27 Jun Frenchman’s Hole: Waterfall and Natural Swimming Pool

The state of Maine is full of stunning waterfalls, but did you know it is also full of natural swimming areas by waterfalls? Frenchman’s Hole is a prime example of a waterfall with a natural swimming pool at the base of the falls. You will see crowds of people flocking to the falls in the summer months of July and August to go for a dip in the water or jump off of the falls into the pool below. Moreover, some people even use the waterfall as a natural waterslide. There is truly no end to the adventure and fun you can have at Frenchman’s Hole.

Contents: 

1) Location of Frenchman’s Hole

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Arriving at Frenchman’s Hole (Trail Information)

6) Attractions and Things to Do

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of Frenchman’s Hole

Where is Frenchman’s Hole located?

It is located in the town of Newry, Maine in the northwestern section of the state. For reference, it is approximately one and a half hours southeast of Rangeley Lake State Park or two hours northwest of Portland.

You can even plan a visit if you are in New Hampshire, for it is only 30 minutes from the Maine / New Hampshire border.

Frenchman’s Hole is a waterfall with a natural swimming pool area at the base of the falls. It is within Bull Branch Creek, so you are sure to find other swimming areas and possibly small waterfalls upstream or downstream from the falls. The creek then flows into Sunday River just a bit further downstream.

Driving Directions

No matter from which direction you are coming, there is only one way to access Frenchman’s Hole. Why is this? Well, the road leading there is a dead end. You thus have to find your way to Bull Branch Road, no matter from which direction you are coming. Moreover, you can easily find the location on google maps.

However, let us go back a few steps so you know the final directions. First, you will drive along Sunday River Road. Second, you will turn left onto Twin Bridges Road. Third, you will immediately turn right onto Bull Branch Road. Fourth, you will drive along Bull Branch Road until you reach Frenchman’s Hole (unless the road is closed – more info in the parking section below). There should be a small sign at the beginning of Bull Branch Road with a swimming icon leading you in the correct direction.

You will know you have arrived when (1) you see the waterfall on the right side of the road (2) you pass a few picnic tables and then see a small parking area on the left side of the road.

If you are driving from Portland, be sure to stop by Kindred Farms Market and Bakery in the town of Casco on your way home for the best whoopie pies you will ever taste. 

Parking at Frenchman’s Hole

The parking situation depends on the status of Bull Branch Road. First, it is possible you can drive on Bull Branch Road right up to the access area for Frenchman’s Hole. You can then park in the small parking area on the left side of the road.

Second, sometimes half of Bull Branch Road is closed. If this is the case, you can drive as far as possible down Bull Branch Road and then park on the side of the road near the gate area. The road was partially closed when we visited, and we simply parked in a small pullout area just before the closed gate. Moreover, you could park here even if the gate is open. For example, maybe you want to walk for a bit or parking is incredibly full closer to the waterfall.

Third, every now and then all of Bull Branch Road is closed. You then need to park at the beginning of the road in the designated areas. Again, you can choose to park here even if the road is open. You will then have a bit of a longer walk to the waterfall. It is a 0.7 mile (~1.1 kilometer) walk.

Airports Near Frenchman’s Hole

While there are a few regional and municipal airports in northwestern Maine, your best bet is to fly in and out of Portland or Boston. First, the Portland International Jetport is approximately one hour and 45 minutes south. Second, the Boston Logan International Airport is three hours and 30 minutes southwest. For reference, the Boston airport is a lot larger than the Portland airport. Flights might thus be a bit cheaper in and out of Boston.

There are no good public transportation options from either airport to the waterfall. Your best bet, therefore, is to rent a car from the airport.

Lodging Near Frenchman’s Hole

There are some good lodging options in the town of Rangeley, Maine, which is around an hour and a half away. For example, you can book a tent within Rangeley Lake State Park if you want to feel close to the outdoors or a room at Rangeley Lake Resort by Wyndham for a more luxurious experience.

On the other hand, there is no shortage of lodging options near the city of Portland, Maine. If you want more of a luxurious experience, book a night at the Portland Harbor Hotel. On the other hand, book the Black Elephant Hostel if you need to stick to a budget.

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

What are the opening hours for Frenchman’s Hole? Is there an entrance fee for Frenchman’s Hole?

First, the waterfall and swimming hole area is open to the public all day, every day. There are no restrictions on visiting hours. However, I would only recommend you visit during daylight hours. The area can become dangerous at night due to the fact you can not see as clearly. It is all too easy to slip on a rock in the dark.

Second, there is no entrance fee. You can thus visit this attraction at no cost (except for the cost of gas to get there). Why not plan a date with someone special? Pack a picnic lunch to eat while admiring the waterfall and then jump in the natural swimming hole at the base of the falls.

3) Best Time to Visit

When is the best time to visit Frenchman’s Hole? Well, that depends on what you would like to do.

If you only want to visit the waterfall, then you can visit at any time of the year. However, I recommend visiting when there is not an excessive amount of snow and/or ice in the area to make accessing it a bit easier.

If you want to visit the waterfall and possibly go for a swim, then I recommend visiting in the months of July or August. The late summer months will have the warmest water temperatures. You might still feel a bit of a chill when first entering the water, but it will be nothing compared to the water in May, for example.

However, you will experience the largest crowds in the months of July and August. Be prepared to share the spot with a bunch of other people. On the other hand, you can visit in the early morning for a bit more peace and quiet.

We visited in the month of June and only appreciated the waterfall. We did not go for a swim. The water was still fairly cold at that time, and the area was no longer in the sun due to the fact it was late afternoon. It would have felt like jumping into an ice bath.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Frenchman’s Hole?

I recommend you plan for around 30 minutes to two hours in your itinerary. Plan on the shorter end if you only want to see the waterfall and on the longer end if you also want to go for a swim

If you are able to park in the small parking area right by the waterfall and do not plan to swim, then you can stop by and see the waterfall in only 30 minutes.

However, you should be prepared that you might need a bit more time. For example, you will need extra time if you have to park at the beginning of Bull Branch Road and walk to the waterfall.  It is a 0.7 mile (~1.1 kilometer) walk that takes around 20 minutes round trip. Plan for at least one hour if this is the case.

4) Quick Facts

1. Frenchman’s Hole is located in northwestern Maine in the town of Newry.

2. Frenchman’s Hole is a waterfall with a natural swimming area at the base of the falls.

3. Sometimes Bull Branch Road leading to the waterfall is closed. You thus might need to park on the side of the road by the closed gate or in the parking area before Bull Branch Road.

4. There is no entrance fee.

5. You can admire the waterfall, jump into the natural pool area at the base of the falls, or even use the falls as a natural waterslide when visiting.

5) Arriving at Frenchman’s Hole (Trail Information)

As mentioned previously, arriving at Frenchman’s Hole can be a bit complicated depending on if the road is open vs. closed. Please note its official location on google maps here.

I will go into detail below concerning how to access the area based on the different parking options. Once you arrive at the falls, you can opt to walk down the stone staircase leading to the top of the falls or find a makeshift path to the base.

From Parking Area Right By Access Point

First, it is possible to drive down Bull Branch Road all the way to Frenchman’s Hole if the road is open. There is a small parking area on the left side of the road.

If you park here, then it is just a short walk to the waterfall. Cross the road so that you are on the same side as the stream and look for a stone staircase leading to the top of the falls.

From Parking Area By Closed Gate

Second, it is possible that part of Bull Branch Road will be closed, and you will then have to walk part of the way to the falls. There should be a small pull-off area by the closed gate on the left side of the road.

The walk from the gate to the waterfall is approximately 0.4 miles (~0.6 kilometers) one way. An average hiker can walk there in around 10 minutes.

From Parking Area at Beginning of Bull Branch Road

Third, it is possible all of Bull Branch Road will be closed. You will then have to walk the entire way to the falls. There is a small parking area at the beginning of Bull Branch Road, just be sure to read the signs.

The walk from the beginning of Bull Branch Road to the waterfall is approximately 0.7 miles (~1.1 kilometers) one way. An average hiker can walk there in around 15 minutes.

6) Attractions and Things to Do 

Frenchman’s Hole is a waterfall with a natural swimming pool area at the base of the falls. Moreover, you can even use the falls as a natural waterslide or jump from the top of the falls into the pool below.

For other waterfalls in northern Maine, check out The Cataracts (my personal favorites) or Smalls Falls. Otherwise, check out Jewell Falls in Portland, as it is the only natural waterfall within the city’s borders.

Additional Amenities 

You will notice a few additional amenities before you arrive at the falls. There is an outhouse in the parking area just past the entrance to the falls on the left of the road. Additionally, there are few picnic tables closer to the falls.

Entrance to Frenchman’s Hole

Once you arrive at the entrance to the waterfall, you will see a stone staircase that leads to the upper section. However, you can also find your way to the base of the falls or other sections of the creek by carefully making your way along “trails” (aka places others have walked before) or down some rocks.

The Waterfall and Swimming Area 

Ah yes, the main attraction – the waterfall! The waterfall itself is approximately 10 feet (~three meters) tall. A natural pool of water has formed at the base of the falls. The pool is fairly deep, for some people estimate its depth at 20 feet (~six meters).

If you visit during July or August, you will most likely see people engaging in a variety of activities at the falls. First, you might see people swimming in the pool area at the base of the falls as well as further upstream or downstream in the creek. Second, you might see people more prone to adventure jumping off of the rocks at the top of the waterfall into the pool below. Third, you might even see a person or two using the waterfall as a natural waterslide as they splash into the pool area at its base.

If you choose to engage in any of those activities, you can easily find your way back to the top of the falls to then do them again. First, you can choose to walk out and around. You might have to go back on the road or you can maneuver your way along the riverbank to return to the top of the falls. Second, there is often a rope on the right side of the falls that you can use to hoist yourself back up to the top.

Words of Caution

Please keep in mind this area can get quite busy in the summertime, especially during the months of July and August. Head here in June or September if you want a bit more privacy. However, to enjoy privacy you will also have to endure colder water temperatures. We visited in June and had the area all to ourselves. On the other hand, we did not go swimming because the water was quite cold.

Moreover, you should always test the depth of the water for yourself, for it is possible it could be shallow at any point. Additionally, you will want to look for the water currents. If you choose to swim, slide, and/or jump into the water in this area, make sure you do so after you inspect the current conditions. Do not enter the water if there are any sort of hazardous conditions present.

7) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: I always recommend you bring water with you while hiking or doing an activity, even if only for a short walk. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking or laying around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet. While in Iceland, I visited the Hverir Geothermal Area and essentially ran along the path because there were so many little black flies.

Hiking Apparel for Frenchman’s Hole

4. Hiking shoes: You might want to explore by climbing around on rocks by the falls. Hiking shoes will help you do just that. I did not own a pair of hiking shoes for a long time. However, I finally splurged and bought myself a pair before my Iceland road trip. Hiking shoes are generally not cheap, though I will say they are well worth the investment. They provide grip and traction to help you out while hiking as well as to keep you safe.

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity to walk along the road leading to Frenchman’s Hole, but bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow and/or ice along the road or trail down to Frenchman’s Hole. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

8) Nearby Attractions

There is not a shortage of nearby attractions to Frenchman’s Hole in northern Maine. You can plan to visit other waterfalls, swimming holes, and more.

First, drive 30 minutes northeast to Step Falls. There is a one mile (~1.6 kilometer) out and back trail that leads to a waterfall and swimming area. An average hiker can complete the trail in about 30 minutes.

Second, drive 50 minutes northeast to The Cataracts. There is a 0.9 mile (~1.4 kilometer) out and back trail that leads to three different waterfalls. An average hiker can complete the trail in about 30 minutes. For a fun fact, The Cataracts were my favorite waterfalls we visited while in Maine.

Third, drive one and a half hours northeast to Smalls Falls. There is a 0.5 mile (~0.8 kilometer) out and back trail that leads to four different waterfalls. An average hiker can complete the trail in about 15 minutes.

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