Roques Bluff State Park
🫐 Ocean Beach and Freshwater Pond Side by Side — Downeast Maine’s Hidden Dual-Swimming Paradise — A 274-acre day-use park where a cobblestone barrier beach separates the Atlantic Ocean from a 60-acre freshwater pond, with hiking through blueberry country and views of Englishman Bay — Washington County, Maine
Roque Bluffs State Park is one of Maine’s most unique coastal parks — a place where you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean and a warm freshwater pond within 100 yards of each other. The park sits on Schoppee Point in Downeast Maine, where a dramatic half-mile crescent of cobblestone and sand forms a natural barrier beach separating Englishman Bay from the 60-acre Simpson Pond.
This is deep Downeast country — blueberry barrens, bald eagles, rocky headlands, and the kind of quiet that only exists in the most remote corners of the Maine coast. At 274 acres, the park is compact but delivers an experience that captures everything special about coastal Maine, minus the crowds of Acadia (90 minutes south).
The Dual Beach Experience
| Water | Type | Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Englishman Bay (Ocean) | Saltwater | 50–58°F | Bracing! Cobblestone beach, views to Libby Island |
| Simpson Pond | Freshwater | 65–75°F | Much warmer, sandy bottom, great for kids |
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton’s Hill | ~1 mi | Easy | Ocean views, old orchards |
| Mihill Trail | ~1.5 mi | Easy–Moderate | Coastal woodland, meadows |
| Pond Cove Trail | ~1 mi | Easy | Rocky shoreline, wildlife viewing |
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Swimming | Cobblestone beach | No lifeguards — cold but exhilarating |
| Pond Swimming | Simpson Pond | Warmer, calmer — family favorite |
| Hiking | 3–6 miles of trails | Coastal views, meadows, woodland |
| Birding | Bald eagles, shorebirds | Diverse coastal habitat |
| Picnicking | Tables, grills | Ocean views, playground nearby |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | 62–78°F | Swimming (both!), warmest pond temps |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 45–62°F | Foliage, blueberry season, solitude |
| Spring (May–Jun) | 42–60°F | Wildflowers, birding, eagles nesting |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Resident | $4/person (adult) | Ages 12–64 |
| Non-Resident | $8/person (adult) | Under 12 free |
| Family Day Trip | $16–$32 | Both beaches + trails + picnic |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really swim in both?
Yes! The ocean (Englishman Bay) is cold but invigorating — classic Maine. Simpson Pond is 15–20°F warmer and much calmer. Many visitors swim in both on the same visit.
Is there camping?
No. Roque Bluffs is day-use only. The nearest campgrounds are in the Machias area.
How remote is it?
Very Downeast. About 90 minutes northeast of Acadia/Bar Harbor. This is one of Maine’s least-visited coastal parks — peaceful, uncrowded, and authentically remote.
🫐 Two Beaches, One Park
Ocean and freshwater swimming separated by a cobblestone barrier beach — Downeast Maine’s hidden coastal gem in the heart of blueberry country.
