Top Swimming Holes in New England
Through my experience in writing the three editions of the New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 500 Cascades & Waterfalls guidebook, I have created a list that showcases some of the premier swimming holes in New England.
Before you read the list below, be aware that swimming holes can be extremely dangerous and that there have been dozens of fatalities in New England from swimming in these holes over the last 50 years. Cliff-jumping at these swimming holes is even more dangerous. Before you visit any of these places, make sure that you understand the risks. Be especially careful under moderate or high-water conditions. The point here is simple: always use common sense before stepping, sliding, or jumping into any swimming hole. From a legal perspective, I cannot and will not be held responsible for your safety.
If you do choose to visit any of these places, please Leave No Trace! Not only do you personally need to make sure to remove all your own trash, but I ask that you try to pick up any trash left by others. There have been dozens of swimming holes closed off to the general public over the last 20 years due to disrespectful visitors. If too many more stories like this are heard, directions to all swimming holes will be removed from this website. That would truly be a shame, as these swimming holes are some of the most wonderful natural attractions in all of New England.
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ENDERS FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| CT |
series of five waterfalls in northern Connecticut, several of which have good swimming holes below them; a short hike is required to reach the swimming holes; since there really aren't that many good natural swimming holes in Connecticut, this is probably the best you will find. |
FRENCHMEN'S HOLE
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| ME |
this is a classic swimming hole and cliff jumping hotspot near the Sunday River ski resort; partially viewable from the road; do not swim here if the river is running high as it is very dangerous; additional swimming holes above and below the main falls |
GULF HAGAS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| ME |
there are many great swimming holes along the "Grand Canyon of Maine", the most popular of which is at the base of Screw Auger Falls; moderately difficult and long hike to visit all swimming holes; the road access fee is steep for out-of-state visitors (bring cash) |
LEDGE FALLS (T4 R10)
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| ME |
this is a popular attraction that is adjacent to the Baxter State Park park road; located on the west side of the park and is clearly visible along the main park road; bring river tubes to enjoy the natural waterslides here |
RATTLESNAKE POOL
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| ME |
the trail to this beautiful spot passes through private property, but access is currently allowed to the general public (for now at least - please pick up trash left by others to keep it that way); this is a stunning pool, but it is small & very cold (we would only swim if the outdoor temperature is greater than 80 degrees); an easy, nearly flat hike is required to get here, but make sure you bring good directions; you'll love the tropical-ish feeling this place has, but be ready for some seriously chilly water |
SMALLS FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| ME |
a fun and crowded set of waterfalls and pools near Rangeley Lake; easy access off ME 26 |
STEP FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| ME |
tons of small pools for wading; several small natural waterslides; a child's dream; no pool is deep enough for actual swimming though; don't miss nearby Screw Auguer Falls (Grafton) and perhaps also a day hike to Table Rock or the Baldplates; take note that parking here is extremely limited and it is highly unlikely that you will obtain one of the coveted spots unless you go off-hours |
DIANA'S BATHS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
an extremely popular series of wading pools and small waterfalls near North Conway; $5 parking fee; this is a very easy 1.2 mile round-trip hike through some very attractive woods; avoid on nice-weather summer weekends as crowds can be atrocious; make sure to explore all levels of falls and pools as there are some cool nooks and crannies to be found, including a pothole near the top that is over your head; parking is VERY limited, and so you may not be able to score a spot |
EMERALD POOL
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
this is a nice pool at the base of North & South Baldface mountains; popular with summer camping groups, so it can be very busy here, even during mid-week; offers fun and relatively safe cliff-jumping opportunities (all cliff-jumping is dangerous, but this is about as safe is it gets anywhere). |
FRANCONIA FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
features several swimming holes, natural waterslides, and sunny slabs; you really have to be careful here - do not visit if river water level is running moderate or high!; a 6.4 mile, nearly flat, round-trip hike from the Lincoln Woods trailhead off NH 112 (the Kancamagus Highway); parking spots are limited |
JACKSON FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
over 200-feet of slides, pools, and waterfalls; two can fit behind one of the waterfalls, where a natural rock seat will be found! very popular with families and small children, although some of the pools are extremely slippery; some picnic tables are found here, but they get scooped up fast |
LOWER AMMONOOSUC FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
huge pool below small set of cascades; generally considered much safer than nearby Upper Ammonoosuc Falls; accessed via a short, easy hike; in low water, there is a neat little cave behind one of the cascades that you can duck into |
LOWER FALLS (ALBANY)
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
probably the most popular swimming hole in New England, and for good reason; hundreds will visit this place off the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112 west of Conway) on summer weekends; $5 parking fee (bring cash); while you are in the area, you should also visit nearby Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge (although you can't swim at either of those) |
SCULPTURED ROCKS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
several potholes and pools for wading and swimming; more wading than swimming |
SWIFTWATER FALLS (BATH)
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
you'll undoubtedly enjoy this huge & relatively warm pool below a long wooden covered bridge; two waterfalls found on site; this is beautiful spot where you could easily spend an entire day; easy access from a large parking lot; 30 minutes west of Lincoln/Woodstock and the Kancamagus Highway |
THIRTEEN FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
requires a hike of 16-miles round trip, so it's best visited as part of a backpacking trip (the AMC has tentsites if you do want to backpack); visit only on 80-degree plus days as pools are typically quite frigid; probably the finest backpacking swimming hole destination in New England |
UPPER AMMONOOSUC FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| NH |
notoriously dangerous swimming hole near the Cog Railway that's only safe under low water conditions; cliff-jumping is extremely popular here, but do NOT attempt in high water as many people have died here over the years; has a few excellent pools for swimming immediately downstream of the falls |
BARLETT FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
features a huge pool; it's a bit slippery to get there, but you can get behind this waterfall; one of the biggest and best swimming holes in New England |
BINGHAM FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
absolutely gorgeous waterfall with a small pool; the water color is exquisite; a short but steep hike is required; do not swim here unless the water levels are low |
BUTTERMILK FALLS (LUDLOW)
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
set of three waterfalls, two of which have excellent swimming opportunities; easy access; popular with families since kids absolutely cherish this place |
FALLS OF LANA
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
unique falls with a small pool below them; hike required |
JAY BRANCH GORGE
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
also called Four Corners, this swimming hole has good cliff jumping and is just off the side of the road |
OLD CITY FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
locally popular set of two swimming pools below an impressive segmented waterfall; short hike required |
PIKES FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
nice alternative to nearby Hamilton Falls, which is typically dangerous and overcrowded; easy access via short hike |
TERRILL GORGE
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
less crowded than many other VT swimming holes since it's a bit tough to find; highlights include a reall neat gorge; can be cold as the swimming hole doesn't seem to get much sun |
TWENTY FOOT HOLE
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
set of three shallow swimming holes; always check depth first before doing any jumping here, especially since Hurricane Irene significantly reduced the depth found here (cliff jumping was once very popular here, but it is dangerous here now) |
WARREN FALLS
| STATE |
NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| VT |
one of the premier swimming holes of VT. Outstandingly fun, but this place is also very popular; we've heard that water quality can be iffy from time to time, but we've never had a problem; there is now a well-marked parking area off VT 100 on the west side of the road |
TIPS FOR VISITING NEW ENGLAND'S SWIMMING HOLES
- BEWARE OF WHITEWATER - if a swimming hole is full of whitewater, you may not be able to determine how deep it is or how strong the current is. Remember, many people have died in the whitewater portions of swimming holes.
- SCOUT FIRST, JUMP SECOND - Never jump into a swimming hole without first scouting it. Even if you see somebody else jumping, you should make sure that you know how deep the water is and where you shouldn't jump.
- ELEVATION & WATER TEMPERATURE - the higher the elevation, the chillier the swimming hole is likely going to be. For example, the swimming holes fed by water drainage from the slopes of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire are brutually cold, even when the outside temperature is in the 80s or 90s.
- WATER SHOES - You won't see too many people using them, but watershoes are fantastic pieces of equipment for enjoying swimming holes. Merrill makes some fantastic watershoes (here's one example: womens / mens).
- CLIFF JUMPING - Cliff jumping is dangerous. Like, seriously dangerous. Understand the risks before you partake in this activity.
- LEAVE NO TRACE - When you visit swimming holes, you'll see some trash and clothing left behind by others. It's really, really sad, and it irks the heck out of us. Won't you consider carrying out some of trash and clothing left by others when you leave? That would leave the place more beautiful for the next person.
- HELP KEEP THE ULTRA-SECRET SWIMMING HOLES A SECRET (FOREVER) - If you find some ultra-secret swimming holes, please do your best to keep them a secret. Do not post their locations online or wildly share directions or photos with others. All of the swimming holes that are included in my New England Waterfalls guidebook and on this website are the well-known swimming spots. There are many more holes that are much further off the beaten path, but they deserve a chance to stay wild and pristine.
- QUARRIES - There are several old quarries in New England that are now popular and extremely fun swimming holes. The most famous of these swimming holes is the privately-owned Dorset Quarries in Dorset, Vermont (visitors are welcome here currently, but that could change in the future).
- PRIVATE PROPERTY - Many swimming holes are located on private property and we are truly fortunate that many landowners allow us to enjoy them. If you want to ensure that they stay open to the public, please do your best to leave no trace. If you see a sign that says 'Private Property', turn around and find another place to swim.
- SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PRESERVE SWIMMING HOLES - There are some organizations that work diligently to conserve and maintain swimming holes. Please consider supporting these organizations, either with trail maintenance projects or monetary donations. Here are two excellent organizations engaged in such important work: the Vermont River Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy.
- SWIMMINGHOLES.ORG - You can find more swimming holes on www.swimmingholes.org, but always, always, always remember to treat these places with respect (make sure you leave no trash, clothes or towels behind when you leave).
OTHER TRAVEL LISTS BY NEWENGLANDWATERFALLS.COM
Here are more travel lists to help you enjoy more of the awesome scenery of New England:
- Swimming Holes in New Hampshire = link
- Swimming Holes in the White Mountains = link
- Natural Waterslides in New England = link
- Top Waterfalls in New England = link
- Top 10 Hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire = link
- Top 25 Hikes in New Hampshire = link
- Top 25 Hikes in New England = link
- Top 25 Easy Day Hikes in New England = link
- Top 25 Loop Hikes in New England = link
- Top 25 Family-Friendly Hikes in New England = link
- Top Rock Scrambles in New England = link
- Hiking New Hampshire's 4000-Footers = link
- Hiking New Hampshire's 52 Peaks With A View List = link
- Hiking the North Shore of Massachusetts / North of Boston = link
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