Highwater Trailhead Parking
Hiking area
State Rte 113, Gilead, ME 04217
Two Separate Brook And Trail DestinationsME
Cold River Swimming Holes Of Western Maine
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Separate Rattlesnake Pool's Maine trail context from Emerald Pool in New Hampshire, with current trailhead guidance and no assumed bathing permission.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Use authorized entrances and obey current notices. Do not jump, dive or use rope swings or natural rock slides.
Water type
Two Separate Brook And Trail Destinations
Swimming status
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Stow, Maine; Chatham, New Hampshire
Water body
Rattlesnake Brook And Charles Brook Pool References
Status summarizes our reviewed record, not today's opening or safety. Check current rules, swimming boundaries and notices before visiting.
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Stow, Maine; Chatham, New Hampshire
Access location not verified
New Hampshire, ME
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Two pools, two distinct approaches
The historical Cold River-area reference groups Rattlesnake Pool near Stone House trails in Maine with Emerald Pool near Baldface Trailhead in Chatham, New Hampshire. These are separate brook destinations near the state boundary, not two interchangeable entrances on one Maine riverbank.
Emerald Pool trail planning
The Forest Service describes a 0.7-mile walk from Baldface Trailhead followed by a 0.1-mile access trail to Emerald Pool. The full Baldface mountain loop is a different, much longer outing. Its small parking area can overflow on busy days; cross Route 113 cautiously. The trailhead has no restrooms or potable water.
Rattlesnake Pool and property boundaries
The Forest Service identifies the Stone House and White Cairn trailhead parking as private land. Chatham Trails Association lists the Rattlesnake Pool Trail among its maintained routes. Trail access is not a current bathing authorization, and private access must remain on permitted routes. Obtain current route and water-entry confirmation rather than relying on old depths, jumping advice or clothing-optional claims.
Getting There
Use the linked current source to identify the named destination and authorized approach. Historical directions are retained as an archive, not a current bathing-entry route.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use authorized routes and current notices. A trail, launch, campground or regional source does not authorize every archived water approach.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use authorized entrances and obey current notices. Do not jump, dive or use rope swings or natural rock slides. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Grafton Notch State Park
State park
4.8 (1072)
Newry, ME 04261
Expansive, scenic park, with cross-country skiing & hiking trails, plus hunting & fishing.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Step Falls Preserve Mahoosuc Land Trust
Nature preserve
4.8 (308)
1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261
Slides
Frenchman’s Hole
Tourist attraction
4.7 (135)
Sunday River Rd, Newry, ME 04261
Pleasant River Campground
Campground
4.9 (82)
800 W Bethel Rd, West Bethel, ME 04286
Bethel Outdoor Adventure Campground & River Trips
Canoe & kayak rental service
4.5 (330)
121 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217
Hastings Campground
Campground
4.7 (55)
Bethel, ME 04217
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
三ツ目山公園 トイレ
Public bathroom
3 (1)
Japan, 〒194-0215 Tokyo, Machida, Oyamagaoka, 4 Chome 小学校前（バス
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold River Swimming Holes Of Western Maine
Are both pools in Maine?
No. The historic listing groups Maine's Rattlesnake Pool trail context with Emerald Pool at the New Hampshire Baldface approach.
How far is Emerald Pool from Baldface Trailhead?
The Forest Service describes 0.7 mile to the junction and a 0.1-mile pool access trail. This is not the full Baldface mountain loop.
Are there toilets or drinking water at Baldface Trailhead?
The Forest Service lists no restrooms or potable water there. Bring your drinking water and plan ahead.
Can I assume Stone House access is all public land?
No. The Forest Service identifies the small trailhead parking area as private land. Stay on permitted routes and obey current access notices.
Do maintained trails establish swimming permission?
No. Trail maintenance and a named pool do not by themselves establish current bathing permission at either entry.
Are historical depths or jumping instructions current?
No. They are not a present survey. Avoid jumping, diving and informal slides, and do not infer safe entry from water clarity.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, underwater hazards or an exit
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides
More Maine swimming holes
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in Maine.
Hidden gems in Maine
See under-the-radar places and local favorites in the same state.
Family-friendly spots in Maine
Compare easier-access destinations and safer planning options.
Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
You Might Also Like
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No verified accessible descent or surveyed route to an informal water entry.
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
Named campground or pool services are not facilities at every riverbank.
Activities
Authorized trail hiking and viewpoint visits; exact current bathing permission unresolved.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Book an authorized campground separately; no assumed overnight riverbank access.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
Explore More Swimming Holes
Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America