Several swimming holes in the area of Campton, north of Plymouth, off I-93. For details, see DESCRIPTION below.

All directions are from Campton, which is north of Plymouth off I-93:

LIVERMORE FALLS [LIVE]: Swimming place in Pemigewasset River in Livermore Falls S. F.. LAT, LON : lat=43.784, lon=-71.667 Source: Topozone Accuracy: Exact To get here: From Campton, go south on I-93 to Exit 25 in Plymouth. At the end of the exit ramp, take a left onto Holderness Rd. and cross under the highway. At this point, Holderness Rd becomes renamed to Bridge street. Follow bridge St to the end and take a left onto RT 175. Follow RT 175 north for approximately 1.5 miles and take a left onto Livermore Road which will lead into the Livermore State Forest. The swimming place is in the river in the state forest. Pretty Confident. Not Verified. Updated 02/20/06. Link to Google Map

SMARTS BROOK [SMAR]: Lovely cascade in Smarts Brook with a deep pool and beautiful water at the base of the White Mtn. N. F.. Easy hike for the family. LAT, LON lat=43.8908, lon=-71.5592 Source: DeLorme Accuracy: Exact . Camp nearby at Campton Campground on RT 49. To get here: From the dam at the center of Campton, take RT 49 north 3.9 miles to the Smarts Brook trailhead parking area on the right. Hike up this trail about 1 mile to swimming place (easy hike.) Very Confident. Verified by D. Mahoney. Updated 11/25/02. Link to Google Map

WEST BRANCH BROOK [WESB]: Several swimming holes in the West Branch Brook accessed by a trail in the White Mountain. N. F.. LAT, LON lat=43.86794,lon=-71.692(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area). To get here: Near Campton, where I-93 intersects RT 3 (exit 29) take RT 3 south a very short distance, under the I-93 overpass, and take the first right at the top of the hill, which is Adams Farm Rd. Then take the first road on the left, Forest Road 378 (gravel), park and walk along this road perhaps 0.75 mile past the gate to a junction where a snowmobile trail goes left. As of August 2014, there is a larger snowmobile club sign at the left corner of this intersection. Turn left here and walk about another 3/4 mile until you reach the brook. There's a small part of this section that may get soggy during wet times. Once you reach the brook, the trail coincides with the brook, curving around to the left. There are some small pools along here but keep going. In approx 0.5 miles, there is a broken-down shed on the right. At the brook there are some delightful ledges and a nice pool for swimming. The snowmobile trail continues, so there may be more pools after this. Not verified. Updated 11/25/02. Link to Google Map

WESTON'S BEACH [WEST]: Weston's Beach is actually in Maine, just across the line from the Conway area. To see information on it go to WESTON'S BEACH and use BACK to return here.

From Franconia Notch, take RT 3 east onto RT 302 at Twin Mountain. Continue east on RT 302, then: (holes are in order from west to east on RT 302)

LOWER AMMONOOSUC FALLS [LOWE]: A small falls in the Ammonoosuc River into a very large pool makes for a fine family swimming place. (A much gentler place to swim than at the Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, below.) Sliding place in falls, rocks to sun and jump. LAT, LON lat=44.26982, lon=-71.48334 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact To get there: Continue on RT 302 about 3.5 miles beyond Twin Mountain to the street sign on the left for Old Cherry Mtn. Rd. and the sign for "Lower Ammonoosuc Falls". Turn onto Old Cherry Mtn Road and turn quickly left again into the parking area. Walk about 5 minutes down the gravel road to the small falls and huge pool below. PHOTO Very Confident. Verified 8/2006. Updated 03/04/2007. Link to Google Map

UPPER AMMONOOSUC FALLS [UPP2]: Deception Brook is a tributary of the Ammonoosuc River that runs alongside Mt. Washington Cog Railway Base Station Rd just off RT 302 near Bretton Woods. There are several places to swim along here, including the popular Upper Ammonoosuc Falls. There are chutes and pools at the bottom of these falls that are safe to swim in at lower water levels, usually in later summer. Do not attempt to swim at the base of the falls during high water levels when currents can be very strong here. LAT, LON lat=44.26580, lon=-71.41671 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact Link to Google Map

DON'T SWIM HERE IN HIGH CURRENTS; VERY DANGEROUS!

Following info thanks to Dennis Friedman 8/02: "Is now public property and 100% legal swimming/diving. One guidebook claims it's the most dangerous swimming spot in the state. After heavy rain or in early season, when currents are high, I've seen powerful whirlpools that would be fatal. But this time of year, it looked pretty tame."

"Extremely interesting spot with jumping/diving from many different heights, underwater passages, slideable waterfall, accessible cave behind/under waterfall and other features but with some caveats:1) Water flows can be extremely hazardous / lethal. First timer's should observe others first. I'd never go there unless there were several others around. 2) Litter can be a problem sometimes. 3) Property is privately owned and owners have been lukewarm to swimming, afraid of lawsuits. Sometimes posted, sometimes not. 4) Jumping is possible (locals do it lots, we've done it some) but you've got to know where the obstacles are. An error would probably be fatal. DON'T DO IT!"

To get there: Continue on RT 302 east about 1.4 miles more to the sign for the Mount Washington Cog Railway on the left. Follow the directions toward the Railway, turning north here onto Base Station Rd. Go about 2.2 miles to a parking area on the right where there is a mound of dirt blocking the end of the parking area. Park and walk the path upstream toward the roar of the falls. There are multiple swimming places. BE CAREFUL OF THE CURRENTS! PHOTO1 PHOTO2 PHOTO3 Very Confident. Verified 8/2006. Updated 03/04/2007.

RIPLEY FALLS [RIPL]: Swimming holes and pools above 100 foot high Ripley Falls. BE SURE THIS IS SAFE BEFORE SWIMMING! While not as tall as the nearby Arethusa Falls (see below), they are also a cool place to sit after a summer hike. The swimming holes are above the falls but DON'T CLIMB UP THE FACE OF THE FALLS, SLIPPERY ROCKS. Take a trail to the top. Can be disappointing during times of low water. Spectacular views form the top of the falls. LAT, LON lat=44.16124, lon=-71.39480 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact Link to Google Map

To get there: Continue east on RT 302 and park where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road in the parking lot on the west (right) side of the road. Follow the AT (also known here as Ethan Pond trail) to the west and the trail signs to Ripley Falls. Camping at Dry River campground in the White Mtn. N. F. nearby. PHOTO1 PHOTO2 Very Confident. Verified. Updated 03/04/2007.

THE POOL [POOL]: A 16 mile round trip hike to a great swimming hole with a natural water slide. LAT, LON lat=44.1338, lon=-71.4706(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) To get there: Access the AT as in Ripley Falls directions above but continue on the AT west (also known here as Ethan Pond trail) about 5 miles to the junction with Shoal Pond Trail. Turn left on Shoal Pond Trail and go another approximate 3 miles to "The Pool" swimming hole and campsite. If you get to "Swiftwater Junction" (where several trails come together) you have gone about 1 mile too far. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2002. Link to Google Map

ARETHUSA FALLS [ARET]: Arethusa Falls are the largest waterfalls in the state of New Hampshire. The water is extremely chilly year 'round and feels great after a summer hike. LAT, LON lat=44.148, lon=-71.386(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) To get here: Continue east on RT 302 and, just after the Dry River Campground and the Willey House, park at the Arethusa Falls parking area on the right. Pull off the road to the right and drive up the big hill and park near the railroad tracks, if possible. If the parking lot on the hill is full, there is another one on your right when you pull off the road to go to Arethusa Falls. Cross the railroad tracks and go to the left of the wooden house. Be aware that the house is on private property, even though the trail runs close to it. Hike up the Arethusa Falls trail. This trail leads also to Bemis Falls and Coliseum Falls, see below. Very Confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2002. Link to Topozone Map Link to Google Map

BEMIS BROOK [BEMI]: Three swimming places - Fawn Pond, Bemis Falls and Coliseum Falls - are all on the Bemis Brook Trail, which forks to the left off the Arethusa Falls Trail pretty close to the parking area. The first you encounter, FAWN POND [FAWN], isn't very deep (less than 4 feet during the summer of 2002), but there is a good bit of flat bedrock to sunbathe on. The second, BEMIS FALLS [BEMI], I don't have detailed information for. The third, COLISEUM FALLS [COLL], is said to be a very fine swimming hole and is further on the Bemis Brook Trail. LAT, LON lat=44.14667, lon=-71.37344 (source: Topozone) (accuracy: general area) Link to Google Map

The Bemis Brook trail junctions with the Arethusa Falls trail again further up the mountain. If one were hiking FROM Arethusa Falls TO the parking lot, the hike off the main Arethusa Falls trail down to the other two sites (Fawn and Coliseum) is steep at first. Due to erosion, the trail is steep with many roots exposed. However, if you are up for some careful stepping, it is worth hiking down to see Coliseum Falls on the left. Stepping off the Bemis Brook trail to actually get in the small pool below the falls is not tricky with just a little rock scurrying. Very Confident. Not verified. Updated 11/18/2002.

From Lincoln, take I-93 north. It becomes the Franconia Notch Parkway. After you pass the "Basin Area", look for the Falling Waters Trail and park. It's best to ask some of the of other people that are usually there or else to have a trail map as there are many trails that depart from the parking area and you need to pass 2 trail junctions before you reach the Falling Waters trail. Follow the trail along Dry Brook. There is no distinct swimming area, rather, the trail parallels the brook with many wading and splashing spots. Small children (3,4,5 or so) will probably enjoy the brook. This trail is mentioned in many hiking articles and is suitable for younger families.

There are many swimming places along the Kancamagus Highway - Rt. 112 - a very beautiful road and the highest in New Hampshire. "The Kanc," as it is known locally, winds through the White Mountain National Forest for 34 miles from Conway to Lincoln, paralleling the Swift River, Hancock Brook and East Branch of the Pemigewasset River along the way, with many camping, swimming and picnicking opportunities.

Here, we list some of the major swimming sites. The order of presentation is from the Lincoln (West) end to the Conway (East) end. All distances are approximate:

HANCOCK [HANC]: . Popular swimming place in river behind Hancock Campground. Very large swimming area. May also be called "Upper Ladies Bath" 0.5 mi from Lincoln, 29 mi from Conway. Park in the parking area after you get through the camping area. Walk back into the camping area to site #47, look for sign saying "RIVER". Follow sign a short walk to the river. Camping at site. PHOTO

FRANCONIA FALLS [FRAN]: Hike up the popular "Lincoln Woods Trail" into the Pemigewasset Wilderness to rock chutes and pools in Franconia Brook. -- the "permit/quota" system there has been abolished. You still need the parking permit, but there is no longer a limit on hikers/bikers and no longer a special permit for hiking/biking to Franconia Falls. LAT, LON lat=44.106, lon=-71.577 Source: Topozone Accuracy: Exact Link to Google Map

The following is thanks to Dennis Friedman on 8/02: " There is now camping available again, in a slightly different area. There is now also a new bicycle trail that goes about 80% of the way to it. (but you must cross a river on hopping stones w/o the bicycles for final access). This area is a prime example of how White Mountain water flows can change things markedly. At moderate flows, it's a fun place for kids. At low levels, you can bump your derriere on the way down since there's not enough water to cushion it. At high levels, it can get dangerous as a current forms in the pool underneath it that pushes you down. No great problem for a decent swimmer but potentially troublesome for kids. I've seen hiking groups go out there equipped with ropes & throw buoys & rescue hooks - preparing for possible troubles by their members. Also water temp can change markedly from day/day, which also affects safety."

To get there: 5 mi from Lincoln, 29 mi from Conway. Continue east on Rt. 112 to the Pemigewasset ("Pemi") Ranger Station, (Lincoln Woods Information Center) by Loon Mt. Park and obtain information and permit here. (You can also hike to this ranger station from Hancock Campground if you wish.) You will cross the east branch of the Pemi on a foot bridge and hike up three miles on an old railroad bed along the east branch. This brings you to Franconia Brook campsites (campsite may be closed, ask at ranger station). About .3 mi up along Franconia Brook, there are chutes you can ride down in the river, and 100 yards further up is a nice pool 30 ft across. The trail ends here, but the river keeps going. Very Confident. Not verified. Updated 11/3/2001.

OTTER ROCKS [OTTE]: Quiet, very small, very shallow � swimming place in river near Otter Rocks roadside rest/picnic area. 8 mi from Lincoln, 26 mi from Conway. Park at Otter Rocks rest/picnic area and walk down to the river. Swimming place is here. No camping here. PHOTO Very Confident. Verified. Updated 08/2006

JIGGER JOHNSON [JIGG]: Swimming places in river at Jigger Johnson campground (signed). 22 mi from Lincoln, 12 mi from Conway. Park in the Jigger Johnson Campground and walk to river. There are two swimming locations here, both with signs that say "Swift River": One is across from campsite #60, the other across from campsite #49. The first is deep but has little beach, the second one is shallower but has a better beach; a better place for kids. Camping at the site. LAT, LON lat=43.994, lon=-71.331 Source: Topozone Accuracy: Exact PHOTO1 PHOTO2 Link to Google Map

ROCKY GORGE SCENIC AREA [ROCK]: River has carved out slots in rocks. 24 miles from Lincoln, 10 mi from Conway. Signs say that swimming is permitted upstream of the gorge, you can swim legally anywhere except in the area below the bridge. No camping at site. Blackberry Crossing Campground and Covered Bridge Campground are both nearby. Very Confident. Verified 08/2006 Updated 03/04/2007 PHOTO

EAST ROCKY GORGE [EAST]: After you pass the west entrance to Rocky Gorge going east on the Kanc, you will see the sign for the east entrance, says "Rocky Gorge Entrance .25 mile". Just past this sign on the Kanc, there is a gravel pull out area on the left (north) side of the road. This is a local swimming place where there is (apparently) no White Mountain National Forest parking permit required as there is at most of the other Kanc places.

LOWER FALLS [LOW1]: Extremely popular family water fun and swimming place in pool at bottom of falls. 26 mi from Lincoln, 8 mi from Conway. Very large parking area on north side of road, well signed, sometimes crowded. Picnic area and rest rooms. Slide, jump and play in numerous small rapids and pools. There is one VERY large pool for swimming. Swimming is permitted here. No camping at site. Blackberry Crossing Campground and Covered Bridge Campground nearby. LAT, LON lat=44.01519, lon=-71.24481 Source: Measured Accuracy: exact) PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 Link to Google Map

FROG ROCK [FROG]: (May also be known as "Big Eddy".) Small swimming hole up against a large rock on the Swift River. LAT, LON lat=43.99320, lon=-71.20884 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact . This is roughly 2 miles east of Lower Falls and about .5 miles west of the Loon Mountain billboard. There is a wooden retaining wall on the left (south) side of the road and a guardrail on the north side. Cars may be parked along the side of the road, no signs. Park and climb over the guardrail to a large rock over the Swift River. The swimming holes is here. Very Confident. Verified. Updated 03/04/2007. PHOTO1 PHOTO2 PHOTO3 Link to Google Map

TWIN MOUNTAIN [TWIN]: A small, private swimming hole nestled deep in the White Mountains. LAT, LON lat=44.240160 lon=-71.548500 Source: Map Point) Accuracy: Exact Directions; Follow RT 93 north to RT 3 north (exit 35). Follow RT 3 North about 8 miles, on your right there is a dirt road with a marker that has FR 304 (if you pass Last Chance Cabins, you just missed it). Follow this road to the end (approx 2 miles) park in the lot and walk down to the bridge you just drove over. On the right side of the bridge looking down the river is a foot trail, follow this down river 0.5 miles. The swimming hole is here, with lots of flat rocks for lounging. Not Verified. Uncertain. Bathing Suits : Unknown PHOTO Link to Google Map

Lincoln is at the western end of the Kancamagus Highway on I-93. To get to the swimming places:

CRYSTAL CASCADE [CRYS]: This is a town park in North Woodstock. Pemi Brook tumbles a fair distance over a slide-able or tube-able chute, over several small rapids, into a small pool. Another family/kids favorite. Very convenient to several restaurants, ice cream, & fudge place. (2 minutes walk to any of the above) Fairly warm water in afternoon. Suggest cutoffs or similar. Thin suits can get torn or frayed on sliding. To get there: On RT 3 just north of Kancamagus Highway intersection. Park at row of stores across from gas station. Find small arch over a footpath between laundry & other stores. Pretty Confident. Not verified. Updated 6/13/2002.

GEORGIANA FALLS [GEOR]: Beautiful falls on Harvard Brook in a wooded setting with pool just big enough to swim in - cold water. Bathing suits may be optional here. To get there: Georgiana Falls on Harvard Brook are accessed by an unmarked trail leaving from a parking area off Hanson Farm Rd. in Lincoln (I think this is off of RT 3 north of Lincoln. Harvard Brook joins RT 3 north of Lincoln, just south of Franconia Notch.). An easy 1.3 mile hike leads to lower falls in a beautiful wooded setting. The Upper, or Harvard Falls, are a steep 0.5 mile farther. Pretty Confident. Not verified. Updated 11/03/2001.

BASTINS POOL [BAST]: A swimming place on RT 175 (The Thornton Gore Road). I think this is south of Lincoln, off RT 175 south of Woodstock. Very Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 11/03/2001.

Link to Google Map

Swimming in an eddy of the Merrimack River. Nice sandy beach, interesting old power station nearby, walking trails for fishing and mountain biking all along the river. The swimming hole is an eddy in the river, but you can go out into the deeper river if you'd like. There are some very small rapids just south of the swimming hole (visible from the beach) which are created by the remnants of an old rail road trestle. During the times of high water in the spring, firefighters may use this area for water rescue training. During late summer, kids tube over the rapids with no problems. Great little spot only the locals seem to know about. Does get crowded in the late afternoon, dinner time during the week it's pretty empty. Weekends are packed, get there early for a spot on the beach or a parking spot.

Take exit 15 off of I93 and get onto route 3 north. About a 1.5 miles past the State Prison there is a slight fork in the road (route 3 goes to the left) and there is a sign for Beaver Meadow Golf Course. Bear right onto Sewall's Falls Road toward Beaver Meadow. Beaver Meadow School will be on your right. Just past the school, take a right onto Second Street and go down the hill. It is a residential area. At the bottom of the hill cross the RR tracks and you'll be on property belonging to NHDES. Go left into the parking area. The parking area on the right is for walking and mountain biking trails along the Merrimack. At the end of the parking lot is a dirt trail which goes up over a slight incline and down to the banks of the Merrimack River.

There are several swimming places very close to North Conway. Here we list some of the major ones. To get to all, begin from North Conway and take River Rd. west out of town, (passes between 2 gas stations). Then:

FIRST BRIDGE [FIRS]: This is a popular local swimming hole by a bridge in North Conway on the Saco River-has a grass beach. No jumping from the bridge! To get there: As you leave North Conway, River Rd. crosses 2 bridges, one of these (the biggest) is "First Bridge" (or "First Iron Bridge") which is well signed. The are parking areas and swimming places at both ends of this bridge, as well as a canoe ramp. Very Confident, not verified.

DIANA'S BATHS [DIAN]: Cedar Brook flows over smooth rocks into pools. You can slide on the smooth rocks and swim in the pools, if the water is deep enough when you are there. Typical of the "Public" areas in this part of New Hampshire, this swimming hole cna be crawling with people during the hot summer months. To get there, continue west on River Rd. then turn north (right) on West Side Rd.. Go 1.4 miles to well signed parking area for Diana's Baths. (White Mountain National Forest permit required to park.) Walk .6 miles to pools. LAT, LON lat=44.07175, lon=-71.17070 Source: Measured ) Accuracy: Exact . Very Confident. Verified 08/2006 PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 Link to Google Map

HUMPHREYS LEDGE [HUMP]:Deep water swimming in the Saco River. If you want to get away from the crowds for a nice quiet swim, this is the place to go. There is nothing exceptional about this place, however, it does possess an indescribable allure. Suggest getting here earlier in the day so that the sun shines on the large rock where you are most likely going to hang out during your. To get there: Continue north on West Side Rd.. Go roughly 0.6 miles past the Diana's Baths parking area to the Humphrey's Ledge Recreation Area. You will see a dirt parking area on the left side of the road. Park here, cross the road and scramble down to the river. LAT, LON lat=44.09639, lon=-71.16915 Source: Measured ) Accuracy: Exact . Very Confident. Verified 08/2006 Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

Popular swimming area in the Lamprey River just outside of Durham.

From the center of Durham, follow RT 108 south for 1.5 miles and then take a right onto Bennet Road. Stay right at all "Y" intersections and follow Bennet Road all the way to the end where it intersects Packers Falls Rd. Just before reaching Packers Falls Rd, there is a small parking lot on the left. Take a left on Packers Falls Rd and immediately cross over the bridge. There will be a second small parking area on the left.

Swimming places (or splashing places, maybe too shallow for swimming, but popular) along RT 16 in the Pinkham Notch area, south of Gorham and north of North Conway. See DIRECTIONS below for details.

From North Conway, take RT 16 north, then:

JACKSON FALLS [JACK]: Very popular swimming, picnicking place at falls in Jackson Village on the Wildcat River. To get there: From North Conway, take RT 16 north through Glen (careful to stay on RT 16 in Glen) to Jackson Village. Turn right off of RT 16 in Jackson onto RT 16A (or 16B?). The falls are right by the side of the road, off RT 16A, beside Carter Notch Rd. in the center of town.

GLEN ELLIS FALLS [GLEN]: Very popular and crowded falls. You cannot swim at the falls, but hike a steep trail downstream, with steps and guardrails, and continue along the brook. There are several small waterfalls and swimming areas here. Bathing suits may be optional as you get further downstream. To get there; Continue north on RT 16 to .7 miles before (south of) Pinkham Notch. Use parking area for the Glen Boulder and Wildcat Ridge trails. Use pedestrian tunnel to get to other side of highway and walk .2 miles to the falls.

THOMPSON FALLS [THOM]: Falls on Thompson Brook with small pool at the bottom of the falls. During dry times, just enough room to get wet. During flood times, DO NOT SWIM, STRONG CURRENTS! Continue on RT 16 north through Glen (careful to stay on RT 16 in Glen) past Jackson Village. Continue on RT 16 north (toward Gorham) to the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area. Park in the ski area parking lot near the ticket booth. Crossing the bridge and turn left and follow the signs to Thompson Falls, maybe a 30 minute walk.

Link to Google Map

From Keene, take route 9 West towards Brattleboro VT, go south on RT 63 towards Hinsdale NH. In about 3 miles, turnleft into the parking lot for the Kilburn Rd trailhead at Pisgah State Park. Walk down trail approximately 0.7 miles and stay to the right when it forks. Cross a makeshift log footbridge and look to your left for small unmarked paths to Kilburn Pond (you should be able to see the pond). There is a spot with large rocks good for sitting and jumping from. Very secluded.

From Bartlett go west on RT 302 as follows:

SAWYER ROCK [SAWR]: A super, fun swimming area that has a little bit of everything. Deep pools, swift current, shallow wading areas, rocks for jumping and an enormous rock for sunning. Can be busy, but the medium sized parking area on the road keeps this place from being overwhelmed. You certainly don't want to miss this fun place. Go 0.5 miles west on RT 302 past the Silver Springs Campground. Look for the well worn parking area on the right side of the road. Park just before you cross over a small brook that runs through a culvert beneath the road. Lat=44.07659, Lon=-71.33570 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact Very Confident. Verified 08/2006 PHOTO1 PHOTO2 PHOTO3 PHOTO4 Link to Google Map

PARADISE [PARA]: A pristine swimming hole that is not trampled by the crowds. Excellent rocks for jumping. Smooth rocks for sunning. Peaceful, beautiful and serene. You'll just have to experience this one to understand why it's called Paradise. Go 2.6 mi west past Bear Notch Road. There is a trailhead on the left for Sawyer Pond Trail. There is a road that goes up to the Sawyer Pond Trail, but it may be closed. If it is open, drive up the road for about 1.0 miles to a small parking area on the left at a turn in the road. Park here and walk steeply downhill to Paradise. Confident. Verified 8/2007 Lat=44.07744, Lon=-71.37037 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact Very Confident. Verified 08/2006 PHOTO1 PHOTO2 PHOTO3 Link to Google Map

BREEDER POOL [BREE]: From Bartlett take RT 302 west 2.8 miles past Bear Notch Rd. (just past "SAWYER BROOK" swimming hole) There is a small bridge that says "E2". Park on the right (north side) just before you cross this bridge. (There are often cars parked here.) Park and walk a short distance north to the Saco River. (Very Confident, Verified 03/2007)

Link to Google Map

Spectacular and extremely scenic. Clean, cold pools, a twisting cavern, narrow passages, secret passage ways, lots of jumping from various heights. Lots to to and explore. One of the most beautiful scenic and geologic sites in New Hampshire. Even if you aren't going to swim, this is a spot you shouldn't miss. A bit eerie when there are no people around. (See photo 6 above)

From Concord, go north on I-93 to exit 23 then west on RT 104 to Bristol then north on RT 3A to RT 3 along the west side of Newfound Lake to Hebron. Go west through the town of Hebron to Groton. From Groton, you follow Sculptured Rocks Rd. until you see the parking area on the left. (about 4 miles). (Signs point directions from the center of town in Groton. It's also shown on the roadmaps they give out at the state visitors' centers.)

Link to Google Map

Swimming under the historic Swiftwater covered bridge. There are rocks to cross upstream of the bridge, rocks to lay on, a pool to swim in at the bottom. Depth varies on rainfall. The locals call it the "Eddie"

From I-91 take exit 17 onto RT 302. Follow RT 302 east. Cross the Connecticut River and continue into the small village of Woodsville where RT 302 is joined by RT 10. Continue along RT 302/10 for approximately 2.5 miles to the intersection with RT 112. Take a right onto RT 112 and follow it for approximately 2 miles. You will see the covered bridge on your left.

From Concord, take I-89 west to exit 2. Head towards Bow and Dunbarton on Clinton Street (which becomes RT 77). Once you get to Dunbarton, you will go up a long hill just after getting into town. At the top of the hill will be a 3 way stop intersection. Continue straight on RT 77. You will now take the first left (couple miles down) onto Ray Rd. which is across from the town transfer station. Follow Ray Road to the end. It will turn to dirt half way. At the end, Stark pond is on the left (don't swim there), turn right into the Hopkinton-Everett Recreation Area. Follow that down to the locked gate back entrance to Clough State Park (nice day use park) and turn right, still on dirt road. Now all along the left, for the rest of the road, there are pull off areas with swimming holes. Best is about a mile down to the actual river, where it narrows and the water speed increases. There you will find many wonderful places to swim. The river runs along the road but is well sheltered from view of the road by vegetation. At night it is a skinny dipping heaven.