Looking for a new go-to swimming spot to bring the kids to in New Hampshire this summer?
Of course, the most popular option for a summer swim is a dip in the ocean at one of the Seacoast’s beaches. However, if you’re looking for a quieter beach day without crabs, jellyfish or even sharks, New Hampshire also has plenty of freshwater swimming spots, from natural waterfalls to swimming holes in the mountains to 1,000+ lakes and ponds.
Here are seven freshwater swimming spots in New Hampshire to cool off at this summer.
Lower Falls
The Lower Falls of the Swift River drops over numerous smooth granite rocks into a large pool, making it a perfect place for those who want to swim and sunbathe. A popular destination along the Kancamagus Highway, Lower Falls also has restrooms, picnic tables with charcoal grills and an 80 car parking lot, with a $5 day use fee.
Lower Falls are located along the Kancamagus in Albany, about seven miles west of the Route 16 junction in Conway.
Wellington State Park
Over in Bristol at Wellington State Park is the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system. Along with swimming and boating in the deep, clear waters of Newfound Lake, the park offers volleyball courts, gas grills, a picnic area, a snack bar and a hiking trail, all surrounded by breathtaking views of Cliff and Belle Islands.
Entrance to the state park and its beach costs $5 per adult or $2 per child ages 6-11, and parking passes can be reserved online. Wellington State Park is located at 614 West Shore Road in Bristol.
Diana’s Baths
Along Lucy Brook under Big Attitash Mountain is Diana’s Baths, a series of cascading waterfalls with many rocks, ledges and pools in the brook below. In the summer, the water flow is reduced, making it the perfect time to wade in the pools while taking in the view. Note that there is a 0.6-mile hike on a flat gravel path to get to the waterfalls.
The parking lot for Diana’s Baths is located at 3872 West Side Road in North Conway, and there is a $5 daily entrance fee per vehicle. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning, as the spot gets crowded quickly in the summer.
Weirs Beach
A freshwater beach off Lake Winnipesauke in Laconia, Weirs Beach offers over 600 feet of sandy shoreline under sweeping views of the Ossipee Mountains. The beach is the main focus of Endicott Rock Park, a historic park with picnic tables, a playground and bathrooms.
While the beach is a great place for swimming, walking or picnicking, Weirs Beach extends far beyond the water with a large boardwalk full of arcades, gift shops, bumper cars and plenty of dining options, making it the perfect place for a family beach day.
The beach itself is open from 7 a.m. until midnight, but lifeguards are on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On-site parking costs $2.50 an hour, though residents should obtain a parking pass from the City Clerk’s office. Weirs Beach is located on Lakeside Ave. in Laconia.
Swiftwater Falls
Located in Bath, Swiftwater Falls is home to one of the largest waterfall swimming holes in New England, complete with two drops and a natural water slide into a large pool. Under a covered bridge and two streams of water falling from the Wild Ammonoosuc River, the pool soaks up the sun, making the water a great place to swim as late as September.
The swimming spot can be found under the Swiftwater Covered Bridge, located at 7 Porter Road in Bath.
Echo Lake Beach
At Echo Lake Beach in Franconia Notch State Park, you can swim beneath scenic views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain, as the beach sits above ground at 1,931 ft. Aside from swimming, the beach also offers fishing and boating, as well as canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals.
Echo Lake Beach at Franconia Notch State Park has a day use fee of $4 per adult or $2 per child ages 6-11. Parking is limited, but visitors can reserve a parking pass online up to 30 days before arrival. The beach is located at 260 Tramway Drive in Franconia.
Jackson Falls
With 175 ft. of slides, pools and waterfalls, Jackson Falls is a popular place for families to take a dip in the summer. The area is complete with picnic tables, a rock seat behind a waterfall and wide waterside rocks for sunning or sliding.
Jackson Falls can be found on Carter Notch Road in Jackson. Parking is limited to two hours.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Catherine Messier.
