Not every hike needs a destination, but it's certainly nice to have a little reward for your effort. A summit view or a hot hut meal are good inspiration. But in the heat of summer, the prospect of a cold dip might be the greatest incentive of all. Of course, backcountry pools and streams don't have lifeguards, so you should take particular caution if you decide to wade in.

Blueberry Mountain
Stow, Maine

This moderate hike begins on the Stone House Trail, off Route 113 north of AMC's Cold River Camp. Follow the Chatham Trail Association and yellow blazes, especially at the start when the trail crosses private land. A half-mile in, beyond a wooden bridge, the trail branches. Go left to head into the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness and up Blueberry Mountain. On the return trip, turn down the other branch to visit Rattlesnake Pool, a series of small cascades and pools. The first pool is deep—15 feet— but the others are shallower.

Distance: 4.5 miles
Info: AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains, 2nd ed. (AMC Books); Discover Maine (AMC Books)

Diana's Baths
Conway, N.H.

This family-friendly hike follows the level, handicapped-accessible Moat Mountain Trail from a parking area off West Side Road. Follow the crushed-stone trail west, to Lucy Brook. Just beyond a former mill site lie Diana's Baths. Multiple cascades flow over the granite slabs, filling numerous small pools. Wade in and cool off, then stretch out on the rocks and enjoy a picnic in the shade of the hemlocks. Though a popular spot, there's plenty of space for visitors to spread out.

Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Info: AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains, 2nd ed. (AMC Books)

Beebe Woods and Peterson Farm
Falmouth, Mass.

Two glacial ponds highlight this hike through a farm that dates back to 1679. Just .75 mile from the parking area at the Cape Cod Observatory is the Punch Bowl, a popular swimming hole. To the west, on the other side of the property, is Ice House Pond. From the Punch Bowl head back toward the parking lot, but turn right when the trail branches toward George's Rock. The trail passes through Beebe Woods to the pond, then circles Peterson Farm before heading back toward the parking area.

Distance: 4 miles
Info: Discover Cape Cod (AMC Books)

Whirley Baths
Charlemont, Mass.

The Whirley Baths of Mohawk Trail State Forest may be located just south of the main entrance, but a network of trails gives hikers plenty of time to warm up before settling into these whirlpool jets. From the north end of the campground, follow the Indian Trail for 0.3 mile. Where the Indian Trail heads up Todd Mountain, take the Mahican-Mohawk Trail to the east, tracing a path around the base of the mountain to the Nature Trail. Keep the Deerfield River on your left until the trail turns south toward Cold River. A quarter-mile short of the main entrance, you'll find the Whirley Baths.

Distance: 5.8 miles
Info: Massachusetts Trail Guide, 9th ed. (AMC Books)

Brassie Brook
Salisbury, Conn.

One of the toughest stretches of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut goes up and over Bear Mountain, in the state's northwestern corner. A pleasant reward for the effort awaits in Brassie Brook. From the Route 41 parking area, follow the Under Mountain Trail to the Paradise Lane Trail (1.1 miles) and go right. The trail winds through forest and bog land, eventually reaching the AT (2.8 miles). Turn left and head up the steep northern slope of Bear Mountain. At Riga Junction (4.1 miles), follow the Under Mountain Trail as it branches from the AT. Soon the path crosses Brassie Brook, where several quiet pools await.

Distance: 6 miles
Info: AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut (AMC Books)

Split Rock and Coxing Kill
New Paltz, N.Y.

Coxing Kill is a popular spot to cool off when visiting the Shawangunk Mountains. Stop at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center (where a small fee is required), then proceed 2.5 miles to the Coxing parking lot. Cross the street and take the light blue-blazed Old Minnewaska Trail. A short walk through an old farm leads to a wooden bridge over Coxing Kill. Hikes of virtually any length can be launched from here onto the Shongum Path or the yellow-blazed trail. Or you can simply stop along the Old Minnewaska and enjoy the cool stream.

Distance: Varying
Info: mohonkpreserve.org; nynjtc.org

Hickory Run State Park
Jim Thorpe, Pa.

Forty-three miles of trail wind through this park in northeastern Pennsylvania. Tucked in a far eastern corner of the park is Hawk Falls. From the small parking area off Route 534, follow the Hawk Falls Trail. Small pools above and below the 25-foot falls, as well as nearby Mud Run, are popular spots. A long hike or short drive to the other side of the park will take you to Sand Spring Lake, where a beach awaits.

Distance: 3 miles out and back
Info: AMC's Best Day Hikes near Philadelphia (AMC Books); dcnr.state.pa.us

Contributors: Robert N. Buchsbaum, John Burk, Susan Charkes, Amanda Gross, Rene Laubach, Michael O'Connor, Faith Salter, Alex Schab, Charles W.G. Smith, Carson Tang, Mark Zakutansky