A Swimming Hole You Have to Search For
Kezar Falls is not marked on most tourist maps and there are no signs directing you to it. The parking area is a dirt pulloff on a back road in Lovell, and the trail is barely a trail at all. That is precisely what makes it special. The Kezar River drains Five Kezar Ponds in Lovell and has its first real existence as a river at this waterfall, where the water drops over a ledge and flows through a short, sculpted gorge roughly 50 meters long.
The gorge walls are carved from bedrock, shaped by thousands of years of water action into smooth curves and deep potholes. These potholes connect to form pools, some deep enough for swimming and jumping, others shallow enough for wading. The water is clear and cold, fed by the ponds upstream. On a hot summer day, this is one of the best swimming holes in western Maine, and the effort required to find it keeps the crowds small.
The waterfall itself is modest, maybe 20 feet in total height spread across a series of drops, but the gorge below it is the real attraction. The water has carved the rock into shapes that look almost sculpted, with smooth channels, rounded bowls, and narrow slots where the current picks up speed. The geological work on display here is striking for such a small and quiet spot.
Getting to the Falls
The walk from the parking area to the falls is about 0.1 miles. It is a short scramble down a wooded slope to the river, not a maintained trail with signage and boardwalks. The footing is uneven, with roots, loose dirt, and some rock. It is manageable for most people, but not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
The parking area is the hardest part to find. It is off Five Kezars Road (which becomes a dirt road), and you need to look for a small pulloff that feeds off three short access roads. There are no signs. Using GPS coordinates and a satellite map beforehand will save you time.
Swimming
The connected potholes in the gorge form natural swimming pools of varying depth. Some are waist-deep, others are over your head. In summer, the water temperature is cold but tolerable, warmed slightly by the shallow ponds upstream. The current through the gorge can be stronger than it looks, especially after rain or during spring runoff.
Most visitors come to swim, sunbathe on the rocks, and enjoy the privacy of the spot. There are flat rock ledges along the gorge that work as natural sunning platforms. People have been coming here for generations, and the local knowledge of the spot has kept it relatively uncrowded compared to more publicized swimming holes.
When to Go
Summer
The only season where swimming is comfortable. Water warms up by late June. Best on hot weekday afternoons when you may have the spot to yourself.
Fall
Beautiful setting with foliage, but the water is too cold for most swimmers. Good for photography.
Spring
High water from snowmelt makes the falls more dramatic but swimming is dangerously cold and the current is strong. Worth a look but not a swim.
Winter
Accessible but the road may be rough. Ice formations on the falls can be scenic. Not a swimming destination.
Nearby
Kezar Lake is a short drive from the falls and offers some of the clearest water in Maine for swimming, paddling, and fishing. The town of Lovell itself is a quiet Western Mountains community without much in the way of restaurants or shops. The nearest full services are in Fryeburg (about 20 minutes south) or Bridgton (about 30 minutes southeast).
Getting There
From Waterford, take Valley Road north toward Lovell. Turn onto Five Kezars Road, which quickly becomes a dirt road. Watch for a small parking pulloff on the left. The pulloff is not signed and easy to miss. From there, a short scramble through the woods leads down to the river and the gorge.
From Portland, take Route 302 west to Bridgton, then Route 37 north to Waterford, then Valley Road to Five Kezars Road. The drive takes about 2 hours.
GPS coordinates: 44.1951, -70.8190
FAQ
Can you swim at Kezar Falls?
Yes. The gorge below the falls has natural potholes deep enough for swimming in summer. Water shoes are recommended. The water is cold, fed by Five Kezar Ponds upstream.
Is Kezar Falls hard to find?
Yes. There are no signs, and the parking area is an unmarked pulloff on a dirt road. GPS coordinates and a satellite map will help. The walk to the falls is only about 0.1 miles but is not a maintained trail.
Is there a fee for Kezar Falls?
No. There are no fees, no permits, and no formal facilities. This is an informal local spot, not a managed park.
How deep is the water at Kezar Falls?
Depth varies. Some potholes in the gorge are waist-deep, while others are over your head. Always check the depth before jumping or diving. Conditions change with water levels.
When is the best time to visit Kezar Falls?
Late June through August for swimming. The water needs warm summer weather to be tolerable. Spring offers the highest water flow but is too cold and fast for safe swimming.
