Swimming Holes in New Hampshire
40 natural swimming holes
New Hampshire has 40 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, waterfalls, rivers scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Diana's Baths, Swiftwater Falls, Jackson Falls. Every listing includes location details, fees, reservation info, and safety notes where known. Conditions change with weather and seasons, so always verify before you go.
All New Hampshire swimming holes
- Beaver Brook Falls
- Bucklin Beach (Little Lake Sunapee)
- Clough State Park (Everett Lake)
- Crystal Lake Park
- Cunningham Pond
- Diana's Baths
- Echo Lake State Park (Conway)
- Ellacoya State Park
- Franconia Falls
- Greenfield State Park (Otter Lake)
- Jackson Falls
- Jericho Mountain State Park
- Lower Falls (Swift River)
- Mollidgewock State Park
- Mount Sunapee State Park Beach
- Swiftwater Falls
- Umbagog Lake State Park
- Wadleigh State Park (Kezar Lake)
- Ware's Grove Beach (Spofford Lake)
- Webster Lake Beach
- Arethusa Falls
- Cascade Park
- Echo Lake Beach (Franconia Notch)
- Emerald Pool
- Garfield Falls
- Lakes of the Clouds
- Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
- Merrymeeting Lake
- Mill City Park
- Otter Rocks
- Rattle River
- Saco River at Humphrey's Ledge
- Sawyer Rock
- Sculptured Rocks Natural Area
- Smarts Brook Swimming Hole
- Thirteen Falls
- Upper Ammonoosuc Falls
- Wasserman Park (Naticook Lake)
- Wellington State Park (Newfound Lake)
- White Lake State Park
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does New Hampshire have?
Our directory lists 40 swimming holes in New Hampshire: 19 lakes, 12 waterfalls, and 8 rivers. Every listing shows its water type, location, fees, and safety notes so you can pick the right one.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in New Hampshire?
The most commonly listed season across our New Hampshire spots is june-september (37 of 40 spots). Late spring through early fall is generally prime swimming season — spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high, so check local conditions.
Do New Hampshire swimming holes require reservations?
Yes — 1 of the 40 New Hampshire spots in our directory list a reservation requirement. Book those ahead, especially on summer weekends, and check the official park link on each listing before you go.
Are New Hampshire swimming holes free?
Some are — 21 of the 40 New Hampshire spots in our directory report free entry. State parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee; each listing shows reported fee info where known.
Are natural swimming holes in New Hampshire safe?
Natural water has real risks: no lifeguards, submerged rocks, strong currents, and cold water. Never dive headfirst, check depth, and supervise children closely. Spots with known hazards carry safety flags on their listing.