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Swim in Coos Canyon

Byron, Maine

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Description

Added by Ben Klosowski

A curiously carved canyon of potholes and smoothed rocks. It is just feet off of route 17 and a great place to cool off on a summer day or break up the ride to the beautiful Rangeley lakes region. Spend 10 minutes or all day!

Coos Canyon is right off of route 17 in Byron, ME. It's almost impossible to miss but if you're worried about it you can type "coos canyon" or "coos canyon rock and gift" into google maps and it will take you right there. There is a gravel parking lot to the right side of the road (heading north) so simply park and walk down to the river below. Fifty feet or so down river there is a waterfall , and you can either head down below the falls and swim the more calm waters past the falls. Just below the falls there is a cool rock overhang that you can sit under (in the water). Be careful though because once you get below the falls it is more difficult to get out of the canyon. You certainly won't get stuck in the canyon but the rocks are steeper and can be slippery with wet feet so use caution. Follow the numerous trails along the river back to the parking lot.

Above the falls there is plenty of room on the sides of the river to walk or even sit to have a picnic. This is where you find the most intricately carved rock. I think the river above the falls is the most fun there are places where you can ride the current down some of the more tame chutes and try to fight the current up some of the more powerful (pictured above). There are several spots for some smaller cliff jumping (up to 20 or so feet) both above and below the falls, but make sure you check the depth before you jump as there are a lot of shallow spots and the river fluctuates wildly in depth. It can be six inches deep in one spot and drop off to ten feet directly next to it so be careful.

Insider tip: go on a cloudy day and you are likely to have the place to yourself!

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Features

Chillin
Swimming
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Waterfall
Cliff Jumping
Swimming Hole

Swim in Coos Canyon Reviews

I have loved it here since I was a kid. There is also a convenience store across the street and grills for lunch. Just don't expect cell service.

Several locations spread over a mile or more, cliffs to jump of are from 1 to 15 yards! Water is crystal clear!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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