and get weird. Also, get there early for prime bronzing real estate on the massive boulder.
Seclusion Score: 6.5/10
Après-Swim: A flight of house-brewed suds at the Moat Mountain Smoke House with a healthy dose of BBQ brisket. Healthy. Unhealthy. Same thing.