4 New Hampshire Swimming Holes Worth The Hike This Summer

There’s just something about finding a swimming hole at the end of a hike that makes the whole adventure feel a little more rewarding.

Maybe it’s because you’ve earned it. Maybe it’s because New Hampshire has a way of hiding some pretty incredible places just off the beaten path. Either way, when the summer heat kicks in, a cold mountain stream or crystal-clear pool starts sounding pretty good.

One of the most popular spots is Diana's Baths near North Conway. The hike is short, easy, and family-friendly, but the payoff is huge. Water cascades over smooth rocks, creating natural pools that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch is tough to beat. The waterfall itself is one of the tallest in New Hampshire, and while swimming conditions depend on water levels, the pools and streams around the falls make for an unforgettable stop after the hike.

Then there's the Basin in Franconia Notch. Technically it's more of a natural water feature than a swimming hole, but on a hot summer day you'll find plenty of people dipping their feet into the cold mountain water and enjoying the scenery.

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Sabbaday Falls off the Kancamagus Highway is another favorite. While swimming isn't encouraged directly at the falls, the surrounding streams and pools create plenty of opportunities to cool down and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of road in New England.

The best part about New Hampshire swimming holes isn't just the water. It's the journey getting there. The sound of the woods, the mountain views, and that first step into ice-cold water after a hike. That's summer in the Granite State right there.

Just don't forget a towel... and maybe prepare yourself for the shock of that first toe hitting the water.